Skip main navigation

Who do you think you are? Become a family history researcher

Who do you think you are? Become a family history researcher. The University of Strathclyde and FutureLearn have announced a new online course called ‘Genealogy: Researching your Family Tree’, which is free and starts on 14 March.

In 2013 USA Today found that genealogy is America’s second most popular hobby, after gardening. This will come as no surprise to family history researchers around the world.

The University of Strathclyde and FutureLearn have announced a new online course called ‘Genealogy: Researching your Family Tree’, which is free and starts on 14 March.

The six-week course is led by Genealogist Tahitia McCabe, from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

Tahitia McCabe said the course suited family history researchers from all geographies.

“Students will learn global methods for finding and storing family tree information and explore the potential of DNA testing,” she said.

“One of the key challenges of genealogy – finding the right person among a number of possible candidates, with ever-changing spellings of surnames – will be considered.

“This course will help you add historical context to your family history and teach you the best way to record your research,” she said.

Simon Nelson, CEO of FutureLearn, the UK’s first online social learning provider, said the first run of the genealogy course was proving popular.

“With more than 22,000 enrolments so far, this course is evidence that people want to learn about their family history and heritage.

“I’m proud FutureLearn can offer a course that meets our learners needs and will let people explore and understand their family tree,” he said.

Sign up for the course at www.futurelearn.com/courses/genealogy

Ends.

Notes to editors

Title of course: Genealogy: Researching your Family Tree

Duration: 6 weeks long and 4 hours per week course time

Cost: free

Knowledge level: No prior knowledge required

Start date: 14 March 2016.

Related stories on FutureLearn

FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now