Our students are enthusiastic about our online genealogical courses. However, many new students are unsure of where to begin. Which courses should they take first? Just as in planning to build a house, your genealogy education plan must begin with the foundation. Whether you are just beginning to research your family history, or you are an experienced researcher, it is recommended for all students to begin with understanding the methodology guidelines and standards used in all genealogy research. This is accomplished through our Methodology Certificate.
If you are considering any certificate, these are the first courses to work on as the Methodology Certificate courses are COMPULSORY for all of our Certificate Programs. To find out more about our Methodology Certificate and the suggested course order, check out our blog post.
For our Irish Certificate in Genealogical Studies, you must successfully complete 40 courses, which includes the 14 required courses of the Methodology Certificate, 14 compulsory Irish Records courses, and 12 elective courses of your choice. The Irish Records courses include 4 compulsory courses at the Basic Level, 5 compulsory courses at the Intermediate Level, and 5 compulsory courses at the Advanced Level.
Irish Certificate Package = 40 courses
Basic Level
Irish: Understanding Ireland, History and Source Records
This course will provide a brief history of Ireland for understanding record sources, examine the administrative (civil and ecclesiastical) divisions, and discuss Irish place names and family names. The course will conclude with the types of records available for research in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (Eire), the importance of understanding maps for the region, and migration patterns.
Irish: Census and Census Substitute Records
This course touches on the importance of the census record and its availability or lack of availability depending upon period and locality in Ireland, as well as a discussion on the various forms of census and census substitutes (1630-present) that exist for the combined territories of what is now referred to as Northern Ireland and the separate Republic of Eire.
Irish: Conformist and Non-Conformist Church Records
The course examines various forms of church (parish) records in Ireland and in particular between the conformist records of the Church of Ireland and those ecclesiastical institutions which did not conform to the standards of the day. We will discuss time periods, historical backgrounds, contents of records, availability of records, access to these important record collections, and effective research procedures.
Irish: Archival Repositories
This course presents an overview of the archival and repository centres throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (Eire) for conducting Irish research.
Intermediate Level
Irish: Civil Registration
The course will discuss civil registered record types of birth, marriage and death in post-1863 Ireland and Protestant marriage records which begin from 1845, the contents of these records, their availability, how the information documented has changed over time, the limitations and advantages of civil vital records, and effective research strategies for using this record type.
Irish: Monumental (Gravestone) Inscriptions
The course will discuss the value of transcriptions of tombstones (also known as ”monumental inscriptions” or ”memorials of the dead”), the time periods of their existence and use, the contents, and their availability or access to these records.
Irish: Major Printed Sources
This course will discuss printed source collections, focussing on the various forms of printed sources available, what information they contain and their value, the challenges in accessing or using these records, locating these source records and discussing any available bibliographies, indexes, and abstracts that might exist.
Irish: Land Administration Records
This course will discuss land and deed records and the value of using this record group; the historical background of land tenure in Ireland; the general contents of these records and their availability; as well as strategies for effectively researching and accessing this record collection.
Irish: Testamentary Source Records
This course will address the record group of wills and estate administrations, both pre-1858 before the system of administration changed, and post-1858 which is consistent to the present date. We will discuss the value of these records during both these time periods, develop some historical background to their development, examine the contents and availability of the records in both periods, as well as comment on some research strategies for using these collections.
Advanced Level
Irish: Immigration, Naturalization and Emigration Records
Sadly, there are no complete records of emigration, immigration or naturalization for Ireland. There are some collections available from Irish record sources, however the bulk of meaningful source material will more likely come from the receiving country or sending country than from Irish sources. We will examine the available materials involving the Irish, the time periods, and their accessibility.
Irish: Electoral & Taxation Records
The course will discuss the value of electoral, poll, and tithe records and their challenges, a description of their contents, including the dates of coverage and types of persons included in their details, as well as a discussion on their availability, access to them in, and outside of, Ireland as well as brief lists of bibliographic and indexed sources to these collections.
Irish: Estate, Plantation and Settlement Records
This course will provide you with an understanding of the importance of estate records, plantation documents and settlement papers when undertaking your genealogical research.
Irish: Military, Naval and Pension Records
This course will discuss military records, their value, historical background, and availability of these collections. These include ancient manuscripts, printed source materials providing valuable lists of officers and soldiers in local forces, accounts of military activity including officer personnel, local incidents and names of rebellious persons, the various records often accompanied with biographical and genealogical notes. Pension records, and the Irish and Royal Irish Constabulary records will also be discussed.
Irish: Court Records, State Papers, Parliamentary Documents
This course explores court records, state papers and parliamentary documents, which cover Irish history from the 12th century to the present. These record collections can supply, particularly for pre-1850 Ireland, some of the best pointers on periods of presence and locality, as well as indications of social strata, details on occupations, residences, physical descriptions, and family relationships or family structures.
We offer several courses, which could be chosen to fulfill the elective portion of the Irish Certificate. These courses can be added to your certificate package, and will supplement your genealogical knowledge for your specific area or family history topic. You are sure to find several relevant courses to build your research skills.
Combination Certificates
Alternatively, you can use courses from other certificates as your electives and complete TWO certificates for the cost of one. Your customized certificate could include the compulsory Irish Records, plus the compulsory courses from any other topic or country-themed certificate. Both include the Methodology Courses as they form the basis for all of our Professional Learning Certificates.
Irish and DNA Certificate – 40 Courses
Irish and Librarianship Certificate – 40 Courses
Irish and Professional Development Certificate – 49 Courses
Building your genealogical research skills with these essential courses is for both serious family historians and professional researchers. We can assist you in building your genealogical education plan for your future research projects. Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your options to successfully reach your research goals. See contact information below.
The International Institute of Genealogical Studies offers quality online education with over 240 courses. Our wide range of courses cover specific countries, enhance methodology research, build skills to maximize your research time, and all count toward the certification you choose.
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Blog: blog.GenealogicalStudies.comLEADERS IN ONLINE GENEALOGY EDUCATION since 1997