First among firsts
Claire Robison
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
Claire Robison, our first ever undergraduate student, has completed her degree with a First that placed her first in her year in Oxford University's Theology Faculty. She is also the recipient of the Denyer and Johnson prize, awarded on the recommendation of the examiners in the Final Honour School of Theology.
Claire's study was a combination of Christian and Biblical studies and the study of Hinduism, particularly Vaishnavism. She describes it as 'a study of theology and religions from many different angles'.
'It's a great honour' said Claire, 'and indeed an unexpected one. I admit that I was striving for a first; however, as I was informed of the rigorous standards of Oxford's marking system, I was fairly pessimistic about achieving that goal. The thought of receiving the top first and the Denyer and Johnson Prize was never even a possibility on my horizon. I'm very thankful for it, and very grateful to my tutors who offered invaluable instruction throughout the degree.'
During her stay in Oxford Claire served as the undergraduate representative of the Religious Studies Society in Oxford. She was awarded the Horton Davies Prize by Mansfield College in 2006 for being the most outstanding second year theologian.
Next year Claire will be studying for a Masters Degree at Cambridge in Theology and Religious Studies, focussing on Hindu traditions and touching on Indian Buddhist traditions.