Family history is fascinating - but it can be challenging, and Dr Sophie Kay is here to help you.

How will the course help you?

In this online course tutored by Dr Kay, she will teach you a set of family history research tactics to help you:

• search for your ancestors with greater precision
• dig deeper into your ancestors' worlds and spot further clues in the process
• analyse more effectively the problems you encounter in the records
• and spot patterns and possibilities in your family history, which can hold the key to greater research success
• PLUS, learn how to keep a more organised record of your research

Join us on the Research Skills Studio and learn memorable tactics that you can begin using straightaway, and continue to use in the future as you work on your family tree.

What does the course include?

The online course, tutored by Sophie and hosted by Family Tree, will include:

• 4 x expert family history webinar tutorials
• 4 x 'after-show' group discussions
• Your digital copy of Sophie’s Research Skills Workbook, worth £20

On Dr Sophie Kay's Research Skills Studio course, you will learn how searching in a methodical manner will help you make the most of your family history time. You'll also master the family history skills to:

1. Equip yourself with the family history tactics you need to research in a more thorough manner
2. Gain greater insights to the past and the lives of your ancestors
3. Join the course, and learn a research approach that will maximise your chances of research success - even when tackling challenging family history problems.

When does the course take place?

Tuesday 7-28 April 2026, 7.30-9pm UK time

• Session 1 (Tuesday 07 Apr. 7.30-9pm): Search Superpowers
• Session 2 (Tuesday 14 April. 7.30-9pm): Mapping Magic
• Session 3 (Tuesday 21 April. 7.30-9pm): Evidence Expeditions
• Session 4 (Tuesday 28 April. 7.30-9pm): Sibling Serendipity

All the sessions will be presented live and the video recordings will be shared within 24 hours of the live session, and will be available until 28 May 2026.

About the course tutor, Dr Sophie Kay

From DNA to historical maps, from research methods to historical occupations, Dr Sophie Kay is a professional genealogist and geneticist at Khronicle® who tackles all manner of family history research challenges from the medieval era to modern day.
She’s the Ancestry and Genealogy Expert for popular archaeology show, Time Team, and the Scientist in Residence for The Mixed Museum, where she delivers educational sessions and content in genetic genealogy. A qualified research scientist, Sophie is also a Member of AGRA, a UK organisation of professional genealogists, and works on a variety of projects in both DNA and archival research for private clients and public organisations.
Sophie’s family history blog can be found at The Parchment Rustler, where she shares tips, tricks and strategies for making the most of your ancestral research journey.