Theology and Religious Studies Discovery Day 2025

Dr Felicity Loughlin inviting attendees to our 2025 Discovery Day on 10 June.

Hello, I'm Dr Felicity Loughlin, and I'm a lecturer here in the School of Divinity  at the University of Edinburgh. I'm here today to tell you about our annual Discovery Day  for RMPS and RS teachers and their pupils and that will take place this year on the 10th of June. This is a really brilliant opportunity to discuss the discipline of  Theology and Religious Studies in all its rich diversity. It's a chance to explore the wide range of  approaches and topics in the study of religion. It's also a chance to get a real sense of what it's like to be  a student of Theology and Religious Studies at University. And it's an opportunity to engage with and listen to academics and students, share their reflections on why it really matters to study religion today. You'll have a chance to take part in interactive taster lectures. Last year, we had subjects on Buddhism, on the history of  Witchcraft in Scotland, and major debates in Science and Religion. You'll also have the opportunity to see some of the real treasures  in our New College Library special collections, and we'll be able to welcome you to our beautiful building. So come along, join us. We can't wait to discuss these topics with you.

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome schools from across Scotland to our Theology and Religious Studies Discovery Day which was held at New College on Tuesday 10 June 2025. 

Our Discovery Day is a great way to introduce pupils to the wide and exciting range of topics and approaches available within Theology and Religious Studies. The day also allows us to discuss the value of studying these subjects and to showcase what it’s like to study them at university. Pupils were welcomed in our beautiful building by the Head of School before participating in interactive taster lectures. Pupils also heard from current staff, students and a guest alumnus, who talked about their experiences at New College.

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Programme 

10 June 2025, School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh 

9:30–9:40am Arrival: Check-in at the 'black and white' corridor then proceed into the Assembly Hall

9:40–9:45am Video viewing: Students and staff tell you what it's like to study at the School of Divinity

9:45–10am Welcome from Professor Jeremy Carrette, Head of School

The Head of School Jeremy Carrette stands on a stage in the Assembly Hall and welcomes students in semi-circle seating
Professor Naomi Appleton gives a powerpoint presentation to students seated in the Martin Hall

10:10–10:40am Session 1: Mini-lectures

  • Prof Naomi Appleton | Martin Hall | The Buddha's Life Story
  • Dr Mike Fuller | Elizabeth Templeton Lecture Theatre | Genetic Modification: Some Ethical and Theological Perspectives

10:40–11:10am

  • Prof Rachel Muers | Martin Hall | Theology against Hitler – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  • Dr Suzanna Millar | Elizabeth Templeton Lecture Theatre | Introduction to Biblical Hebrew
Dr Michael Fuller presents a powerpoint presentation to students in a large lecture theatre with tiered seating

11:10–11:30am Break in various locations (teas, coffees, juice, biscuits)

A group of school pupils sit chatting in the Rainy Hall with coffee cups
Staff and current students from the School of Divinity in discussion sitting in chairs in a row

11:30am–12:30pm Session 2: Assembly Hall

11:30-12pm Panel discussion between students and staff on the topic: ‘Why study Theology and Religious Studies?’ including Dr Felicity Loughlin and Rev Dr Matt Baines

12-12:30pm Talk by New College alumnus, Tamsyn Radmall. 

Scotland Lead at Home for Good (UK): Working to find a home for every child that needs one through fostering, adoption and supportive lodging.

New College alumnus Tamsyn Radmall stands at a lecturn in Assembly Hall presenting a powerpoint presentation
A large group of students sit in the Martin Hall watching a talk

12:30–1:30pm Lunch in various locations

During the lunch break there will be a chance to visit the New College Library. First come, first served opportunity, teachers required to register in advance.

Dr Shoaib Malik presents a powerpoint presentation in front of students in semi-circular seating in the Assembly Hall

1:30–2:15pm Session 3: Assembly Hall

Humanity Reloaded: AI and the Future of Religion | Dr Shoaib Malik

2:15pm Finish, depart