Take your genetic genealogy expertise to the next level
Do you already understand the basics of DNA testing and family history—but want to go deeper? If so, Advancing Your DNA Skills is the perfect next step.
This 12-week expert-led course will help you move from simply reading your DNA results to truly interpreting them with confidence, uncovering hidden ancestral connections and solving even the trickiest family mysteries.
- Book before 30 November 2025 to lock in 2025 prices! 2026 price £475
- Book before 30 November 2025 to get Gold membership included for the duration of the course
Who This Course Is For
This course is designed for keen genealogists who:
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Have taken an AncestryDNA test
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Already understand the basics of DNA testing for genealogy
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Have built and researched their own family trees
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Have access to at least one major genealogy website
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Are primarily researching British or Irish ancestry
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Have completed a beginner DNA course such as Introduction to DNA with Mia Bennett or DNA Bootcamp
- If in doubt test your current knowledge with our fun DNA Skills Quiz to find out if you’re ready for the challenge of this advanced course!
What You’ll Learn
Throughout the 12 weeks, you’ll gain practical, hands-on experience with autosomal test results and learn how to group DNA matches, identify shared ancestors, and apply ethical best practices in genetic genealogy.
You’ll explore:
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The history of DNA testing – understand how we got here
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Autosomal DNA refresher – strengthen your foundation
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Why your traditional family tree matters more than ever
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Connecting the dots – the power of DNA matching
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The ethical genetic genealogist – doing it right
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Exploring the fatherline and motherline – Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA
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Understanding X-chromosome DNA matching
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Forensic genetic genealogy
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Real case studies and advanced tools – from WATO to intelligent clustering
And that’s just the beginning!
Hands-On Learning That Sticks
Each week you’ll take part in:
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Live classes: Two hours every Wednesday evening with leading experts in the field
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Interactive discussions: 45-minute guided sessions on most Mondays
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Ongoing homework challenge: Apply what you’ve learned to solve a surprise DNA mystery—step by step
This unique blend of teaching, discussion and discovery ensures you’ll finish the course with genuine, applicable skills.
By the End of the Course, You’ll Be Able To:
- Confidently group DNA matches and identify shared ancestors
- Use autosomal, Y-DNA, mtDNA, and X-DNA effectively in research
- Break through genealogical “brick walls” and unknown parentage cases
- Use tools such as DNA Painter and WATO to interpret complex relationships
- Work ethically and thoughtfully when especially contacting DNA matches
- Understand the differences between AncestryDNA, MyHeritageDNA, FTDNA, 23andMe, LivingDNA, and GEDMatch
- Recognise and manage endogamy and multiple relationships in DNA analysis
Your Next Genetic Leap Starts Here
If you’re ready to move beyond beginner-level DNA analysis and master the art of connecting genetic clues with historical evidence, Advancing Your DNA Skills is the course for you.
Join us and unlock the full potential of your DNA research.
All the sessions will be recorded and everyone who books a place will have access to the recordings until Monday 13 April 2026.
About the Speaker
Mia Bennett
Mia Bennett is a professional genealogist who specialises in DNA analysis for family history. She applies her analysis skills developed as a safety engineer to untangle all the clues provided within family history records and DNA results. She has been researching her family history for over 30 years and was previously a trustee of the Society of Genealogists. Mia is an Associate of AGRA. Mia gives talks on traditional genealogy and DNA both online and in person around the world. She is studying for a Higher Certificate in Genealogy at the IHGS and is an alumna of SLIG and GRIP institute courses in the USA.
About the Speaker
Debbie Kennett
Debbie Kennett is a well-known author and speaker and an internationally recognised expert on genetic genealogy. She is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment at University College London. She is the author of two books: DNA and Social Networking and The Surnames Handbook. She has written widely about DNA testing both for the family history press and in academic journals. She has been interviewed about genetic ancestry testing for BBC Radio 4, appearing on You and Yours and The Business of Genetic Ancestry, and has also appeared on TV on the BBC programme Watchdog.
About the Speaker
Michelle Leonard
Michelle Leonard is a Scottish professional genealogist, DNA detective, speaker, educator, author and historian with a wealth of experience in both the traditional and genetic genealogy fields. She runs her own genealogy and DNA consultancy business, Genes & Genealogy, specializing in solving all manner of unknown ancestor mysteries and verifying and enhancing family trees using a combination of DNA results analysis and traditional research methodologies. She also undertakes the creation and teaching of DNA courses, coaching, consultations, lecturing, webinars, podcasts, media consultancy and article, blog and book writing commissions. Additionally, she is known for her work on the WW1 Fromelles Genealogy Project, is a co-author of 'DNA: A Guide For Family Historians' and is a regular speaker at major global genealogy events.
About the Speaker
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.
About the Speaker
Else Churchill
Else Churchill is the Genealogist at the Society of Genealogists in London. Formerly a professional genealogical librarian and researcher, Else has worked for the SoG since 1994. She is the Society’s subject lead, working across the organisation and runs the publishing programme. She was the recipient of the IHGS Julian Bickersteth Memorial Medal in 2023 for her exemplary contribution to family history studies.
About the Speaker
Donna Rutherford
Donna Rutherford, a London-based Genetic Genealogist, blends New Zealand heritage with ancestral ties to England, Scotland, and Ireland. Her fascination with genealogy began in her teens, and in 2015, she took her first DNA test. Since 2017, Donna has shared her expertise internationally, demystifying DNA for audiences. As a Facebook group administrator, she guides others through DNA mysteries, encouraging them to learn more about using DNA in their own genealogy research. Donna specialises in solving tricky DNA cases such as unknown parentage, surprise results and foundlings.
