Theology and Religious Studies Discovery Day 2025

Dr Felicity Loughlin invites you 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.

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. You will have a chance to take part in interactive taster lectures, to visit our beautiful building and see some of the real treasures in our New College Library special collections. We can't wait to welcome you!

To register your place or raise any questions contact School of Divinity Events Officer Pippa Innes.

You can also subscribe to our mailing list to receive exclusive RMPS teaching resources and updates.

Provisional Programme 

Please note some details in this programme are subject to change dependent upon the number of attendees

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

10-10:30am Session 1: mini-lectures

  • Mini-lecture in the Martin Hall
  • Mini-lecture in the Elizabeth Templeton Lecture Theatre

10:30-11am

  • Mini-lecture in the Martin Hall
  • Mini-lecture in the Elizabeth Templeton Lecture Theatre

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

11:30am-12pm Session 2

  • Panel discussion between students and staff on the topic: ‘Why study Theology and Religious Studies?’

12-12:30pm

  • Talk by New College alumnus

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

  • During the lunch break there will be a chance to see some treasured religious artefacts, books and manuscripts from the New College Collections. First come, first served opportunity, teachers required to register in advance.

1:30-2:15pm Session 3: Assembly Hall

2:15pm Finish, depart

Colour photo of attendees at the 2024 Discovery Day listening to Nathanael Vette in the Elizabeth Templeton Lecture Theatre
Dr Nathanael Vette presents 'Greek Lightning: Become a Greek Geek in 20 Mins' in the Elizabeth Templeton Lecture Theatre.

Lunch and refreshments

Teas, coffee, juice and biscuits will be provided in the morning break. We ask that all attendees bring a packed lunch and a water bottle if possible. Urns will be available to refill water bottles however we have a limited number of glasses.

The closest places to buy lunch are 5 minutes walk away at Waverley Mall, however we have a busy schedule and entry to the building is by card access only so by asking attendees to bring their own lunch so we hope to minimise opportunities where pupils might get lost!

Transport and parking

We are a 5 minute walk from Edinburgh Waverley train station therefore we recommend reaching us by train where possible.

We cannot provide parking at New College. You can find more information about parking spaces in Edinburgh city centre on the City of Edinburgh Council website