Program Overview

Diplôme Universitaire « Histoire des Familles et Généalogie »

The Diplôme Universitaire « Histoire des Familles et Généalogie » is a university diploma that aims to structure the knowledge necessary for conducting research in genealogy.

Presentation

This diploma, delivered by the École nationale des chartes - PSL since 2023, aims to transmit and structure the knowledge and skills required for genealogical research. The teachings, given by professionals in the relevant fields (archival science, history of institutions and sources, introduction to law, onomastics, paleography, bibliographic and digital tools, etc.), will equip students to establish a family history, conduct prosopography, and read and understand the documents that serve as sources for genealogy autonomously.

Competences and Objectives

• Comprehend the history of families in the context of the history of institutions and documentary production related to their activity, from the modern era to the present day.
• Identify and master the sources of genealogical research.
• Reconstitute genealogical links through the reading and interpretation of documents in their historical and institutional context.
• Mobilize knowledge of succession law, family law, or property law to answer questions in genealogical research.
• Diversify sources of information about an individual and their family.
• Recognize and interpret the history of emblematic systems, as well as the evolution of toponymy and onomastics.

Pedagogical and Administrative Responsibility

• Pedagogical Responsibility: Patrick Arabeyre
• Administrative Responsibility: Service de la formation continue

Location of Teachings

The teachings take place at the École nationale des chartes - PSL, 65, rue de Richelieu, Paris 2e, with the possibility of following the courses remotely.

Admission

Conditions of Admission

• Diploma of Master 2 or equivalent (bac+5)

Application

• Send a CV, a copy of the diploma, and a letter of motivation (one page) from March 1st to May 21st, 2026.

Calendar

• Communication of the list of admitted students: June 8, 2026
• Administrative and pedagogical registrations (unique course, no options): from June 10 to August 28, 2026
• Start of the academic year and classes: September 11, 2026

Registration Fees

• Unique rate: 5,000 euros

Scolarité

• The teachings will be complemented by an internship (maximum 6 weeks)
• 509 hours of training (including 204 hours of courses and 305 hours of internship)
• 60 ECTS
• Duration: 1 academic year

List of Teachings

• Conference of introduction: What is genealogy? (3 hours, 0.5 ECTS)
• Access to archives (7 hours, 1.5 ECTS)
• Sources of genealogy I and II (48 hours, 12 ECTS)
• Introduction to law (25 hours, 6 ECTS)
• Institutions and their archives: the Ancien Régime (18 hours, 4 ECTS)
• Onomastics (10 hours, 3 ECTS)
• Heraldry and emblematics (24 hours, 6 ECTS)
• Paleography (60 hours, 10 ECTS)
• Online instruments and resources for genealogy (6 hours, 1 ECTS)
• The profession of genealogist today (3 hours, 1 ECTS)
• Internship and internship report (308 hours, 15 ECTS)

Débouchés

• Genealogist with a professional study
• Entrepreneurship in the field of family or succession genealogy
• Research positions or participation in public or private institution projects, in the area of expertise of the diploma

This program is designed to provide comprehensive training in genealogy, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct professional genealogical research.