From Chemistry to Fine Art: Tom’s Award-Winning Journey
York St John, Fine Art student Tom Hardwick, has had an extraordinary journey through higher education. Starting out in chemistry, they later switched to art, discovering a passion that has since earned them national recognition. Their undergraduate dissertation, “The Re-Materialisation of Art: Reframing Conceptual Art through the Work of Hanne Darboven”, recently won the Association for Art History Undergraduate Dissertation Prize, a prestigious award celebrating outstanding research by UK students.
I spoke with Tom about how they found their way into Fine Art, what the award means to them, and how their time as a student at York St John has shaped their future.
What prompted you to pursue a master’s degree at York St John?
Tom: “I did my BA in Fine Art at York St John and absolutely loved the whole process, the course and the department were amazing and I felt so supported and encouraged, so when I decided to continue into my masters, York St John was the only university I considered! The academic environment at York St John has pushed me to consider moving into lecturing myself, and so I hope to eventually also continue this academic journey towards a PhD.”
Receiving the award must be a highlight of your student journey so far. What would you say to new students considering studying Fine Art at YSJ? What can they look forward to?
Tom: “Receiving this award was absolutely a highlight, and an amazing validation of all the hard work I put in over the last three years. To new students I think the most important thing I could say is to be open; the course will push you to experiment and be playful, and the best way to grow is to move out of your comfort zone and wholeheartedly embrace every task thrown your way. My own interests and artistic practice changed so much over the span of three years and developed in directions I would never have anticipated. You can look forward to an incredibly supportive department, and a really welcoming and friendly university!”
Image shows Tom Hardwick receiving their award. Credit: Athina Dale.
Looking back at when you applied to YSJ, how did you choose your course, and why did you select YSJ?
Tom: “I actually previously studied chemistry at the University of York, but after a year I felt that this wasn’t fulfilling for me, and I decided to follow my more creative interests. I had never studied art formally so I was quite uncertain, but after contacting York St John about the Fine Art course and being invited to come and look around the department and the degree show, it was clear that this was the right decision. The lecturer who showed me around was welcoming and reassuring, and the artwork in the degree show was so interesting and varied that I was inspired to enrol immediately!”
How do you feel reflecting on the time from when you first started at YSJ to where you are now?
Tom: “When I first started studying Fine Art I was very unsure of myself and had previously been focussed on science and mathematics, so even writing an essay was quite new to me. Throughout the three years of this course my skills, interest and confidence have developed so much. I have been honoured to begin showing my work in exhibitions and publications, and to have been awarded prizes such as this. I feel so grateful for all the support I have received, and so proud of how hard I have worked and how far I have come since first making the decision to study Fine Art at York St John University.”
What role has the Fine Art community, including staff, peers, and studio culture, played in your journey?
Tom: “The community within York St John’s art department is one of the main reasons I continued my study here. The staff take such a personal interest in supporting and challenging each of us, recommending artists and books, and pushing us to critically engage with our creative practices. I have also been privileged to study and inhabit a studio with some incredible artists, and to develop together through shared critiques, advice and inspiration from our peers.”
Looking Ahead
From switching out of chemistry to winning a national prize for their dissertation, Tom Hardwick’s journey shows the twists and turns of finding the right path, and the impact of a supportive learning environment. Now pursuing a master’s degree at York St John, and with hopes of a PhD on the horizon, their story is so inspiring and a reminder that changing direction can open unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
The award was presented during the 2025 Annual Conference of the Association for Art History.
Read about the Fine Art course at York St John University,
