Family and Local History

Snapshot

Aims of the Programme

This programme teaches the skills and methodologies necessary to investigate the history of families and neighbourhoods within the wider context of social history.

This programme provides students with:

• skills in finding and interpreting archive sources for family and local history
• an understanding of how to read old handwriting and to recognise common forms of documents
• knowledge of family history and archive websites and published sources that will help you with your research - for yourself or for others
• a thorough understanding of record types, the reasons for their creation, their location and the information they contain
• an expertise in finding, analysing and interpreting archival records for family and local history research
• an awareness of the historical context in which the records were created and used
• a knowledge of archival theory as it applies to research
• an understanding of the legal and ethical issues relating to research using archival records

The course is available by distance learning to students off-campus, throughout the world.

Students study a series of core and optional modules which have full academic accreditation from the University of Dundee. The programme is delivered by distance learning via the University of Dundee's Virtual Learning Environment which ensures a supportive and interactive learning environment, with frequent contact between students and tutors.

Centre for Archive and Information Studies

The Centre for Archive and Information Studies (CAIS) is part of the University's Archive, Records Management and Museum Services (ARMMS) which is responsible for the care and development of the University's historical collections, the management of systems to control business records and compliance with information legislation across the University.

CAIS offers postgraduate and undergraduate distance learning programmes for information professionals and family and local historians, delivered in an interactive online environment and allowing flexible part time study.

CAIS also conducts a number of associated activities such as hosting a range of presentations, seminars and conferences, the attraction of external funding and occasional taught training courses in collaboration with experts in the field throughout the UK and beyond.

Course Content and Structure

Mlitt degree

To qualify for the MLitt in Family and Local History, students must complete a total of 180 credits.

Compulsory modules total 40 credits:

• Skills and sources for Family and Local History in Scotland or England - 20 credits

and

• Scots or English Palaeography and Diplomatic - 20 credits

Students can then choose to study a selection of optional modules, to equal 80 credits. The list of options can be found on the CAIS website.

20 credit modules last for 15 weeks, 10 credit modules last for 9 weeks.

Finally, a dissertation of 18,000 words is completed (60 credits).

PG Certificate

To qualify for the Certificate in Family and Local History, students must complete a total of 60 credits.

Students must complete one of the following core modules, but they can elect to study both if they so desire:

• Skills and Sources for Family and Local History in Scotland (20 credits)
• Skills and Sources for Family and Local History in England (20 credits)

Students can then choose to study a selection of optional modules to complete their total of 60 credits.

Assessment

Essays/reports; contribution to module (through online tasks and discussion board debate), dissertation of 18,000 words for MLitt students.

Student Support

The programme is delivered by distance learning via the University of Dundee's web-based Virtual Learning Environment which ensures a supportive and interactive learning environment, with frequent contact between students and tutors. The VLE gives access to study materials, links to on-line journals, discussion boards and research guides. Module tutors provide regular feedback and support to the students.

Optional study days are available for some of the modules and optional student visits will be arranged.

Professional Accreditation

This programme is comprised of modules currently accredited by the Archives and Records Association UK.

Entry Requirements

Standard entry will be based on a good first degree in an appropriate subject (usually upper Second Class).

Alternative qualifications and/or experience, approved and validated through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) frameworks, will also be considered.

Students must also have access to the Internet and a PC of an appropriate specification to access learning materials and for communication.

English Language Requirement: IELTS of 7.0 (or equivalent), if your first language is not English. Please check our Language Requirements page for details of equivalent grades from other test providers, and information about the University of Dundee English Language courses.

Transfer of credit from other study programmes may be possible by arrangement.

Contact

To apply for this course, or to request further information, please contact:

Programme Administrator
Centre for Archive & Information Studies
Tower Building
University of Dundee
Dundee
DD1 4HN
UK

Telephone: 01382 385543 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 385543 (from outside the UK)

Fax: 01382 385523 (from the UK)
Fax: +44 1382 385523 (from outside the UK)

Email: armtraining@dundee.ac.uk