Study Genealogy Online Course and Learn About Where You and Your Family Came From 

The study of families, family history, and the tracing of their lineages is known as genealogy. Oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records are used by genealogists to gather information about a family and to prove kinship and pedigrees of its members. The outcomes are frequently represented in graphs or expressed as tales.

Learning about your ancestors and family history can be a life-changing experience. Discovering your genealogy and heritage reveals more about you than you may have realized. Knowing how to trace your family tree can be challenging, and after you have a lot of information, deciding what is relevant and what isn't can be difficult.

The Genealogy Course will help you along the way by teaching you where to look for essential material in your search, as well as what to do with it to stay organized and learn more. Before we begin studying our family trees, we all need to know our surnames. Understanding the origins of surnames will provide a solid foundation for genealogy research.

What you will learn with our Genealogy Online Course

• Your Surname
• Recording your Sources
• Researching your Family Tree
• Computers and Genealogy
• Births, Marriages, Deaths
• Census Records
• Other Records
• Royals and Nobles
• Connecting the Sources
• Presenting your Family Tree
• From Family Tree to Genealogy

Genealogy Online Course - Requirements

The Genealogy Course is delivered 100 percent online 24/7.

To successfully complete this course, a student must:

• Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources
• Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)
• Be a self-directed learner
• Possess sound language and literacy skills

Quick Course Facts

1. Course content is structured for easy comprehension
2. Registered students gain unrestricted access to the Genealogy Course
3. All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device
4. Study online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace
5. All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion

For any additional questions please see our comprehensive FAQS tab above.

Genealogy Online Course Outline

Module 1: Your Surname

Part 1: Getting to Know Surnames

Learning Objectives:

• Getting to know surnames
• Where did surnames come from?
• Surname variants
• Maiden names
• One name study
• The accepted history of surnames

Getting to Know Surnames

Governments and organizations use our surname to identify ourselves in addition to our first and middle names. Our surnames, on the other hand, are an even more vital and emotive element of our personal identity. Surnames are also known as family names since we share our surnames with our families, whether we are born into them or married into them, and we naturally seek out those who share our surnames.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Where Did Surnames Come From?
• Location
• Profession
• Descriptive
• Parent
• Descendant

Part 2: Surname Variants

Governments and organizations use our surname to identify ourselves in addition to our first and middle names. Our surnames, on the other hand, are an even more vital and emotive element of our personal identity. Surnames are also known as family names since we share our surnames with our families, whether we are born into them or married into them, and we naturally seek out those who share our surnames. Moving from one country to another, government or church scribes writing how they think it should be spelled, a range of pronunciations, illiteracy, or a combination of these causes can all cause a surname's spelling to change.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Maiden Names
• One-Name-Study
• Accepted History of Surnames
• Roman Surnames
• Chinese Surnames
• Medieval Europe
• Status and Administration

Module 2: Recording Your Sources

Learning Objectives:

• Why and how you should record your sources
• Sharing, privacy and copyright
• Case study- Family of Daniel Brookman and Miriam Godin

Recording Your Sources

It's crucial to keep track of where you found your sources of information so you can find them again if necessary. You will occasionally find faults in your own or other people's study, and by determining the trustworthiness of the information, you can determine which source is more reputable.

Part 2: Sharing, Privacy and Copyright

When it comes to gathering and sharing family tree information, there is a delicate balance to be aware of.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Sharing Your Information
• Copyright
• Personal Information

Part 3: Module 2 Case Study

Family of Daniel Brookman and Miriam Godin

According to an estimate, Daniel Brookman was born about 1788 and married when he was 23 years old. Others claim that he was born in 1783. Given that the Brookman name was formed in the Middlesex region of England, it seems doubtful that he was born outside of the country.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Children of Daniel Brookman and Miriam Godin

Module 3: Researching Your Family Tree

Part 1: Types of Genealogy Research  

Learning Objectives:

• Different types of genealogy research
• How to get with your research
• How to start recording your research

