Oral history training

Types of training

Oral history training is available in a number of educational settings including:

  • workshops and seminars – offered by Oral History Australia (OHA) State associations.
  • universities – at an undergraduate or postgraduate level
  • accredited training – through the Australian Vocational Education Training (VET) sector.

Skills and experience matter

Since oral history research at times involves individuals dealing with painful or sensitive subjects, OHA strongly recommends that those practising oral history are trained in oral history interviewing techniques and understand the ethics involved in the interviewer/interviewee relationship.

If you are considering opting for private sector training, please check the credentials of the trainer involved to ensure they have the appropriate skills and experience.

Oral history interviewer conducting interview

Students in an oral history vocational training course. Image credit: Elaine Rabbitt.

OHA State associations

OHA State associations run a range of introductory and advanced training workshops and seminars designed to promote oral history best practice and provide opportunities for practitioners to broaden and deepen their skills.

Training is available both in-person and online and significant discounts are available for members.

Use one of the links below to access the training page for the association in your State or Territory. Please keep in mind that popular courses, such as introductory training, can book out early.

Go to the training/events pages of:

University of New England

The University of New England (UNE) in Armidale, New South Wales, has taught oral history since the early 1980s.

The specific oral history unit –  HIST376 (at undergraduate level) and HIST476 (at postgraduate level) – is part of a suite of applied history units that are available to internal and external students.

For further information contact Lorina Barker: lbarker3@une.edu.au

University of New England website: www.une.edu.au/

University of Tasmania

The University of Tasmania runs an oral history unit as part of its Diploma of Family History, which is fully online.

Find out more about the diploma at: www.utas.edu.au/arts-law-education/study/diploma-of-family-history

University of Tasmania website: www.utas.edu.au/

Australian Vocational Education Training

Each year Oral History Western Australia runs nationally accredited oral history training courses through the Australian Vocational Education Training (VET) sector.

The workshops provide an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the practicalities of oral history and gain nationally recognised certification. This is a stepping stone for further learning and possible employment opportunities.

The training is delivered by Dr Elaine Rabbitt. Elaine has developed the oral history training package for AHCILM404 Record and Document Community History, drawn from the wealth of oral history teaching materials that are available in Australia and overseas. The course is an elective for Certificate III & IV Screen & Media.

The workshops are generally held in Perth and Broome, but have also been held in Sydney and online. They are intended for beginners, intermediate and advanced students and those wanting to gain an oral history qualification.

For further information about this training contact Elaine Rabbitt: elaine.rabbitt@gme.com.au

OHA resources

This website contains a range of information to assist those learning oral history practice. Sections of particular interest include:

Handbook

OHA recommends the Oral History Handbook by Beth Robertson, which is available through our association covering South Australia and the Northern Territory.

For further information and to order go to:

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