Course Syllabus

The Heraldry course consists of the following topics:

Introduction and Language and Colour

• Origins of Heraldry
• The Achievement
• Fundamental design elements and tinctures
• Commonly found heraldic devices
• Blazoning and tricking

Development and Regulation of Heraldry

• Heralds and the College of Arms
• Regulation of personal arms
• Personal Heraldry
• Civic Heraldry
• Significance and presence of heraldry in the modern world

Marshalling and Differencing

• Grouping
• Compounding
• Dimidiation
• Impalement
• Quartering
• Inescutcheon of Pretence
• Cadency
• Brisures
• Augmentations
• Hatchments

Heraldic Identification

• The use of Ordinaries
• Heralds' Visitations
• Published Pedigrees
• Biographies
• Other strategies

Gentry and Nobility and Royalty

• Royal Heraldry
• Orders of Chivalry
• Peerage Claims
• Rolls of Arms
• Funeral Certificates
• Coronets
• Badges

Scotland and Overseas

• Scotland
• Ireland
• Canada
• Rest of World
• International Congresses

The staff of the Institute will be pleased to discuss any queries about the course content.