Overview
Have you ever looked at a photo of long-lost family members and wondered how they lived, and what their lives were like? You’re not alone; genealogy is fast becoming one of the most popular pastimes in the UK, as well as being the second most popular topic on the internet, thanks to recent TV programmes and online resources.
If you’d love to pursue genealogy in a professional capacity or you’re simply looking to satiate a personal curiosity, then look no further.
What you'll learn
First thing’s first: we’ll run through everything you’ll need in order to start your research in earnest. You’ll look at various types of certificates and what type of information they’ll hold, and you’ll also discover the difference between family history and genealogy.
First thing’s first: we’ll run through everything you’ll need in order to start your research in earnest. You’ll look at various types of certificates and what type of information they’ll hold, and you’ll also discover the difference between family history and genealogy.
In unit three, you’ll discover how to navigate your way through the General Register Office for England and Wales (GRO), and the type of information this office is responsible for. You’ll look at the interesting history of how births, marriages, and deaths have been recorded through time, and when the information you’ll find might fall short.
You’ll find that the census is an incredibly popular tool when researching any family tree. In this unit, you’ll take a look at the census records that have been created over the last few hundred years, and the information you’ll find within. You’ll discover how to use parish records, and marriage licence bonds.
Unit five will tackle some weighty yet important topics. You’ll discover how to look up the military records of your ancestors, as well as those who may have found themselves serving at her majesty’s pleasure! Moving on, you’ll find out where to find the records of those forced onto Australian convict ships in the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as those who immigrated to the UK from places such as Ireland and America.
In this fascinating unit, you’ll begin by discovering how we managed before surnames were used, as well as how surnames originated and developed over time. Moving on, you’ll look at various taxes that were levelled in England through the Medieval and Early Modern period, the records which were kept as a result, and where you can find them – incredibly useful for finding ancestors you thought were lost to history forever!
Most of us will find that at least one of our ancestors spent some time in a workhouse, and this unit will show you how to find their records. Moving from the poor to the very wealthy, you’ll next find out how to trace your noble ancestry using resources such as manorial records.
Unit eight will cover further sources you can use for research, including wills, newspapers, maps, and research centres.
By now, you’ll realise that genealogy is addictive – but what to do with your new-found passion? There are several ways you can turn this into a career, and they’ll be covered in unit nine.
In the final unit, you’ll take a look at what you can do with the research you’ve conducted, as well as how to connect with others who also have an interest in genealogy.
Extra info
Awarding Body

NCFE is the leader in vocational and technical learning committed to powering a more intelligent education eco-system. We combine over 170 years of experience with deep insight into what is needed and what works.
From world-class qualifications and content to new assessment methodologies, from innovative technology platforms to partnership opportunities with our network of expert collaborators – NCFE galvanises the education sector to shape the most innovative solutions for individual learning needs. In doing this, we’re working for a fairer education system for all learners to power inclusivity and choice.
Endorsed by
Course Outcome
At the end of this course, successful learners will receive a certificate of completion and competency from a nationally recognised and respected awarding body.
How is this course assessed or examined?
Each unit is followed by a written tutor-marked assignment (TMA), which is submitted and then marked by your tutor. You will not be required to take an external exam.
Entry requirements
While there are no strict entry requirements for this level three Genealogy Diploma, it is strongly recommended that you have the ability to effectively read and write in English.