Student views
Read what our former students, coming from a variety of backgrounds, are saying about us.
Barry Iles (1999-2005)
I studied two subjects, Music and Religious Studies, jointly and part time as a mature student (aged 72 on graduation in 2005). I found the teaching in the Religious Studies Department interesting and challenging, and the tutorials valuable. The staff were always approachable; one (Dr Brian Capper) even joined my wife and I and about 75 others on a bungee jump organised by my wife for the benefit of a local children's hospice. Two fellow students from the department also gamely joined in.
The library was well resourced for my requirements, and tutorials were available for those who needed help with on-line research. The subjects I studied ranged from Genesis, Psalms and Isaiah to the Essenes, the Dead Sea Scrolls, Luke, Acts and Corinthians; from apophaticism to the Reformation; from Eastern religions (Hinduism and Buddhism) to Judaism and Islam. All was held together for me by the warm and helpful Department Secretary, Mrs Julia Scott.
The knowledge I gained within the department has helped me to keep abreast of current affairs with more insight than before. The latter two subjects (Judaism and Islam) were, of course, of particular relevance to what was happening in the world during this period
Tim Ling (1993-2003)
I am currently working just off the campus for the Church of England in a training and development role. When I started at Christ Church I never imagined that I would be there for 10 years! However, the combination of inspirational teaching and great faith in my capacity to grow made it a life changing experience. Having arrived with one 'A' level (in physics!), I left with a doctorate|, published by Cambridge University Press, and most importantly some good friends.
Stéphane Saulnier (1999-2006)
I came to Christ Church University to take a degree in Theology in 1999. I remember the initial stages of sifting through the various course descriptions from various universities and being drawn to the particular course Christ Church was offering at the time. As a French national, and as a lover of Cathedral cities, Canterbury was an obvious winner.
The major obstacle I faced, or so I thought at the time, was the ten years or so I had spent out of a university setting. Going back to being a student was rather daunting. I must say though that I enjoyed every single minute of it, from my first Philosophy of Religion class to the wonderful Graduation ceremony in Canterbury Cathedral three years later. It wasn't an easy ride, but it was one I would do all over again – no question.
My initial fears were very quickly addressed at the university. Within a month it became clear that the Student services were providing all I could wish for in terms of study skills, pastoral help, etc. If one really wants to succeed to the best of one's ability, one can certainly do that at Christ Church. The Student Support services guys |do a great job! I was unfortunate to break my right elbow in the spring term of my third year, but everything was done at departmental and institutional level to help me complete the degree. So, as a place of study, the support mature students can obtain is very good indeed.
As to the Department of Theology and Religious studies itself, I must say that I have nothing but praise for the quality of teaching, intellectual enquiry and stimulation, and professional support I have received at undergraduate and graduate level, from both the teaching and non-teaching staff. Some of my teachers have moved on, some are still there. Dr. Capper has certainly instilled in me a love of critical studies of Christian scriptures and their related materials. Professor Jones has more than nurtured the critical skills that one develops through theological enquiry, skills that are transferable and so prized by today's employers. To all my teachers at Christ Church I am certainly indebted.
If you are still undecided, Christ Church University is a great place to study Theology and/or Religious studies. The university and the town offer many advantages. Come and enjoy the ride!
Marion Whatmore (2002-2005)
My time spent at Canterbury Christ Church was very positive. I found the Theology course both extremely inspirational and interesting as it covered such a great variety of topics and opened up many avenues of thoughts that I'd not travelled along before. I wish I could study some of them further. In some lectures we were joined with the Religious Studies group which added to the diversity of peoples faiths and perspectives and provided many useful discussions!
As a mature student (and in my particular year the Theology class consisted of five young men and myself!) I felt very much included in university life. Although I was sometimes asked to be a listening ear by younger students, I was never made to feel the 'oldy' of the group. Because I travelled in daily, I didn't use the social facilities as such, but did meet with other students at lunch time and have good discussions or general chat.
During my third year, my husband became critically ill and wasn't expected to survive and his recovery (which will never be complete) was slow. I cannot praise the department enough for the pastoral care that I received. Prof. Jones and Julia were extremely helpful, and Dr. Capper and Dr. Norman were also very understanding with essay extensions etc. I was able to complete my degree and graduate with my fellow students.
Because of my husband's health I have not been able to undertake further studies or full time employment, but do work part time from home as the Youth Ministry Coordinator for my church. I also lead services and occasional study groups and my degree has not only given me a greater knowledge, but also more confidence in this area.
Both the work and the work load of the degree were challenging and as a mature student it was sometimes difficult to juggle all the balls at the same time. But I would very much recommend the course and the department of Canterbury Christ Church University. My current job keeps me very busy, but I do miss the lectures and the discussions!