Enrich your family history skills with Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies

Whatever stage you are at with your genealogy journey, wherever you are in the world, our flexible learning pathways are perfectly suited for beginner through to expert and will help you develop the skills required to progress your family history research.

Family history courses

Beginner to intermediate level 8-week courses run throughout the year with topics including ‘Family History Research’ and ‘Using Technology in Your Family Tree’. Classes are credit bearing (optional) and learning materials are downloaded from an online portal, where students can interact with each other and benefit from an immersive learning experience. 

Postgraduate study

If you already have an existing interest and experience in genealogy, the online Postgraduate Certificate, Diploma or MSc in Genealogical Studies offers a more in-depth study route. Developed by academics and genealogy professionals, this programme provides a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of genealogical research, with an emphasis on the British Isles and a focus on Scottish records and research techniques.

There are no formal exams for any of our courses; modules are achieved through completion of assignments and coursework. Our postgraduate qualifications are also recognised by ASGRA (Association of Scottish Genealogists and Researchers in Archives), AGRA (Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives in England and Wales) and The Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG).

“The course is rigorous, but I look back with great pride having accomplished so much”.

Kelli Allen, MSc Genealogical, Palaeographical and Heraldic Studies student

If you are new to online learning, our two free 6-week courses are a great starting point. Choose from ‘Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree’ or ‘Genetic Genealogy: Researching Your Family Tree Using DNA’. The courses are delivered ‘on-demand’ so you can start at any time, from anywhere in world.  

SIGS are also involved in a range of research activities focusing on documentary and genetic evidence. The wealth of knowledge and expertise of our staff in this area ensures continual refreshment of course content which also benefits from research such as the Battle of Bannockburn Family History Project and the Declaration of Arbroath Family History Project.

For further information on our courses, MOOCs, research and more, please visit our website.