Grace Nicholson

Grace took the Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts and Film and graduated in July 2024. She is now living in London and working in the museum and gallery sector, where she is gaining valuable curatorial experience. She plans to pursue a Master’s in  Museum Studies and Curation in the future, building on the hands-on experience she is acquiring now.

What was your favourite module and why?

There were a few modules that stand out to me as perfect examples of how diverse the Visual Arts and Film degree can be. First, I really enjoyed the museum studies modules, which ran from first to third year. Starting with Gallery 101, Introduction to Museums and Curating, and ending with Advanced Curating in my final year, these courses gave me a solid foundation in the principles of museum work. They’ve been invaluable in shaping the work I do now and offered a hands-on approach to learning that made them very practical.

My special subject in final year, Screening Masculinities, was another favourite, and it shows just how broad and contemporary the course can be. I’m really passionate about gender studies, both personally and academically and this module encouraged us to think critically about how films both reflect and shape societal views on gender and identity. Not only did the module expand my knowledge of film history and gender theory, but it also helped me develop a more sophisticated understanding of how cinema influences cultural perceptions. The course was intellectually stimulating and felt incredibly relevant to the ongoing discourse around gender and representation in film and society. Also Professor Fouz-Hernandez bringing Oscar-shaped cookies to class the day after the Oscars was a memorable moment.

What is the most important piece of advice you'd like to give to students of Visual Arts?

Get involved in as much as you can, whether that’s volunteering, joining societies, writing for the student paper, or taking on work experience. One of the best things about Durham is that it's full of people who are passionate and unafraid to show it. Surround yourself with that energy and learn from the people around you.

Volunteering and immersing myself in the broader student experience not only helped me build new skills but also introduced me to some incredible people. These experiences outside of the lecture halls can be just as valuable as the academic ones. They enrich your time at Durham and open doors you might not have even known existed.

What was the most important thing you learned at Durham?

I learned that studying something you love not only sets you apart but can also bring a lot of joy into your life. When you're genuinely passionate about what you’re studying, interesting opportunities tend to find you.

What was your most surprising discovery during your time at Durham?

I was really nervous about coming to Durham because I had this preconception that it would be too academic for me, and I worried I might not be able to keep up. However, my most surprising discovery was just how much I could challenge and surprise myself with what I could achieve. Being part of a community that celebrates curiosity and intellectual exploration completely shifted my perspective. It wasn’t something I had experienced in the same way at school, and it gave me the confidence to get involved in activities and pursue research I never would have considered before.

Visit Grace's LinkedIn profile.