Heritage research demands a diverse knowledge base and a complex skillset. The evidence that heritage researchers use on a daily basis is multidisciplinary: from combing through published and unpublished reports to processing maps, analysing historic images, and investigating artefacts. Having the knowledge to find useful and reliable sources of information and possessing the skills to process this evidence is paramount to producing high quality reports.

This course provides instruction in four main categories of research: (1) published and unpublished reports and archives, (2) museums and artefacts, (3) photographs and other visual resources, and (4) maps and spatial data. Each of these topics is led by an experienced professional who will address key physical and online resources as well as fundamental considerations when it comes to using this information in research, from critical analysis through to basic starting points in software. While the course deals with these areas in detail, it also provides a framework for thinking across these categories synoptically with advice on how to construct strategic priorities for research, and an interactive discussion session on what makes a high-quality report.

This course provides a primer for those starting out in professional and postgraduate heritage research as well as for more experienced researchers seeking to refresh and bolster their existing skillset.