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UK's largest humanities postgraduate conference held at Bristol

9 March 2012

The Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Bristol is hosting its 17th Joint Postgraduate Theology and Religious Studies Conference on Friday 9 March and Saturday 10 March.

The theme, 'Spreading the Word', has attracted 60 speakers (and 6 poster presentations) from 18 universities in 7 countries. The primary internal sponsors are the Bristol Institute for Research in the Humanities and Arts (BIRTHA), the Alumni Fund, and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies.

“The conference is essentially student driven, and it permits research students to share their research in an invigorating yet supportive environment,” says Professor Gavin D'Costa, Head of Subject for Theology and Religious Studies. “Every year more and more people attend, and the quality of the papers increases similarly. This year's conference is our largest ever, and we're excited by the prospects.'

Dr Carolyn Muessig, Director of BIRTHA, notes that in addition to the research-driven agenda, there is, for the first time in any UK academic conference, a session reserved for undergraduates. “This not only gives students experience in presenting to a scholarly audience, but it enhances their CVs and their chances for fellowships. But most importantly, this conference, as a whole, serves as yet another marker for the Department and the University as a leading force in research and teaching, in the UK and beyond.”

'Spreading the Word' Conference Programme

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