RMC Briefing: Future of Theology and Religious Studies in British Universities

The number of British universities offering single-honours Theology and Religious Studies degrees in UK universities has fallen to just 21, driven by financial pressures and falling student demand. Departments have been closed, merged, and subject to redundancies.

In this Religion Media Centre briefing, our panel explored why students studying A-level Religious Studies often choose not to continue the subject at university, and what institutions can do to make courses more attractive. Decisions to close departments, we heard, were driven by business plans rather than increased secularisation at board level. Meanwhile, religious groups are establishing their own colleges offering degree-level courses, shifting provision away from mainstream universities.

Theos Think Tank has warned of the consequences, publishing an open letter stressing the importance of religious education in higher education. It argues that young people need the tools to navigate a diverse society and grapple with ethical challenges.

Our panel of academics and teachers discussed the scale of the problem, as well as how changes to course content and better communication of its value might help turn things around. Speakers include:

• Dr Tim Hutchings, TRS-UK, Nottingham University 
• Prof Matthew Guest, Durham University
• Dr Suzanne Owen, BASR, Leeds University 
• Dr Roberto Catello, Liverpool Hope University
• Prof Chris Higgins, former vice chancellor, Durham University
• Prof Gordon Lynch, Edinburgh University
• Sarah Lane Cawte, chair RE Council
• Deborah Weston, NATRE

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