You may have been taught that your ancestors are royalty, or you may discover criminals and other notorious figures in your past, as well as a hero or two. In your family tree, you're likely to encounter a variety of folks who can help you understand where you come from. You might be unhappy that the family stories aren't entirely true, or you might discover a plethora of wonderful surprises.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Types of Genealogy Research
• Immediate Family
• Ancestors
• Descendants
• One-Name-Study
• Your Research

Part 2: Getting Started

The most crucial thing to do first is to begin writing down what you know. Details about family members, names, dates of birth, marriage details and dates, details and dates of death, and various other family events, such as baptisms, educational and career-related information, are the most important details required at this stage.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Charts
• Manual Files
• Pedigree Charts
• Family Group Sheet
• Names
•  Dates
• Places

Part 3: Putting It All Together

You now have a printed pedigree chart and a few family group papers to fill in. You've started using a genealogy application and have a few ideas about how to advance your family tree research.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Start with Family
• Photographs
• Letters
• Family Bibles
• Family Tree Websites
• Internet Records

Module 4: Computers and Genealogy

Part 1: Computers for Genealogy

Learning Objectives:

• Using computers and the internet for genealogy
• Gedcoms
• Genealogy software
• Online research
• Computer files and storage devices

Computers for Genealogy

In today's world, it's unsurprising that computers can accomplish a lot of the real work of data storage and retrieval, and researchers with even the most basic home computers can now find suitable programs for a low price or even for free.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Internet Genealogy
• Folder Structures
• Gedcoms
• Genealogy Software
• Top Rated Family Tree Software

Part 2: Online Research

It's time to go online and start searching now that you're ready to document what you're about to learn. There are several websites that can help with genealogical research, including a number of genealogy-specific websites, but your searches will be easier if the person you're looking for has a distinctive or uncommon name.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Cyndi’s List
• Genealogy Websites
• Software for Genealogy Presentations
• Volunteers
• Computer Files and Storage Devices

Module 5: Births, Marriages, Deaths

Part 1: Birth and Baptism Records

Learning Objectives:

• Birth and baptism records
• Marriage records
• Death and burial records
• Obtaining certificates

In England, parish registers date back to 1538, when Thomas Cromwell commanded that all churches keep records of baptisms, marriages, and burials under their jurisdiction. Since 1598, parish clerks have been required to send annual transcripts of the registers to their local bishop. This went on until 1837, when civil registration was established.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Birth and Baptism Records

Part 2: Marriage Records and Death Records

Marriage Records

The names of both parties, the groom's work, their parishes, marital status, and sometimes details about the bride's father, parties' ages, and so on can be found in marriage documents from parish records. Marriage certificates are less thorough than birth certificates, but they may allow access to obfuscated information.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Death and Burial Records
• Obtaining Certificates

Module 6: Census Records

Part 1: Census Records

Learning Objectives:

• Census documents and how information was recorded
• Relevance of census dates
• Using census records to connect families

Census Records

Census records, which we are all familiar with today, give a wealth of information on a wide range of broad and frequently highly personal topics. The 1841 England and Wales census listed the names, ages, and occupations of all people living in the household at the time of the census.

Topics to be discussed include:

• 1841 Census
• 1851- 1901
• 1911

Part 2: Census Dates

When considering censuses, keep in mind that they are a snapshot in time. Knowing the date of the census can be highly valuable because other events in the same year can sometimes be pinpointed to before or after the census using information from the census.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Scotland
• Ireland
• Connecting Families

Module 7: Other Records

Part 1: Other Sources 

Learning Objectives:

• Additional sources of information such as adoption, education, etc.

