Mortuary science and embalming is a worthwhile and rewarding profession. However, in the UK there are few programmes which aim to develop the knowledge and skills required to meet the employment demands in this area. Many individuals have been working in the profession but without a formal qualification to enhance their professional status or enable promotion through the profession. This programme offers an opportunity to enhance employability through studying a degree level programme resulting in graduate level skills.
Why study Mortuary Science at Chester?
This part-time Foundation Degree is specifically designed to develop the knowledge and skills required to meet the employment demands of the mortuary and related bioscience and biomedicine industries. The course also provides the opportunity to top-up to an appropriate honours degree programme, for example BSc in Mortuary Science, once the course has been successfully completed. This flexible delivery will allow students to complete single modules as part of an ongoing CPD (continuing professional development) programme, or completion of six modules to gain a Certificate of Higher Education, or completion of twelve modules for the Foundation Degree.
Features:
This degree programme is delivered predominantly via distance learning materials which are supplemented and supported by tutor-led Residential Schools at the University of Chester and by work-based mentoring. Each module takes the form of a learning package comprising a detailed module text which the student works through, supplemented by an appropriate textbook and relevant on-line learning materials. Support of learning is provided mainly by the module tutor via the Residential Schools, emails and on-line discussion boards and chat rooms.
Typically, each module commences with a one-day Residential School at which the module content (including support provision, learning materials and assessment details) is described. Considerable guidance is given on learning to learn , accessing and using resources and preparing assignments, as well as introducing the modular content.
This programme is taught by an enthusiatic team of tutors who have considerable experience of writing and delivering distance learning materials
Programme Structure:
Students normally take 3 modules for each of the 4 years' duration of this part-time programme of study. The modules cover a range of relevant basic scientific subjects (e.g. physiology, biochemistry), data presentation and analysis, together with more specialised mortuary science topics. The modules studied during the first 2 years of the programme (i.e. Level 1) can be seen mainly as providing a firm foundation for progression to study at Level 2 (i.e. years 3 and 4), and provide a comprehensive review of major biological knowledge, concepts and skills for students with a range of backgrounds in the biological sciences.
Years 1 and 2 (Level 1)
The first module in the programme (Study Skills and Data Handling) develops enhanced scientific and general study skills, preparing students for study in higher education. The other modules form the basis for study throughout the remainder of the programme, and comprise:
- Essential Biological Chemistry
- Cells and Tissue Science
- Anatomy and Physiology
- The Mortuary Scientist and Care of the Deceased
- Negotiated Experiential Learning for Mortuary Scientists
Years 3 and 4 (Level 2)
The modules here involve greater detail and depth of study of key ideas and enhanced skills. They provide an essential background in mortuary science, together with research and its implications, for those students going on to study at Level 3 for a BSc Honours degree. The modules comprise:
- Biological Markers of Death and Decomposition
- Cultural, Ethical and Legal Aspects of Mortuary Practice
- Systemic Pathology
- Negotiated Work-Based Learning (double module)
- Research methods and Medical Ethics
The content of the programme has been informed by the requirements of the:
- British Institute of Embalmers' Diploma qualification
- QAA Subject Benchmarks for Biosciences and Biomedical Sciences
Students who have succesfully completed the BIE Diploma within 5 years of commencing this programme will normally be eligible for exemption from studying 3 of the Level 1 modules.
The aim is to introduce students to a range of assessment methods and to develop their performance in assessment. Generally, modules are assessed via a combination of coursework (e.g. essays, data handling exercises, student presentations) and examination. In accordance with University policy, modular credit is also given for the work placement.
Formative assessment features particularly in the Level 1 modules and is designed to introduce students to assessment in higher education and to make them aware of what is expected. Such assessments will be marked (but the marks will not be formally recorded) and written feedback given to the students, which can then be discussed with the module tutor and/or the workplace mentor.
The demand for graduates in the biosciences is considerable, both nationally and locally. This foundation degree programme, whilst focusing on the training needed for the mortuary and funeral industries, also concentrates on the development of key generic skills (e.g. numeracy, communication and organisational skills etc.) thereby equipping students to enter other areas of employment (e.g. laboratory management) or to continue their studies for a postgraduate qualification.
Applicants will be interviewed prior to acceptance on to the programme. The interview will focus on personal qualities and related skills in addition to formal academic requirements.
