I had no idea how central the Theology Department was to King’s until we delved into the history. The highlight for me was meeting former students and staff at the launch of the Short History and hearing how much studying Theology and Religious Studies influenced their lives. It makes it all seem worthwhile.
Professor Linda Woodhead MBE FBA FRSE FAcSS
18 March 2026
Alumni celebrate launch of 'A Short History of the Department of Theology & Religious Studies'
Alumni, staff and students gathered at King’s for the launch of A Short History of the Department of Theology & Religious Studies, a new publication by Professor Linda Woodhead and PhD researcher Sarah Limb that traces nearly two centuries of the department’s development.
The event brought together a community connected to the Department of Theology & Religious Studies (TRS), with alumni forming the majority of the audience. The evening combined reflection on the department’s past with personal recollections.
It has been fascinating to me as a historian to uncover how broader educational and religious shifts in Britain were mirrored in a single department. It was a pleasure to work with over 40 alumni and to bring the history of the department to life through oral histories and archival research.
Sarah Limb
A central theme of both the booklet and the launch event was the importance of lived experience within the department. The publication delves into history, expansion, curriculum, student life and alumni perspectives, capturing how individuals encountered and shaped the study of theology and religion at King’s including Desmond Tutu. As one former student reflects in the booklet, studying at King’s felt like “stepping into a deep river of accumulated knowledge and a living tradition.”
I did the course because I needed a break from work and wanted to challenge my brain in a different way... I bring this to work every day and it has helped me be successful at work and do great work for my clients.
Hanna (MA 2010)
Formative time of my life. Gave [me] confidence to debate and research, also public speaking. BD [was] helpful in Church life.
BD, 1971
What I learned at KCL and the experiences I had there, the conversations and learning I undertook, have stayed with me forever
MA Religious Studies, 1997
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F.D. Maurice Professor
PhD Student