Will Lyons

“It’s a world class university in a beautiful city but my focus was the course.”School was fun but not particularly intellectual. Yet I was fortunate to have friends and teachers who genuinely inspired me. Simon Gathercole, now Professor of New Testament at Cambridge was a huge influence.

“At New College, I loved the eclectic mix of students from all walks of life, and from all over the world. Rainy Hall and the library became part of my life. We enjoyed lunch there and believe it or not it was where I learned to send my first email!

“Compared to other faculties, New College was very diverse. Marcella Althaus Reid was my tutor and New College inspired me to knuckle down and work hard.The library and tutorial discussions gave me an understanding of how humanity ticks. As you go into journalism, that helps.

“Frank Whaling’s lectures on comparative religion were a highlight. His class was like a global journey through religions across the ages. I met Kate, now my wife, during one of his lectures!

“Jolyon Mitchell’s media ethics courses were very lively too. But it could be rigorous. Michael Northcott’s feedback on my essays was exacting and he certainly helped me develop my style as a writer. How did Will move from New College to The Sunday Times? “I joined the University Wine Society, and ended up becoming its president. I also started writing for the student newspaper. After graduation, I became a wine merchant before taking a postgrad qualification in journalism in Cardiff.

“I started at The Scotsman, moved to The Wall Street Journal in London and am now at The Sunday Times. His advice to those considering a degree in theology or religious studies?

“University is a period of reflection and intellectual growth. You can learn skills for the workforce quickly afterwards. But my studies gave me a hinterland of understanding humanity, and that is invaluable.