Methods and sources for historical research

Course dates

1. 22 - 26 November 2010
2. 11 - 15 April 2011
3. 4 - 8 July 2011

Course fee

£200

This long-standing and popular course is an introduction to the sources available in London for historical research, primarily in the modern period (since 1500) and explores historical methodology for carrying out research. The main focus is British and imperial history, although European and American sources will also be covered.

The course is designed around arranged visits and lectures. The first day is spent in the IHR: students will be introduced to primary sources and their uses for the historian, with detailed explanation of the legal and institutional structures of record-keeping in the UK and the rest of the world. The printed and electronic aids for locating and gaining access to primary sources will be introduced and the group will be shown how, using online and paper bibliographies and catalogues, all the sources relevant to a given line of research may be found.

Over the course of the rest of the week, the group will visit a wide variety of different types of archive and libraries in London, including the principal national collections. Students will be introduced to the holdings of each institution by the responsible curators or archivists, and instructed in the use of relevant finding aids and in all the techniques necessary for research on primary sources.

The course programmes are as follows:

• 22-26 November 2010
• 11-15 April 2011
• 4-8 July 2011

The course is organised by the Institute of Historical Research and is open to postgraduate students and all who are interested in using the wealth of archival sources available in London. Numbers are strictly limited for each running of the course, and demand is normally extremely strong so early application is recommended.

Application form

Participants should make their own arrangements for accommodation. We recommend using the list of inexpensive hotels in central London provided by The University of London Accommodation Office, or, for those courses taking place outside term-time, places may be available at University of London Halls of Residence.

Completed registration forms should be returned by email or post to:

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