Paul Wilson graduated with a Masters in Biblical Studies in 2015 and is currently studying a PhD whilst juggling two careers Why did you choose to study theology and religious studies at Edinburgh?Initially, I did not think I would be qualified for the Programme at Edinburgh due to a break from theology after my undergraduate studies, however, on my wife's advice, I reached out to the university and they accepted me. I had been working in counselling and psychotherapy and had done some postgraduate work at Strathclyde University before deciding to return to Biblical studies.My interest in returning was also prompted by my work with refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom were open to discussing their faith. My work led me to conversations with friends from many faiths, particularly a few people from Syria and Iraq who helped reignite an interest in deepening my understanding of my own religious texts. I wanted a more profound engagement with the bible texts to better inform my teaching and training in a multi-faith environment. We have key passages [of the bible] that lots of people cite about welcoming the foreigner and the stranger in your midst. And I agree with all that, but I felt that there was more, there was a deeper well on which we could draw. Edinburgh's focus on primary texts and essential linguistic tools like Greek and Hebrew was a major draw. Edinburgh was the place to go and the Masters provided [ ] a really good foundation to understand the field of Biblical studies, to get a little bit of experience writing in Biblical studies and to develop some of the skills to deal with and to read the primary text. Why Edinburgh? New College felt like a small community within a large university, which I really appreciated. The staff were accessible and there was a strong sense of camaraderie, not just academically but socially as well. It's also in a fantastic location and the building itself is great for studying.At New College, you experience the resources of a world-class university but with the community feel of a smaller college. Plus, the diversity of people and academic perspectives provided intellectually stimulating environments with opportunities to engage in various seminars. “This mix of diversity within a close-knit community is quite unique” At New College and there's so much support available. But to take advantage of that, you do have to ask for it. New College has abundant resources, and I encourage taking full advantage of them. The faculty and staff are approachable and willing to assist outside their specific disciplines. For example, I’ve had faculty members help me with translations of Greek inscriptions, even when I wasn't their primary research student. I was working on some Greek inscriptions where the language is so different to literary texts and idiosyncratic, I sent it to Professor Paul Foster and he was quite happy to proofread it all. He said he just finds this stuff quite interesting. Be proactive in seeking help and don't hesitate to ask questions, even about administrative tasks or navigating university systems. Also, spend time getting to know your cohort. They can become lifelong friends and offer different perspectives and approaches that enhance your learning experience. Can you talk about your career journey and how it has evolved? I began as a refugee support worker after my undergraduate studies and eventually returned to the UK to continue similar work at the Nazarene refugee project in Glasgow. I transitioned from support roles to coordinating and leading refugee response projects across various sectors, which I’ve been involved in for nearly two decades.Parallel to this, my studies at New College led to opportunities in teaching, initially through guest lectures. This involvement expanded into an associate lecturer position at the Scottish Baptist College, focusing on migration, theology, and ethics. I've got a lot of plates spinning and sometimes it's more difficult than others. Could you explain what sort of activities you manage for the refugee charity? At the core of our programme is English teaching, especially catering to young mothers by providing a unique setting where they can bring their children to class. We've built a community hub around these classes, extending support through connections with local services like food banks, GPs, and employment training through Skills Development Scotland, and signposting service users to services where they can get support with housing and benefits. My team and I often help with paperwork and are involved in advocacy for a more just asylum system. Could you share how your experiences at New College have benefited your career? Absolutely. I currently juggle two roles: coordinating refugee work for East End Nazarene Churches in Glasgow, and teaching part-time at the Scottish Baptist College. The teaching skills I've observed and learned at New College have been invaluable, noting not just what my lecturers taught but how they taught it. This pedagogical insight has significantly influenced how I approach teaching. There's a lot of good lecturers at New College, so if you're interested in teaching, it's worth taking notes not just on what is being taught, but how it's being taught. Additionally, the critical environment at New College has been crucial. It taught me to constructively respond to and incorporate feedback and criticism, skills that are essential in both academic and professional settings. This ability continues to benefit my projects, especially in the refugee initiative. At the same time as my two jobs, I am studying for a PhD about the Book of Acts through the lens of human migration My PhD integrates my work with human migration and biblical studies, focusing on the Book of Acts. I'm examining migration patterns in the Roman Empire and how they can enhance our understanding of Acts in a first-century context. The project explores migration as a norm in the ancient world, contrasting today's often crisis-oriented perspective on migration. Could you share a favourite memory from your time at New College? Graduating from my Masters with a distinction during a particularly challenging period was a proud moment for me. My family was present, which made it even more special.Another fond memory involves socialising with peers, often humorously referred to as the "Bond girls," regardless of gender, because we all studied under Professor Helen Bond! What you do in your spare time? I enjoy running with the Springburn Harriers, competing in races ranging from ultra-distances to track sprints. I also listen to educational podcasts like "Biblical Time Machine" (hosted by my supervisor Helen Bond and Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones)," My friend Dr John Dunn has a podcast along with a number of others (including New College alumnus Dr Sydney Tooth!) called "The Two Cities” which brings together biblical studies, theology, and cultural commentary. This article was published on 2026-04-02
