University of Wales, Lampeter

The Sophia Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture

The Centre was set up with funding from the Sophia Trust and is located within the University's Archaeology and Anthropology department. It has a wide-ranging remit to investigate the role of cosmological, astrological and astronomical beliefs, models and ideas in human culture, including the theory and practice of myth, magic, divination, religion, spirituality, politics and the arts. The main qualification we teach is the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology.

Much of our work is historical but we are equally concerned with contemporary culture and lived experience. If you are interested in the way we use the sky to create meaning and significance then the Centre may be the best place for you to study.

'The scope of the MA is as broad as possible and the syllabus is ground-breaking, unique and innovative. We study the many ways in which human beings have used the sky as a theatrical backdrop to tell stories and create meaning.' Dr Nick Campion, Director of the Centre for the Study of Cosmology in Culture.

Staff Profiles:

Nick Campion
BA (Queens' College, Cambridge), MA (School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London), PhD (University of the West of England).
Director of the Centre and Course Director of the MA in Cultural Astronomy and Astrology
E mail: n.campion@lamp.ac.uk

Nick Campion read history at Queens' College, Cambridge, and has been teaching the history of astrology since 1982. He has lectured widely and has been involved in documentaries on the subject for BBC1 and Channel 4 (UK), and the Discovery and History Channels. He was formerly Senior Lecturer in History at Bath Spa University. His research interests include the history of astrology and astronomy as well as the place of both disciplines in contemporary culture, millenarian and apocalyptic belief, magic, New Age and pagan ideas and practices, the sociology of new religious movements and the nature of belief in general.

University of Wales, Lampeter
The Sophia Centre
Main Contacts
University Telephone No:
01570 422351

From Overseas:
+44 1570 422351

Main University Fax No:
01570 423423

Students' Union Telephone No:
01570 422619

E mail: n.campion@lamp.ac.uk

More Information about the Sophia Centre