Clive Lafferty
Student spotlight details
Clive decided to enrol on our Undergraduate Certificate in the History of Art in pursuit of a life-long passion and has since progressed onto the Diploma in the History of Art.
'I’ve always had ambitions to study art history but had always assumed that I would need to wait until I retired. At 44 years old that seemed like a long way off. With the combination of a pandemic that changed my mindset, and a yearning to study, I decided that I should seize the moment and explore my options. I run a learning and development consultancy business, Tandem, and I’m in a very fortunate position to be my own boss and decide when I work, so I thought I should take advantage of this opportunity.
'In a very generous exchange with the public historian, Greg Jenner, (I’d sent him a fan message to say how much I was enjoying his podcast, You’re Dead To Me), he recommended the part-time Certificate in History of Art when I said I was considering study. It was everything I was looking for. A complete history of Western art covered in two hours a week, over the course of two years and it was in Oxford. I was coming in as a beginner (my previous degrees were in Music and Human Resource Management) and I wanted to cover all bases to see where my interests lay and where I might like to specialise for further study. So I applied.
'As a mature student, I found I gave 100% effort towards my reading and assignments, which I hadn’t done as an 18-year-old undergrad! And as a result, the experience has been challenging due to the hours I was putting in; but it was also enriching, inspiring, energising and so enjoyable. My knowledge, research skills, writing and passion for the subject have all advanced. The more you put in, the more you’ll take from the experience (Why has it taken me so long to realise this?!). The teaching has been excellent and having access to all of the University libraries has been a dream. I dedicated a full day on Wednesdays to attend lectures and visit the libraries for reading and writing. I’d always look forward to those Wednesdays.
'I’ve now progressed onto the Diploma and I’m really excited to be continuing my studies focusing on twentieth-century art. I’m not yet sure that I will be making a career change as a result of the course; however, my visits to museums, galleries and buildings are far more gratifying and meaningful. This, along with all the friends I have made, I will be eternally grateful for. I chose this course for pure enjoyment, but I have also discovered connections with others to share the continuously growing passion I have for art history.
'If you’re considering the course, be realistic and know that to make the most of the programme, you’ll need to put the hours in. And like me, I’m sure you’ll realise your efforts will be rewarded with an amazing experience.'
