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Diploma of Family History (R2H)

Overview (2027)

Duration

Minimum 1 Year, up to a maximum of 3 years.

This course is available to study only on a part-time basis
Duration
Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

Online
Block 2, Block 4, Semester 1, Semester 2

Diploma of Family History graduate Ros Escott chose to explore the turbulent history of an iconic Australian family, the Wentworths.

Family history is for everybody. We all have stories in our family tree waiting to be told.

The Diploma of Family History will give you essential knowledge and tools to bring the past to life through tracing your family experiences and understanding the historical forces that shaped them.

Develop the skills and knowledge to share family stories with others. Our Family History course is designed to help you explore your family's past, while also becoming more proficient and comfortable in a digital environment. You'll learn how to undertake historical research while developing your communication and writing skills. Plus, you'll be part of a supportive cohort of family history enthusiasts and experts.

Each unit is taught by specialists in Australian, British, European and Asian histories. As you progress through your course you’ll learn how to research, write and creatively communicate family history. You'll also develop skills to identify, analyse and interpret historical information from a range of family history sources.

You'll learn how to use oral history, family heirlooms and photographs, as well as physical and digital archives to illuminate your family’s past. The Diploma of Family History focuses on understanding individual lives in their wider historical contexts, through investigating the impacts of events such as war, convict transportation, and migration.

Our Family History courses are fully online. You can study these units in any order you choose, but we recommend commencing your course with Introduction to Family History. Many students study one unit per term.

In 2026, our dates will be:

Term 1: 2 Feb – 29 Mar 2026

Term 2: 4 May – 28 Jun 2026

Term 3: 27 Jul – 20 Sep 2026

Term 4: 19 Oct –13 Dec 2026

2027 Start dates

For 2027 there will be four (4) blocks. These new intensive 7-week study periods align with the start and end dates of the 12-week Semesters.

Block 1: 22 Feb – 18 April 2027
Block 2: 26 April – 13 June 2027
Block 3: 05 Jul – 22 August 2027
Block 4: 06 Sept – 24 October 2027

Career outcomes

Completing a Diploma of Family History develops skills and knowledge relevant to the following fields:

  • family history and genealogical research
  • creative writing
  • non-fiction writing
  • cultural and/or heritage tourism
  • local and regional museums
  • history and heritage consultancies
  • local and community history organisations
  • education
  • volunteering and community activities
  • archives and library information systems
  • further studies in history, heritage and related fields

Course structure

To complete the Diploma of Family History you will need to complete eight units worth 12.5 credit points each, for a total of 100 credit points.

  • 4 units, or 50 credit points, of Foundation level units, and
  • 4 units, or 50 credit points, of Introductory level units.

The Diploma is designed around four terms per year, allowing you to study one unit per term if you intend to complete in two years. Each term we offer at least one Foundation and one Introductory unit. This provides you with the choice to structure your studies around your lifestyle.

While you may complete the units in any order, we strongly recommend commencing your course with HAA003 Introduction to Family History.

Entry requirements

Fees & scholarships

Domestic students

Commonwealth supported places (CSP) are available for this course. For eligible domestic students, this means your fees will be subsidised by the Australian Government. You’ll only need to pay the student contribution amount for each unit you study within the course.

Commonwealth Supported Place indicative annual fee: $14,686

How is this calculated?

This is an estimate. The calculation is based on the average part-time enrolment for this course in 2026. All figures are indicative only for 2027. Actual tuition fees will depend on specific unit enrolment, and are subject to annual increases each year. You can find the complete fee details for each unit of study on the individual unit pages. The units for this course are found in the course structure section of this page.

These figures do not include other costs such as the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). For further information, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

HECS-HELP loans

You may be able to defer payment of the student contribution amount by accessing a HECS-HELP loan from the Government. If eligible, you’ll only have to pay your tuition fees once you start earning above a specific amount.

Further information on student loans and a CSP eligibility checker can be found at Australian Government Study Assist.

Domestic scholarships

For information on general scholarships available at the University of Tasmania, please visit the scholarships website.

How can we help?

Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.