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The Diploma in Funeral Directing Course 2003-2004

The Diploma in Funeral Directing continues to be the benchmark qualification for funeral directors. Commencing in March 2003, this course will prepare candidates for the examination in March 2004.

Class based on Saturday mornings in central London
A copy of the Manual of Funeral Directing, quality course notes, stationary and BIFD/NAFD Liaison included
Taught by a well qualified team with a wide experience of funeral service
Excellent value for money

To find out more:
Please attend our Open Session on

Saturday 8th February 2003 2-5pm
at the University of London

The Foundation Module only and a retake of the main course are also available.

The Diploma in Funeral Directing

Course Structure

FOUNDATION MODULE

Unit 1 The Funeral Director

Unit 2 The Funeral Director and Health & Safety

Unit 3 Communications

Unit 4 Office Practice

Unit 5 Market Research – Advertising - Governmental and External Agencies

Unit 6 Buying and Selling - The Banking System - Insurance

Unit 7 Bereavement and Client Care

Assessment of the Foundation Module

(a) Completion of tutor marked assignments

(b) Completion of two set essays

(d) A formal assessment of the Module consisting of a ninety-minute paper, set by the NAFD, covering subjected detailed above.

MAIN COURSE

Module One

Unit 1 The history, structure, aims and objectives of funeral service

Unit 2 The Funeral Director and Public Health

Unit 3 Registration and Coroners' Procedure

Unit 4 Procedures for the funerals of Children

Module Two

Unit 1 - The Law and Practice of Cremation

Unit 2 - The Law and Practice of Burial

Unit 3 - The International Transportation of Human Remains

Unit 4 – Burial at Sea

Module Three

Unit 1 Exhumation

Unit 2 Bequeathal

Unit 3 Funeral Rites

Unit 4 Liability and Entitlement of the Client

Unit 5 Scottish/Northern Ireland Procedures

Module Four

Unit 1 The First Call and Removal

Unit 2 Care of the Deceased

Unit 3 Arranging the funeral

Unit 4 Conducting the Funeral

· Students must have a comprehensive knowledge of the Glossary contained in the Manual of Funeral Directing (1996 edition).

Assessment of the Main Course

(a) Completion of tutor marked assignments

(b) Completion of eight reports

(d) A simulated funeral arrangement with a NAFD examiner as the client

In addition
You must have been employed in funeral service for two years and have personally arranged twenty-five funerals (not simulated).

The Diploma in Funeral Directing - General Questions

Q. What is the Diploma in funeral Directing?

A. The Diploma is the main qualification awarded to funeral directors in the UK. The award is made by the National Association of Funeral Directors. Successful students may apply for membership of the British Institute of Funeral Directors.

Q. Who is teaching this course?

A. The course team comprises David Grainger, Raymond Hood and Brian Parsons. All members of the course team are accredited tutors of the British Institute of Funeral Directors and adhere to the Tutors' Code of Practice.

Q. Do I have to work in the funeral industry to enrol on this course?

A. Yes. You must be employed for a minimum of 80 hours a month in the funeral industry.

Q. When, how often and where are the sessions held?

A. The sessions are held on Saturday mornings between 10.00am-1pm and the course will comprise of approximately nineteen sessions. There may be an occasional afternoon session and the Foundation Module assessments are always conducted on a Wednesday evening. The course venue will be Birkbeck College, near Tottentham Court Road in central London.

Q. Do I have to attend every session?

A. Yes, you will be required to attend every session as indicated in the course handbook.

Q. What does the Diploma course involve?

A. The course is in two parts: the Foundation Module and the Main Diploma Module. There are seven units comprising the Foundation Module. Homework will be set for each unit in addition to two compulsory essays, two reports and the completion of workbooks. A 1½ hour written assessment concludes this Module. In the main course there are sixteen units with regular homework and eight coursework reports. Each unit also involves practical elements – usually finding out information - which must also be completed.

Q. What do the coursework reports involve?

A. The coursework reports require you to undertake observe, participate, attend and/or research. Your findings are then presented in a specific written format. These are marked and the reports contribute towards your final examination grade.

Q. What is the format of the Diploma Examination?

A. The examination is in two parts. Firstly, a 2½ hour written paper based on the main Diploma course. Secondly, there is a simulated oral funeral arrangement conducted with a NAFD examiner.

Q. Will I receive training for the oral examination?

A. Yes. The content of a funeral arrangement is covered in the syllabus. In addition, you will have an opportunity to arrange a funeral with a member of the course team. However, you will also be required to provide evidence of 25 “real” funerals you have personally arranged, so ideally you need practice in your own working environment.

