Art of learning

Henry and Jan Gordon-Clark always wanted to go to university together. They waited until later in life to undertake postgraduate study and now, aged 72, are following their passions and loving it.

Henry Gordon-Clark

Born in England, I completed my undergraduate law degree at Cambridge University in 1957. I met Jan by chance when she was in London in 1958 and we fell in love at first sight. Once we were married, we settled in Melbourne and have been here ever since.

I practiced litigation law for 43 years and was always impressed with the law graduates coming out of Monash University. Three of our children also have degrees from Monash and Jan was already doing her Masters at Monash, so for me it was a natural choice to undertake higher degree research (HDR) here.

For my Masters I researched the 18th century English poet, satirist, accused murderer, pauper and general rat bag Richard Savage.

After I completed my Masters, like Jan I went pretty much straight into my PhD. I studied the history of the CSS Shenandoah -- the Confederate cruiser that fired the last shot of the American Civil War -- and why she came to Melbourne in 1865. [CSS Shenandoah was sent to hunt Union shipping in the world's sea lanes. She took on a crew of mercenaries on a stopover in Melbourne, after many of her original crew deserted].

Jan and I make a great team. If one of us was busy with our research, the other one would pick up the slack. We also helped each other with editing and prompted each other to find new research directions. That's the great thing about studying when you're older -- you tend not to think in straight lines. We've learnt an enormous amount from each other.

I graduate in December and I think I'm finished with my research for now. Until I have more questions.

Jan Gordon-Clark

I completed a BA Honours in English literature at the University of Melbourne in 1956. I met Henry in 1958 while on holiday in London. We quite literally fell in love at first sight.

Once our children grew up it was my turn to go back to university -- my good friend Professor Clive Probyn from the Faculty of Arts at Monash talked me into it! He went on to be my supervisor as I researched writer, poet and translator Elizabeth Carter and the Blue Stocking Society, an informal women's social and educational movement in England in the mid 18th century.

Henry decided to do some study too -- we'd always said it was a pity we weren't at university together when we were undergrads, so we were finally students together at Monash.

I then went straight on to do a PhD at Monash on early Melbourne theatre. I come from a third generation Melbourne theatre family and used to act myself, so it was great I could research something I was so passionate about. I think that's one of the best things about studying when you are older. There's no pressure because your career is not dependent on it. Life experience is also a big plus.

My family was a great support during my study, Henry especially. His background in law made him an extremely good research assistant. I'm now writing a biography -- three degrees is enough.

For anyone else considering studying at a later stage in life, I'd say go for it. Study something you are passionate about and it will come easy and be a lot of fun.

Faculty of Arts Associate Dean Graduate Research Dr Joel Crotty said it was a common misconception that the majority of higher degree research students from the Faculty of Arts were in their early 20s.

"We find that the more mature-age students have a different approach to their studies," Dr Crotty said.

"Not only do they bring a great deal of life experience to the table, they often have fewer distractions than younger students.

"They can really sink their teeth into their research and pursue something they have a real interest in and are passionate about. This often leads to fantastic research outcomes."