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The education service offers an introduction to The National Archives for groups of undergraduate students and their course supervisors throughout the academic year. The sessions are intended as an introduction to the use of archives and primary sources for historical research, and more specifically to the use of resources at The National Archives.

Students will have the opportunity to work on documents from our unique collection, both in the reading rooms and in our purpose-built education room. We aim to give them the opportunity to develop the skills of selecting and analysing original documents for their research topics.

The workshop will include:

  • A general introduction to the content of The National Archives collection and its history
  • Discussion of conservation issues and guidance in the handling of documents
  • Guidance in the use of our digitised catalogue and the document ordering process
  • Exploring online access to other relevant archive collections
  • A tour of the reading room facilities and behind the scenes

Workshops are free of charge, although a charge may be made for non-attendance. A booking form is available online, but if you have any questions, would like more detailed information about individual workshops or have a booking enquiry please contact the education officer.

Virtual visits

If you feel that our location is too far for an on-site visit, we can offer a virtual visit covering some of the aspects of the programme via our videoconferencing equipment, providing that your institution has similar facilities.

Readers' tickets

If you have been advised by an education officer to pre-register for a reader's ticket before you visit, please follow one of the links below (this applies to A Level master class students and undergraduates only). When you collect your ticket on the day of your visit, you will be required to produce two forms of acceptable ID. Failure to bring along acceptable ID will mean that you will not be issued with your reader's ticket.

For UK residents:
If you are a UK resident please enter your details on this registration form.

For non-UK residents:
If you are not a UK resident you can enter your details on this registration form.