MRes History with Genealogical Studies
ApplyKey facts
- Start date: September
- Study mode and duration: Full‑time (12 months) | part‑time (24 months)
Location: online
Study with us
- develop advanced research expertise in two closely connected disciplines
- build your knowledge and skills in genealogical methodologies, historical research techniques, and source analysis
- complete a substantial dissertation with dedicated one‑to‑one supervision
- strong foundation for PhD study or research‑focused careers
- delivered fully online, with full and part-time study options
The Place of Useful Learning
UK University of the Year
Daily Mail University of the Year Awards 2026
Scottish University of the Year
The Sunday Times' Good University Guide 2026
Course content
The programme combines taught modules, one‑to‑one supervision, research training and independent project work.
The MRes can be completed full-time over 1 or 2 years, or part-time over 2 or 3 years, culminating in a thesis built on original research of 25,000 words. You will also take 40 credits in skills and methodology classes in History and in Genealogical Studies in semester one of the programme, to prepare for your dissertation research.
Core modules
Semester 1
Professional Practice & Methodologies 1
This session provides a context for genealogical practice in a wide variety of environments. You'll progress with a common level of knowledge and understanding of key concepts and practice, including:
- ethics & standards in genealogy
- analysis of evidence problems
- business practice
- an introduction to palaeography
- the recording & presentation of data
Civil & Church Records
This class is a systematic foundation in the use of various sources, including birth, marriage, death and census records from across the United Kingdom.
Census substitutes (poll books, electoral rolls, valuation and taxation assessments and subsidy lists, poor law registers, etc) and ecclesiastical records (OPR, parish registers, bishops' transcripts, Kirk Session and parish administration records, etc) are also covered.
Advanced Topics in History
This module will enable you to work with a History staff member on a mutually agreed research topic, incorporating detailed study of historiography and methodology. This option is designed to give you the opportunity to work closely with a member of staff to develop a specialist area of study and build methodological skills.
Semester 2 & 3
Dissertation
A MRes in history with a genealogical dimension may incorporate one or more of the following areas:
- using genealogical techniques and/or sources to advance knowledge in associated areas. This includes historical demography, local history, sociology etc. This research may focus on a particular event, area or question in history viewed through the ‘lens’ of its effect on a group, set of families or individuals.
- reappraising previous research findings using genealogical research techniques and/or records and tools such as genetic genealogy. These can be historical, genealogical, demographic, etc.
- assessing and evaluating newly available or not-often-used resources. These can include archival collections, ways of using software, etc. This research might examine and evaluate primary sources and/or research methods for the enhancement of genealogical practice
- assessing and evaluating development in genealogical practice or supporting areas such as archives. This research can include questioning what, why and how genealogists do things, with the aim of delivering a better and more effective service
This is not an exhaustive list. You may wish to select a different focus altogether.
Entry requirements
| Academic requirements |
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| English language requirements | Proof of English language proficiency if English isn’t your first language. For postgraduate studies, we require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent (no individual test score below 5.5). The test must be taken within two years of the programme start date. |
Fees & funding
All fees quoted are per academic year unless otherwise stated.
Entrants may be subject to a small fee during the writing up period.
Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.
All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.
Annual revision of fees
Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually.
The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year. This cap will apply to fees from 2026/27 onwards, which will not increase by more than 10% from the previous year for continuing students.
| Scotland |
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| England, Wales & Northern Ireland |
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| Republic of Ireland |
If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process. |
| International |
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| Funding | Take a look at our funding your postgraduate research web page for funding information. You can also view our scholarships search for further funding opportunities. |
| Postgraduate research opportunities | Search for all funded and non-funded postgraduate research opportunities. |
| Additional costs | International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.
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Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year.
How can I apply?
Tip: Start early – exploring projects and reaching out to supervisors takes time, and it’s worth getting ahead!
1. Discover research projects
Browse our list of supervisor-led projects – these are ready-made opportunities designed by our academic experts. Found something that sparks your interest? Great!
Prefer to shape your own research? You can propose a student-led project too. We welcome students interested in research with a focus on family history or a related area.
2. Get to know our supervisors
Your supervisor will play a key role in your success.
- explore their profiles to understand research areas, expertise, and recent work
- identify who best matches your interests and goals
Our supervisors
You will be supervised by academic staff in History with co-supervision by staff in the Strathclyde Institute of Genealogical Studies, giving the opportunity to undertake an MRes in History with a distinctive genealogical dimension.
3. Contact a supervisor
If applying for project-led:
- email the supervisor to introduce yourself to check suitability and their capacity
- make your email subject heading clear
- include:
- a short summary of why you want to do an MRes in History with Genealogical Studies
- your CV
- a clear statement of your interest
If applying for student-led:
- email the HaSS Graduate School to introduce yourself
- make your email subject heading clear
- include:
- a short summary of why you want to do an MRes in History with Genealogical Studies
- your CV
- research proposal of 1,000 words
This step helps you build a positive connection before applying.
Please note: There are times during the academic year when supervisors may be very busy, which could delay their response to your email.
- if you haven’t received a reply within a week, send a polite follow-up email
- you can also contact the HaSS Graduate School for advice or support at any stage (hass-pgr-applications@strath.ac.uk)
Supervisors
| Name | Areas of Expertise |
|---|---|
| Patricia Barton |
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| Tanja Bueltmann |
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| Matthew Eisler |
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| Hannah Elizabeth |
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| Catriona Ellis |
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| Erica Fudge |
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| Laura Kelly |
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| Alasdair MacDonald |
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| Raquel Martinez Martin |
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| Tahitia McCabe |
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| Yvonne McFadden |
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| Rhiannon McGlade |
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| Jim Mills |
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| Katharine Mitchell |
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| Martin Mitchell |
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| David Murphy |
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| Emma Newlands |
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| Hannah Proctor |
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| Rogelia Pastor-Castro |
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| Elsa Richardson |
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| Jesus Sanjurjo-Ramos |
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| Matthew Smith |
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| Natalia Telepneva |
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| Angela Turner |
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| Karine Varley |
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| Ksenia Wesolowska |
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| Niall Whelehan |
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| Calista Williams |
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| Manuela Williams |
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| David Wilson |
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| John Young |
|
Careers
This MRes is designed to prepare graduates for doctoral study and a range of research-focused careers. Through advanced training in historical and genealogical research methods, source analysis and independent investigation, you’ll develop the skills required for further academic research, professional genealogy, heritage and archives work, and other roles requiring advanced research and analytical expertise. The programme also provides a direct pathway to the University’s PhD in History with Genealogical Studies.
Potential career outcomes include archivist, museum professional, historian, family history researcher, or heritage consultant.
Careers & Employability Service
The University Careers Service can help you with everything from writing your CV to interview preparation. Take a look at our careers service pages to get more information.
The Graduate School
All Postgraduate Research Students within the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences are members of the Graduate School and have access to dedicated study facilities, social events and training, development and funding opportunities.
Apply
After a positive discussion with your chosen supervisor, you’re ready to submit your application. You can apply for a full-time or part-time programme.
Start date: Sep 2026
History with Genealogical Studies
Start date: Sep 2027
History with Genealogical Studies
Start date: Sep 2026
History with Genealogical Studies
Start date: Sep 2027
History with Genealogical Studies
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