Research

Honorary Research Assistant Project

Over the years, quite a few of those who have completed the Bible and the Contemporary World MLitt (distance learning) have asked what opportunities there might be to continue some formal link with St Mary’s College. The position of Honorary Research Assistant presents a distinctive (if not unique) means of engaging alumni in the on-going intellectual endeavours of this particular programme.

HRAs 2018-2021 (l-r)
Martina Bobulova, Whitney Boswell, Bob Phillips, Daniel Rentfro. HRA 2019-2022: David Conway

Honorary Research Assistants (HRA) in this scheme will engage in research in biblical studies and theology, in relation to other disciplines in the arts, humanities and social sciences, towards the pursuit of defined projects relevant to the mission of the Bible and the Contemporary World programme; described in the programme specification as “how culture shapes, and has been shaped by, Christian belief, practice and theology.”

Following a competitive selection process, HRAs are appointed for a period of three years. The first tranche of HRAs commenced in September 2018 with a further round of applications coming up in early 2020.  We envisage a maximum of six HRAs in post at any one time.

The fruit of their work will be both in academic publications and stimulating public debate in their own contexts.

Read about the research agenda of our current Honorary Research Assistants.