Genealogy Courses
Pharos Tutors
Genealogy Courses for Beginner & Professional Genealogists
Pharos Tutors offers short topic-based online courses on a variety of genealogy-related subjects. The topics range from how to work with genealogical sources to steps on becoming a professional genealogist.
Originally established in 2005 with half a dozen tutors and courses, we now have around twenty tutors and over forty courses. Our topics range from genealogical sources (like wills and Chancery records) to courses on one-name and one-place studies, Scottish and Irish research, DNA, and the popular “Professional Genealogist” course. All our tutors are professional genealogists, archives professionals, and subject experts and have often written books on the subjects they teach. Visit the Pharos website now to see what works for you!
Genealogy Courses Designed to Suit You
Beginner Anytime Courses
Whether you’re just starting out on your research journey or want to brush up on skills, the Anytime Courses could be perfect for you. These beginners’ courses can be taken at your own pace without a Tutor and cover topics like how to find and then interpret parish registers.
Tutor-Led Courses
Our Tutor-led courses are our most popular and usually last between 4-6 weeks. Students receive lesson notes at the start of each week, which can be downloaded and kept forever. Each lesson contains activities for students to complete and these are posted in the online course forum area. Students can see each other’s work, comment and collaborate where appropriate. Every week the students have the opportunity to attend a weekly live online chat session with their tutor and fellow students. This is great opportunity for students to ask their tutor questions.
Genealogy Certificate Programmes
We have two certificate programmes called the Intermediate and Advanced Certificate in Family History Skills and Strategies. These are combinations of Tutor-led courses, but with the added benefit of formal assessment. These were developed in partnership with the Society of Genealogists, and our Advanced Certificate is recognised by AGRA (the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives) as a route to professional genealogy.
All our courses can be taken in isolation, whether they form part of a certificate programme or not. At Pharos, we are all about flexibility, giving you the extra help where you need it!
“The subjects covered include all sorts from Wills and Administrations, Apprenticeships, Military Ancestors and Nonconformists, to Victorian Crime and Punishment, Migration and Poor Laws. The modules are taught by different tutors, each with expert knowledge in their field. I’ve found them to be really supportive, always ready to answer questions (no matter how silly!), and encouraging throughout.
I was initially anxious about returning to studying after all these years, but I had nothing to worry about. I’ve been lucky to have some brilliant people in my groups, all helping each other with tips and advice.
Overall, I’ve found Pharos to be nurturing and eye-opening – I couldn’t believe the extensive collections of records out there that I didn’t even know existed!”
Kelly Cornwell, Intermediate Certificate Graduate
Tips & Tricks for Family Historians
Are you new to family history research and looking for advice? Or a professional historian after some tips from a fellow researcher? Check out my blog where I share insights and more from my own family history journey.
Let’s Search for Your Ancestors!
Whether it’s untangling family myths or organising your family tree, just get in touch to tell me more about your family research project and find out how I can help you uncover your family's past.
