Answering Your Questions

Some questions we are frequently asked about the Correspondence Course. Cannot find your answer? Please contact us and we'll be happy to assist.

What academic qualifications are needed to be accepted on the course?

A good general education is all that is required. Enthusiasm and dedication are the main qualities needed.

How much does the course cost?

The full cost of the course is £2,600. Further details can be found on the course booking section of our online shop.

Is there a limit on the time taken to complete the course?

There is a five year limit to the time to complete the course. Students are encouraged to complete assignments on a regular basis but there is no specific timetable for each Lecture.  As a broad estimate, the course will take a minimum of two to three years to complete if several hours are allocated to study each week.

While the standard enrolment period is five years, we are willing to consider requests to extend supervision beyond this point. Requests must be made before the end of the five-year period. If an extension is granted, an additional fee may apply, calculated proportionally based on the length of the extension requested.

What qualifications does the course lead to?

The course prepares candidates for the Higher Certificate in Genealogy examination. It is not compulsory to take the examination but many students join the course with this aim in mind.

What will I achieve by taking the course?

The course is designed to provide the student with an in-depth knowledge and wide practical experience of genealogical sources. As well as furthering your own personal research it will also enable you to reach the standard needed to pass the Higher Certificate in Genealogy examination. For anyone wanting to practice professionally, it is highly recommended that a minimum of the Higher Certificate in Genealogy is gained as this is evidence of an advanced level of genealogical competence. The Higher Certificate in Genealogy is a requirement for progression to the IHGS Diploma.

Do other organisations recognise the Higher Certificate in Genealogy?

Universities and government bodies recognise IHGS standards and qualifications for several purposes. Graduates of the IHGS Higher Certificate and The Diploma in Genealogy are granted exemptions for some elements of the Association of Genealogists & Researchers in Archives (AGRA) membership application process. The Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG) accept the Diploma in Genealogy as qualification for membership. Students on the Correspondence Course in Genealogy can join RQG as student members. The University of Strathclyde recognises graduates of IHGS Higher Certificate in Genealogy to it's PgDip/MSc Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies course without pre-qualification.

How much research experience do I need to have before starting the course?

The course is suitable for both the experienced researcher, who wishes to take a formal course of instruction, and for those who are just beginning to research their family history.

What topics does the course cover?

More detailed information is in the Syllabus of Study.

How much of the course can I do without visiting an archives office?

Some of the assignments are in the form of essay style questions that can be completed from home. Others are of a practical nature and will require you to visit a local archive. Use of online resources is also encouraged throughout the course.

Will I be able to complete the course if I live outside the UK?

We have many overseas students. Small alterations may be made to some assignments, if necessary, to overcome any practical problems of access.

How long should the assignments be?

The length of an assignment will vary according to the question but 1500-3000 words per assignment is a very rough guide for those of an essay-style nature.

Is there continuous assessment?

Yes, all assignments are graded. Those wishing to take the Higher Certificate in Genealogy examination will need to achieve an average grade of B or above.

Can I retake an assignment if I do not get a good mark?

This is not normally permitted, but in exceptional cases, the Tutor may recommend an assignment is repeated in the light of their comments.

How long does it take for assignments to be marked?

Once assignments are received, they are passed on to your personal tutor. Usually, you should receive feedback from your tutor within a month of submission.

Who will be marking my assignments?

When you commence the course you will be assigned your own personal Tutor who will be a member of IHGS Tutorial team.

Can I ask my tutor or the Institute for advice?

You may ask your Tutor or other member of IHGS for advice on all aspects of the course and for research advice.

Is my work confidential?

Your work will only be viewed by members of the IHGS Tutorial team who will treat it in the strictest confidence. Your work will not be published.

Can I submit and receive my work electronically?

It is recommend that students submit their work electronically.

How much background reading is expected?

It is a good idea to investigate the holdings of your local reference library and read around the subject as much as possible with the time you have available. A bibliography will be supplied with every lecture module but this is only a basis for further reading.

Do I have to purchase any books?

No books need to be purchased if you are able to obtain them through the library system. However, most students find it worthwhile to purchase a few core texts.

Is it possible to get in touch with other students on the course?

Contact with other students can be made through the Institute's online forum. From time to time, there may also be the opportunity for students to gather informally in other parts of the country and by Zoom. There is also a student Facebook page run by students.

How can I access the forum?

When you join the course you will be issued with a unique password to enable you to access the forum.

Can I withdraw from the course at any time?

Yes, but no fees will be refunded. By enroling on the course you are committing to paying the full course fees even if you withdraw. See our Terms and Conditions for full details.