Federation Of Family History Societies

Are you thinking about taking a genealogy or family history course, but are not sure what’s on offer?

Firstly, consider what your aims are.

Perhaps you have got stuck with your research, or are not sure where to look next, or simply want to know more about the fascinating hobby of family history. Maybe you are hoping to gain a qualification. Would you like to meet up with other students in a classroom setting or would you prefer to study in your own time? How much time do you have available? Are you interested in a general course or in specific topics? Can you travel, or should the course be online? There are lots of questions to ask yourself!!

Whatever level you are, there is sure to be something to suit your needs and budget, from day schools to post-graduate courses at university, online study or tuition in a class room setting.

Online courses

NEW The Heritage Family e course. A 4-module course available for download. You can start it at any time and work at your own speed. Although the course is not assessed there are questions and further exercises with answers so that you can see how you are doing. Full details of the course are available on the website.

NEW University of Strathclyde offers Post Graduate Certificate, Diploma & MSc in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies. Applications currently invited for Oct 2012 & Oct 2013 entry Part time PG certificate courses

NEW Pearson Love to Learn offer a Family History course on researching your family history using Internet resources including census, military and parish records.

NEW  Free BBC History Trails Family History - Experts' tips on starting your research, How documentation builds a family tree, Reading history: census, medals, buildings and photographs

Pharos Teaching & Tutoring Limited specialise in online learning. Their aim is to help you become a better genealogist.

The Society of Genealogistshas partnered with Pharos Teaching & Tutoring Ltd to  bring a new programme of assessed courses online.

New courses are continually being developed so do check the website regularly www.pharostutors.com

The Guild of One-Name studies has also partnered with Pharos Teaching & Tutoring Ltd to offer an ‘Introduction to One-Name Studies’ This five week course covers the history of one-name studies, why genealogists should have a one-name study, how to check on the suitability of your surname, the history and distribution of surnames, the practical aspects of running a one-name study and the collection and analysis of data from core records needed for a one-name study. 

U3A (University of the Third Age) has groups throughout the UK, many of whom run Family History Groups, to find out about groups in your area visit www.U3a.org.uk and contact the local Membership Secretary

The U3A in Australia offers an online course in Genealogy for its members, for further details about the course  http://www3.griffith.edu.au/03/u3a/

The Institute of Genealogy and Heraldic Studies launched a Correspondence Course in Genealogy in 1961, it is now available online as downloadable PDF’s for further details of this and other courses that give a qualification in genealogy and are used as a route to becoming a professional genealogist.

University of Dundee offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Family and Local History

University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education offers a variety of Family History courses throughout the region.

Local courses

It is possible that your local family history society may offer courses. To find a society near you see the list of our member societies

You can find out if there is a course in your area by visiting the listings on GENEVA at geneva.weald.org.uk/

Workers Education Association (WEA) is a registered charity which runs many Family History courses across the country. Their details can be found at www.wea.org.uk

It is also worth enquiring what your local education authority has on offer.
Your local U3A may also offer courses. For details of your local branch www.u3a.org.uk

If you can travel to London, individual lectures and courses are also organised by the Society of Genealogists

Miscellaneous

For up to date details of family history courses offered throughout the country visit
http://www.ice.cam.ac.uk/courses/subjects/289-local-and-family-history

www.ancestor-search.info provides guidance on where to find information on your English and Welsh ancestors as well as information on courses nationwide.

There are also a number of Canadian and US online courses that could also be suitable for you. As long as you choose one that concentrates on British Ancestry, the sources and techniques are the same and you will learn a whole new perspective about how North Americans can effectively do good research from a great distance.

Celia Heritage, a professional genealogist and lecturer in family history, runs a number of courses, mainly in Kent. Full details can be found at www.heritagefamilyhistory.co.uk/events.htm