Q. How many hours of study are required per week?

A. It is difficult to answer this as students learn at different paces according to their experience and ability. However, it is suggested that between 5-7 hours a week should be spent on study. As the course progresses the quantity of work to complete and to revise increases.

Q. What is the format of the classroom session?

A. The sessions take the format of a lecture/seminar on the topic detailed on the syllabus. There will also be practical exercises, short knowledge assessments and case studies for class or group discussion. A feature of the lecture/seminars will be examination technique through looking at past examination questions.

Q. How much maths is involved?

A. The maths is largely restricted to the Foundation Module and involves basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. You must also be able to work out percentages and ratios. For the final written examination the maths is restricted to addition – but only if an appropriate question is set. A calculator can be used in the Foundation Module Assessment but not in the final written examination.

Q. Does my employer have to know I am studying for the Diploma?

A. Not necessarily, although it can be highly desirable that you have their support. You must be able to complete the practical elements that comprise the coursework reports and in addition, you must provide a list of 25 actual funerals arrangements you have personally arranged signed by your employer/line manager.

Q. What happens if I fail one part of the final examination?

A. If you fail one part – the written or oral – arrangements can be made for you to re-sit that part. However, the re-sit arrangements must be discussed with the course team and are not included in the cost of this course.

Q. Apart from passing both parts of the examination what else do I have to do to be awarded the Diploma Certificate?

A. You must have been employed in funeral service for two years and have personally arranged twenty-five funerals (not mocks). Your employers must sign to this effect. You will then be awarded the Diploma certificate and receive and also a certificate issued by Funeral Service Training (London). The above criteria do not preclude you from either enrolling on the course or participating in the examinations.

Q. I have heard that you cannot use my firm’s stationery and I must use the NAFD arrangement form in the final oral examination – is this true?

A. No, you use your own arrangement form, confirmation & estimate, stationery, price lists, etc

Q. Are there any exemptions from parts of the course or Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL)?

A. No. Each student must complete all parts of the course as detailed in the course handbook and in the NAFD syllabus.

Dates

Q. When does the course start?

A. The course starts with a study skills session on Saturday 8th March 2003.

Q. When is the Foundation Module Assessment?

A. The Foundation Module Assessment will be held in London on Wednesday 4^th June 2003 from 6.30pm to 8pm. Successful students will be awarded a joint BIFD/NAFD certificate.

Q. What happens if I fail the Foundation Module Assessment?

A. You must pass this assessment to complete the Diploma course. A retake can be made on Wednesday 5^th November 2003. However, if you fail in November you will not be able to take the final Diploma examination in March 2004.

Q. Where and when will the final examination be held?

A. The final examination will be held on the 24 & 25 March 2004. The NAFD usually arranges for the examinations to be held in Birmingham. An overnight stay is usually required.

Costs

Q. How much will the course cost?

A. Costs involved in the course are as follows:

· Tuition fees £1225.00

· NAFD Registration fees £70 for three years (as at October 2002)

· Students membership of BIFD £60 for two years (as at October 2002)

· Examination fees (main course only) £100 (written & oral)

Other costs to consider:

· Purchase of writing paper, stationery, etc.

· Travelling expenses to attend course

· Travelling to the examination, overnight accommodation, meals, etc.

Also available:

The Foundation Module only £700

Retake written examination only £700

PLUS main course examination fees, etc

Q. What do the tuition fees include?

A. The tuition fees include the following: one copy of the Manual of Funeral Directing, stationery starter-pack, course tuition, on-going tutor support; course notes, marking and feedback; preparation for the Foundation Module Assessment on 4 June 2003 and preparation for the Diploma examination in March 2004. One resit only for the Foundation Module is also included for November 2003.

Q. When do the fees have to be paid?

A. Tuition fees must be paid in full before the commencement of the course.

Q. If I do not complete the course or drop out at any time will I receive a refund ?

A. No.

To find out mo re

Q. How can I find out more about this Diploma Course?

A. Attend the Open Session on Saturday 8th February 2003. Please return the slip by 1st February if you wish to attend. There is no charge for the Open session; refreshment will be provided. In acknowledgement of all slips, a map and further details will be forwarded.

Q. What should I do if I cannot attend the Open Session?

A. Please return the slip as soon as possible. Enrolment forms, etc will be forwarded in due course.

Q. How can I enrol for the course?

A. Complete the application form and return to Brian Parsons by 22nd February 2003. Please note that places are strictly limited.

Q. Any more questions?

A. Please telephone, email or write to us.

For further details please contact: Brian Parsons Tel: 07801 257604

33 Sutherland Square London SE17 3EE