Online Masterclass: Understanding the Ultimate

This year our Masterclasses combine two very different approaches to a common theme. Theology, Religious Studies, and Philosophy of Religion brings students into contact with an extensive reach of questions and methodologies and we are eager to show you what you would get to see by studying with us! Pick a session that especially interests you, or come along to them all!

Each Masterclass will start with two, thirty minute lectures, followed by time for interaction with the lecturers. At the end, we will offer some information and take questions about our undergraduate program.

There is no cost for attending these events, which are designed for Year 12 (S5 for Scotland, Year 13 for NI, international grade 10 or 11, or equivalent) and mature students. Both UK and International students are welcome to attend.

The Cosmos Within: A Buddhist Guide to Understanding

Alexandra Ilieva (Teaching Associate, Buddhist Studies)

We often look outward for answers to ultimate existential questions, but what if part of the answer starts with how we see ourselves? From a Buddhist point of view, nothing stands alone and rigid labels can trap us. Buddhism invites us to loosen our grip on fixed labels, opening up clearer thinking, kinder action, and a fresh way to look at the universe we share. Dr Alexandra S. Ilieva will explore how noticing change and connection can reshape how we live and how we think about the cosmos.

Was the Universe Designed for Life? Cosmic Fine-Tuning in Science and Religion

Emily Qurehsi-Hurst (Teaching Associate in Theology and Natural Science)

Why do we exist? Why is there something rather than nothing? Was the universe designed with life in mind? In this masterclass, Dr Emily Qureshi-Hurst will tackle these questions head on. She will take you on a whirlwind tour of Cosmic Fine-Tuning, exploring whether the cosmos's secrets are revealed by modern physics, philosophy, and theology. Whether these arguments are successful or not it a hotly debated topic in theology, philosophy, and physics. The masterclass will explore this fascinating topic and give you the tools to answer these questions for yourself.