Honorary Doctorate awarded to Dr Peter Vardy by the University of Chichester
6th November 2021
The University of Chichester awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Dr Peter Vardy in recognition of his work promoting high-quality Religious Education in schools on 19th October 2021. The University explained:
Dr Peter Vardy: Honorary Doctor of Theology
Dr Peter Vardy is internationally well-known as a leader in the fields of Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics and Values Education.
He is best known for the work of Candle Conferences which he founded with his wife Charlotte in 2010, providing quality events, training and resources for students and teachers of Religious Studies and Philosophy. It is quite possible that in the last thirty years Dr Vardy has done more to promote the study of these disciplines than anyone else in the UK. Since 2010 he has been campaigning against curriculum changes in England which have recently led to a decline in numbers studying Religion, especially after the age of 14.
During a distinguished academic career, Dr Vardy has served as an editorial adviser for BBC and Channel 4 documentaries. His passionate commitment to religious education is emblematic of the ideals of the University of Chichester, his contribution to education and his advocacy of theology, philosophy and religious studies in the press reflects our commitment to teacher education and the inclusive religious foundation of the University. He is an Alumnus of the University having completed his PGCE here 1980.
https://www.chi.ac.uk/news/university-honours-internationally-known-leaders-2021-graduation
Listen to Dr Tommy Lynch, Senior Lecturer in Philosophy of Religion at the University of Chichester, proposing Dr Vardy for the Honorary Doctorate in Theology here:
Listen to Dr Peter Vardy responding here:
