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A graduate in Classics from Bedford College, University of London, Frances Young achieved a second 1st class Honours degree in Theology at the University of Cambridge, where she undertook research for a PhD in early Christian studies, for part of which she studied at the University of Chicago Divinity School. A brief period as a Research Fellow at Clare Hall preceded a lifelong career at the University of Birmingham (1971-2005), as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Professor, Dean of the Faculty and Pro-Vice-Chancellor. Her teaching career principally focused on New Testament studies, but her research interests spanned a wider area. The history and interpretation of doctrine and early Christian exegesis of scripture, along with questions concerning the hermeneutics of classic texts in modern theology, have largely claimed her attention. She was also a pioneer in thinking about theology and disability: her eldest son, born in 1968, has profound learning disabilities which demand total care. The importance of academic study of theology for church life and Christian belief lay at the heart of her ordination as a Methodist minister in 1984 alongside her continuing university career. In retirement she remains in demand for public lectures, preaching and leading worship.