Leah is a graduate from the MSc Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies programme at the University of Strathclyde

Tell us a little bit about your background...

I’m a Historian and Genealogist from Devon with a previous background in Design and Innovation as an Agricultural Engineer. I stepped away from the corporate world and returned to postgraduate study while raising my family and building my research business. Having a background in childhood and education studies I hoped to deepen my academic skills and develop my work on childhood and family history.

What drew you towards undertaking this degree?

I wanted to finally pursue a life passion for family history and came across the MSc in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies. This degree celebrates the field of Genealogy while combining strong historical training with flexible learning. It gave me the tools to connect my personal interests in childhood history as well as traditional and genetic genealogy, while learning more about rigorous and professional historical research methods.

Tell us about the format of the programme...

I studied part-time and fully online, which made it perfect alongside family life. A typical week involved organising my own workload around the various assessment due dates. Study included a mixture of reading, online videos, independent research and regular written assessments. Assessments were primarily written essays but also included some group projects and online quizzes. A typical week was quite intensive but achievable and I enjoyed the challenge.

Tell us about your dissertation topic...

My dissertation examined children who were removed from their parental homes in England between 1851 and 1921. I used both demographic analysis and detailed genealogical case studies, which allowed me to uncover the human stories behind the children in care as orphans, nurse children, waifs, adopted and fostered children etc.

What is the academic support at Strathclyde like?

The support I received was exceptional. Staff were approachable, encouraging, and my personal tutors were genuinely invested in my progress. As a distance learner, I still felt part of a supportive academic community with both lecturers and fellow students.

What are the facilities at Strathclyde like?

As a distance learner I have not been on campus; however, the online library resources, databases and digital resources were excellent and made access to materials so simple. When I located some materials that Strathclyde did not have access to, I was able to request access, and the library services sourced the materials and added it to their collections from which I could then request on loan. The library team continue to be so friendly and helpful in my studies.

What are your hopes for the future?

After completing my MSc, I felt more inspired than ever, and I’m now a full-time PhD student at Strathclyde studying History with Genealogy. My research is a tribute to my Grandad, who I lost in early 2025. His stories, kindness and mischievous humour filled my childhood, and taught me that genealogy isn’t just found in archives, it lives in the people who raised us. I am excited to develop my knowledge and skills even further through my PhD while building my own research business, Genealogy Journal.

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for this course?

If you’re passionate about genealogy and ready to grow as a researcher, this programme is a perfect choice. It’s flexible, supportive, and gives you the confidence and skills to pursue advanced research, whether you want to use the skills academically, professionally, or personally. There is so much opportunity within this course to really discover and develop your own speciality.