Diploma in Genealogy

Entry to the Diploma in Genealogy is restricted to those who have gained The Higher Certificate in Genealogy or the Strathclyde Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldry Studies.

Diploma in Genealogy Course

The Diploma in Genealogy (DipGen) is an acknowledged award at post-graduate level. Subject to regulations it is also accepted for membership of the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) and The Register of Qualified Genealogists (RQG).

This Distance Learning course is open to anyone who has the IHGS Higher Certificate in Genealogy or Strathclyde's Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogy.

The Diploma in Genealogy represents the next stage of study beyond the Higher Certificate in Genealogy, allowing students to progress from directed assessment towards more independent and advanced research. They follow their own projects which are substantial pieces of genealogical work aimed at their peer group. The Diploma builds upon the foundations established at Certificate level and provides an opportunity to showcase analytical skills, critical evaluation of evidence and the ability to produce professional standard genealogical research.

The Course and Assessments are designed to test a candidate’s ability as a researcher across a broad spectrum of records and in a number of specialised areas.

Throughout the Course candidates will have a personal mentor who will guide them through the course.

The IHGS Diploma consists a portfolio of work and an assigned research task.

The Portfolio

The Portfolio should demonstrate the candidate's breadth and depth of experience.

The Portfolio consist of four unique research pieces. These are chosen by the candidate with the help of their mentor to ensure the necessary criteria is met.  It is expected that the Portfolio will contain a collection of works that provide evidence of experience and key skills gained in specific areas of research, such as nonconformity, the military, heraldry, occupational records, land records, manorial records, court records and records dating back at least to the sixteenth century. The portfolio should also demonstrate the candidates ability to read and accurately transcribe a range of documents.

Each portfolio piece should be a summary account of the research process, interpretation of the evidence and the results achieved; detailed descriptions of the use of basic records such as the census or records of civil registration will not be necessary. The summary account should include local archives visited and any fieldwork undertaken.

The portfolio will be assessed by the Examiners appointed by the Education Sub-Committee of the Institute. A member of AGRA may be invited to moderate.

The Assigned Task

Candidates will be set a piece of genealogical research, on behalf of an imaginary client, to be conducted in their own area of the country. The assignment is to be completed within a limited timeframe. The starting point for research will be supplied to the candidate, who will then be required to undertake up to 20 hours of research, using the relevant sources available nationally and locally. Candidates should submit the results of their findings in the form of a client report.

The report should include a description of the research sources that have been searched, the results of all searches, both positive and negative, conclusions reached and suggestions for further research. In particular the report should include where the source was viewed and its catalogue reference/call number, whether the candidate viewed the original record, a microfiche/film copy or online source etc., and any anomalies such as gaps in the record sequence or impaired legibility. If applicable an explanation of any surname variants also researched should be included.

The account must be illustrated with properly presented drop-line pedigree charts and photocopies or photographs with abstracts or transcriptions of the main documents examined. Candidates are also required to include a detailed statement of expenditure in time and costs.

The report will be assessed by the Examiners appointed by the Council of the Institute. A member of AGRA may be invited to moderate.

Aims

Those candidates who satisfy the examining board by achieving at least 60% in each of these Assignments, and who have obtained the Higher Certificate in Genealogy or the Strathclyde Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldry Studies, will have demonstrated their ability to extract information from original documentation and to compile it into an accurate pedigree supplemented with a clear explanation of the evidence used to produce it. They will also have a sound knowledge of the basic genealogical sources used in research. A successful candidate who has achieved these levels will be awarded the Diploma in Genealogy, and will be one who may properly and confidently practise as a professional genealogist.

The Mentor

A course mentor will be assigned who offer guidance through the course. All mentors have gained the IHGS Diploma in Genealogy (DipGen) and are members of the IHGS Tutorial Team. Mentors are there to help and advise on a wide range of related matters.

The mentor will help candidates to formulate the four individual portfolio pieces so that they are demonstrating their skills in a broad range of records.

Workshops will offer guidance regarding format, sourcing and presentation for both the portfolio pieces and the task.

Award of the Diploma

Those candidates who satisfy the examining board by achieving at least 60% in each of the elements will be awarded a PASS.

A successful candidate who has achieved these levels will be awarded the Diploma in Genealogy and will be one who may properly and confidently practise as a professional genealogist.

Fee and Enrolment Form

£1475

There are two intakes each year in January and September. The full fee for the course is payable by commencement of the course. This includes a registration fee of £100. Candidates may enrol before the start date, paying the registration fee, and will be sent an introductory pack. For more details of the course fee and enrolment form, please contact registrar@ihgs.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Please download the full Terms and Conditions