Recommended Educational Pathway
1. Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History
Over seven interactive online sessions or two days in person, you’ll learn how to use key research tools, explore traditional and online records, navigate major genealogy databases, incorporate maps, and tap into societies and online communities. You’ll also receive an introduction to DNA for genealogy and guidance on sharing and publishing your findings responsibly.
When Can I Start?
The Beginners Practical Introduction to Family History course is run online twice a year. In 2026 the online sessions will commence in March and September. This course is also run as an in person two-day intensive delivered in Sydney in August each year.
2. Genealogy Research Methods
Through ten sessions of online lectures, workshops, and practical exercises, you’ll apply proven research methodology to your own family history case study, learning how to plan effectively, analyse and interpret records, resolve conflicting evidence, and document your conclusions with confidence.
Suitable for beginners with some experience, as well as intermediate and advanced researchers seeking structure and refinement, this flexible online program includes personalised feedback and guidance from expert genealogist Danielle Lautrec.
When Can I Start?
The Genealogy Research Methods course is run twice a year commencing in January and July.
3. Certificate of Genealogical Research
In this skills assessment, the program consists of eight assignments plus an online exam undertaken across a year.
For each assignment you will be given the outline of what is required, together with some guidance to consider in preparing your submission. The assignments have been carefully selected to reflect the sorts of skills needed by genealogists and the program is essentially practical exercises in self-directed learning from experience.
We’ve been running a Certificate in Genealogical Research program since 2010. Designed to help members improve their research, analysis and writing skills, this program must be successfully completed before you can enrol in our Diploma in Family Historical Studies. You are expected to already have a good working knowledge of family history and have been researching for a minimum of three years before applying.
When Can I Start?
The next cohort of the Certificate of Genealogical Research begins in late February 2026
Regulations: Certificate in Genealogical Research
4. Diploma in Family Historical Studies
Once a member has completed the Certificate in Genealogical Research, they have the option to take their studies further by enrolling in our Diploma in Family Historical Studies.
The Diploma has been running since 1974 and enrolment is open to any member who completes the Certificate course at a credit level of 75% or higher. Requirements for the Diploma are the completion of a thesis (20,000 words) and a written examination.
When Can I Start?
We will be taking applications for our next cohort of Diploma in Family Historical Studies by the end of February 2026.
The application form for our 2026 intake is available from registration of an Expression of Interest. Past thesis can be viewed in the Library (search the Library catalogue Thesis/A6/ or contact office for electronic samples).
The Society of Australian Genealogists is not currently registered with government regulators as a higher education provider. Courses, including our Certificate and Diploma are non-accredited and do not at this time result in the award of a qualification recognised with the Australian Qualifications Framework. We do however, constantly review and adapt our courses in line with both the practices and standards of genealogical education given our extensive sector experience and with governance through a Diploma and Certificate Committee and the Society’s Board .
