Religious young people: their faith and their sex education

This research project aims to explore how young people with religious beliefs can be helped or hindered in understanding issues to do with sex and sexuality, and the role played by their formal sex education in this. It will attempt to answer the following research questions:

• How does religious faith shape the way young people understand issues to do with sex and sexuality?
• What role does the sex education they receive in school play in shaping these understandings?
• How can schools better provide for the religious diversity of their students when teaching sex education?

Rising rates for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STI)s among young people in England have been attributed to inadequate sex education and adolescent dissatisfaction with the sex education they receive. At the same time, there can often be a mismatch between the secular assumptions of most sex education programmes and the needs of young people with religious faith.

The importance of religion to the identity of many teenagers is supported by a recent survey of young people (aged 13-14) in England which indicates that 70% attest to having a religious faith, and 45% state that their religion is important to their way of life. Indeed, for religious young people, faith is by far the most important source of information for informing their sexual values, attitudes and practices.

Education PhD
A PhD requires a minimum period of study as a registered student of normally three years full-time or six years part-time. The PhD is by thesis only, and is examined by a work of 80,000 words maximum and an oral examination. Postgraduate researchers are required to complete the research training programme, normally in the first two years of registration. One to one supervision is provided throughout the length of the formal registration. Postgraduate researchers who are involved in similar areas may also have some group supervision.
To find out more details and to apply online view the Education PhD webpage http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/courses/postgraduate/research/edu/education.aspx

To find out more about studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham, including full details of the research undertaken in each school, the funding opportunities for each subject, and guidance on making your application, you can now order your copy of the new Doctoral Research Prospectus, at: www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/drp.aspx