Rebecca Davidson
Student spotlight details
After a 25-year career in communications, Rebecca realised her love of art – first sparked at art school – had never faded. She chose to pursue it by enrolling in our Certificate in the History of Art, while balancing part-time work, including her role as a marriage registrar.
'After finishing secondary school, I went to art school but soon realised I was better at writing about art than creating it. My education and employment therefore took a different path, which resulted in a 25-year career in media and communications for employers ranging from the Royal Family to the NHS. Behind the scenes, though, my interest in and love of art didn’t stop. I continued to go to exhibitions and museums, attended talks when possible and found the more I discovered about a work of art, the more I enjoyed it.
'Last year I decided that rather than wait until retirement, I wanted to follow some passions, with the Certificate in the History of Art being one of them. I knew that a course being offered by the University of Oxford would be of a high standard, but it has exceeded my expectations in terms of how welcoming, inspiring and enjoyable it has been. The tutors and resources are world-class. You can be in the classroom in the morning discussing the Renaissance, Greek sculpture or Impressionism, and then by lunchtime, you are immersed in the Ashmolean Museum collection, seeing it in real life.
'It can be daunting going back to education after a long gap – I graduated at the end of the last millennium! But the support is there to help you succeed. The tutors aren’t just knowledgeable, they’re approachable; the librarians love it when you ask them a question, and there’s a range of online sessions, whether you want to brush up on your study skills or need tips on how to write an academic essay. I am also fortunate to be studying with a great group of fellow students who are ready to share a rich range of perspectives, experiences and recommendations along the way.
'The hybrid nature of the course is particularly beneficial, and the modules are set out week by week with opportunities to check your learning. I can fit in the course with two part-time roles – I now support older people and those with dementia for a companionship service during the week, and at weekends I work as a registrar of marriages. However, you do need to be self-motivated and carve out time to undertake your own research. The course has challenged me as I’ve adapted to new ways of thinking and articulating my ideas. The essays, for instance, are not about the facts that you have learned; they require you to develop your critical thinking and interpretation, which in turn need to be evidenced with solid referencing and research.
'Spending longer amounts of time with pieces of art has made me want to explore the way art connects us and evokes memories. My late mother was an artist and had dementia, and through my companionship role visiting galleries and museums, I continue to see firsthand the hugely beneficial effect of art on wellbeing.
'If you are considering a course in the history of art, I can’t recommend a better place than Oxford. It's been a hugely enriching and enjoyable experience that has made me want to learn more.'
