Intermediate Family History Course
Expand Your Family Tree with Confidence
Have you reached a point where your family tree seems to have stopped growing? Broadening Your Family Tree is an online genealogy course designed for researchers who want to move beyond the basics and discover new records, new connections, and new research opportunities. Learn how to identify overlooked sources, follow new research leads, work through genealogy brick walls, and expand your family tree with a richer understanding of your family's history.
Course fee
$380 (£285)Approximate USD shown first for US learners. Final charges may vary by exchange rate and payment provider.
Ten modules
Explore the records that open up new branches, occupations, beliefs, service, schooling, and inherited stories with expert support.For family historians ready to look beyond the most familiar records with expert direction.
An expert-led course covering specialist sources and record interpretation.
Build confidence with expert methods for records that add context, proof, and new leads.
Advanced Research
Learn Advanced Genealogy Research Techniques
Many family historians eventually encounter missing records, conflicting evidence, and ancestors who seem to disappear from the historical record.
By learning how experienced genealogists approach research problems, you'll gain the skills needed to make meaningful discoveries and overcome common genealogy challenges.
- Discover previously overlooked records
- Identify new research pathways
- Evaluate evidence more effectively
- Expand your family tree beyond direct ancestors
- Build a more complete picture of your family's story
What The Course Covers
Specialist sources for the next stage of your family history.
Across ten modules, you will study record groups and expert research methods that can open new lines of enquiry.
Palaeography
Learn expert techniques for reading 16th-18th century handwriting so older documents become less intimidating and more useful.
Records of Probate
Use expert guidance to find and interpret wills and inventories as evidence for family relationships, property, and status.
The Study of Names
Explore how surnames, variants, and naming patterns can assist your research.
Military Records
Work with expert-led approaches to records from the Army, RAF, Royal Navy, and Royal Marines.
Records of Nonconformists
Study the movements, records, and politics that can shape nonconformist family history.
Records of Education
Use little-used school and education records that can offer a surprising amount of information.
Records of Occupations and the Professions
Discover the many sources that can help you understand work, training, professional life, and social context.
Optional Examination
A route to the IHGS Intermediate Level in Genealogy examination.
On completion of module 10, there is the option to sit the IHGS Intermediate Level in Genealogy examination paper.
IHGS holds examination days throughout the year, either at IHGS or invigilated remotely. There is a fee for entry to the Intermediate Level examination.
About IHGS
The School of Family History
The Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies has taught family history, genealogy, and heraldry for generations, giving researchers expert teaching and stronger evidence-led skills.
Who Is This Course For?
Who Should Take This Course?
- Family historians who already have a family tree established
- Researchers looking to expand their genealogy research skills
- Genealogists facing research obstacles or brick walls
- Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of historical records
- Students preparing for more advanced genealogy education
A basic understanding of genealogy research is recommended.
For U.S. Researchers
Go Beyond Online Family Trees
Many American researchers begin their genealogy journey using online family trees and record collections. Over time, however, meaningful discoveries often require a deeper understanding of records, evidence, and historical context.
Broadening Your Family Tree helps students develop stronger research strategies that can be applied to American, English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh, and other international family history research.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this course suitable for beginners?
This course is best suited to students who already have some experience researching their family history and want to expand their genealogy skills.
Will this course help me break through genealogy brick walls?
The course introduces research techniques and record sources that can help identify new leads and uncover previously overlooked evidence.
Can I take this course from the United States?
Yes. This online genealogy course is available to students worldwide, including those in the United States.
What course should I take next?
Many students continue their genealogy education through the Higher Certificate in Genealogy, specialist Bitesize Courses, and expert-led Anytime Talks offered by IHGS.
Enroll
Broaden your research and your family tree.
Study with IHGS expert tutors and learn how to call on a wider body of records when your research needs more evidence, context, and direction.