Other Sources

There are a plethora of places where you might be able to find records on your forefathers and mothers. Many of these resources require you to first have some knowledge of your forebears.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Adoption
• Education
• Immigration
• Military
• Newspaper
• Prison

Part 2: Professional Directories

A variety of guilds and museums have sprung up throughout the years for those forebears who worked in trades or other professional fields, both to safeguard the interests of surviving members and to preserve the memory and traditions of the early pioneers. The photographs and other records of the majority of the early guilds and professional organizations are now preserved in separate museums dedicated to them.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Wills
• Workhouse
• Family Records
• Libraries
• Contacting Other Resources

Module 8: Royals and Nobles

Part 1: Pedigree Collapse

Learning Objectives:

• Pedigree collapse
• Journeying through history
• Noble genealogies

Pedigree Collapse

The number of humans living on the earth reduces as time passes. When you contemplate world population figures over time, a pedigree chart that doubles the number of individuals in each new generation will quickly require more people than the planet's total human population.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Journey through History

Part 2: Noble Genealogies

The nobility was a social and political elite with specific privileges. People who execute a heroic deed, achieve eminence in some effort, or hold a significant government post may inherit or be bestowed nobility by the Crown.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Internet Resources

Module 9: Connecting the Sources

Part 1: Connecting the Sources

Learning Objectives:

• Connecting the sources
• Key events
• Exploring other branches of the family tree
• Location
• Genealogy collections

Connecting the Sources

We've discussed a variety of sources and how to obtain them throughout this course. One of the most challenging things to understand while studying is to combine these materials and so form a more complete picture of each person and their family.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Key Events

Part 2: Climbing Back Down the Tree

When you're climbing the family tree and adding more greats in front of great, great grandparents, the branches can get a little thin, and you can't go any higher. You undoubtedly observed several other branches while going up to this point, but you gave them only a passing glance and continued moving upwards.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Location
• One-Name-Study
• Genealogy Collections

Module 10: Presenting Your Family Tree

Part 1: Presenting Your Family Tree

Learning Objectives:

• Various way of presenting your family tree
• How to bring those various methods together

Presenting Your Family Tree

The format in which you present your family tree will most likely rely on the subject of your research. Perhaps a hand-drawn chart, a list of names and dates, your family tree on a genealogy website, or even publishing your family memories in a book are all options. If you didn't already have some ideas for gathering and sharing, you probably wouldn't have started this course.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Lists
• Charts and Reports
• Scrapbooking
• Embroidery

Part 2: Genealogy Websites

There is a slew of genealogy websites where you can create your family tree, add photos and tales, and then share the URL and any applicable passwords with your loved ones. It can be helpful to submit a Gedcom file of your family tree to a number of genealogy websites for the purposes of researching and connecting with other people investigating the same family.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Family Specific Website
• Factual Fiction
• Write a Book
• Family Articles

Part 3: Bringing It All Together

Some cultures have extensive traditions of preserving family shrines to respect their ancestors and provide a solid platform from which to convey family stories and ties. You might either establish a shrine or a collection of family heirlooms in one location or display them across your home.

Topics to be discussed include:

• Creating a Book
• Different Book Compilations
• Creating an eBook
• Ebook as a Draft
• Learning about your Family

Module 11: From Family Tree to Genealogy

Part 1: A Genealogy Job

Learning Objectives:

• Genealogy as a job
• Genealogy as a volunteer

A Genealogy Job

There are several ways to share your passion for genealogy, and one of them is to work in a genealogy-related field. Commercial genealogy companies rarely post job openings, but they do employ employees in a variety of functions, including research, marketing, human resources, information technology, website developers, management, and a variety of other positions.

Part 2: Genealogy Volunteer

People in the community volunteer as scout leaders, sport coaches, rescue and emergency personnel, and caregivers for the sick and aged. There are a wide range of genealogy projects that require people with varied interests, talents, and knowledge that go beyond assisting other people with their genealogical brick walls, just as there are with all other sorts of volunteering.

Recognition & Accreditation

Upon completion of your course assessment, you will receive 3 certificates. An accredited certificate from the awarding body relating to your course, a CPD certificate displaying the number of CPD points earned from the course and a certificate of completion.