Courses – IFD College

Health & Safety

Considered as the first step in funeral service training, our Health and Safety programme is made up of two compulsory modules that cover core health and safety principles such as manual handling and PPE.

NOTES: Considered as the first step to run the course.

UNIT: HS1 HS1: Applying Health and Safety Legislation and Manual Handling Techniques Level 2 - 3 Credits
UNIT: HS2 HS2: Safety and Infection Control for Funeral Staff Level 2 - 1 Credit

Foundation Funeral Practitioner

Our Foundation Funeral Practitioner programme does exactly that: it offers a foundational understanding of funeral practices. In other words, you will learn the core knowledge and skills that serve as the basis for more advanced learning. The programme is made up of two modules.

UNIT: F1 F1: Understanding First Contact and Measuring Procedures Level 1 - 2 Credits
UNIT: F2 F2: Understanding Identification, Viewing and Personal Effects Level 1 - 1 Credit

Operative Skills

These modules have been designed for members of staff who are providing the manual skills in a funeral business, such as operatives, technicians, drivers and pall bearers. Individual modules may be taken, depending on your line of work.

NOTES: Our Health & Safety and Foundation modules must be completed or in progress before these units are studied.

UNIT: OP1 OP1: Transportation and Care of a Person who has died Level 3 - 6 Credits
UNIT: OP2 OP2: Understanding Coffin and Casket Finishing Level 2 - 3 Credits
UNIT: OP3 OP3: Understanding the Responsibilities of the Funeral Driver and Bearer Level 2 - 6 Credits
UNIT: OP4 OP4: Understanding and Applying Good Mortuary Practice Level 3 - 4 Credits

Arranging & Administration

These units are designed for administration staff, funeral arrangers and receptionists – specifically those who will receive clients, take basic information and undertake the organisation and administration involved in arranging a funeral. Individual modules may be taken.

NOTES: Our Health & Safety and Foundation modules must be completed or in progress before these units are studied.

UNIT: AD1 AD1: Taking Funeral Instructions from a client Level 3 - 6 Credits
UNIT: AD2 AD2: Understanding UK Death Registration, HM Coroner/Procurator Fiscal and Repatriations Level 3 - 6 Credits
UNIT: AD3 AD3: Understanding United Kingdom Burial and Cremation Law Level 3 - 3 Credits
UNIT: AD4 AD4: Financial Arrangements and Funeral Planning Level 2 - 6 Credits
UNIT: AD5 AD5: Understanding Bereavement and Funeral Director Involvement in the Community Level 2 - 3 Credits
UNIT: AD6 AD6: Understanding Customer Focus and Digital Services in a Funeral Services Setting Level 2 - 3 Credits

Diploma Modules

Our diploma modules are suitable for any member of staff wishing to continue education and training following completion of the Certificate in Funeral Practice modules or other occupational qualification. They are ideal for those who are at a senior level in a business, business owners or the next generation in a family business.

These courses are more academic than our other courses, although there is still a practical element. Students will be expected to engage in research and self-directed learning for much of the programme. Individual modules may be taken but all four modules are required to achieve the Diploma in Funeral Directing.

MODULE: FD1

FD1: Understanding the Functions and Responsibilities of the Modern Funeral Director

Level 4 - 6 Credits

This in-depth module explores the evolving role of the modern Funeral Director, covering everything from traditional and non-traditional funeral practices to legal requirements, faith and cultural considerations, and responding to industry changes. It equips professionals with the knowledge and adaptability needed to provide dignified and inclusive funeral services in an ever-changing landscape.

MODULE: FD2

FD2: Managing Care After Death

Level 4 - 4 Credits

This module provides essential knowledge on post-death care, from washing and dressing to embalming and informed consent. It also covers hazardous implant removal, post-mortem procedures and emerging technologies like digital autopsy, ensuring dignified and professional care for the deceased.

MODULE: FD3

FD3: Leading, Managing and Motivating People

Level 4 - 3 Credits

Within this module, you will explore the key qualities of effective leadership, staff management and workforce development. Learn how to motivate teams, enhance performance and implement reward strategies to drive success within your organisation.

MODULE: FD4

FD4: Delivering Customer Service Excellence in the Funeral Sector

Level 4 - 2 Credits

This module focuses on delivering exceptional customer service within the funeral sector. Learn how to address concerns with stakeholders, manage complaints effectively, and apply the ‘Customer Service Triangle’ to create a compassionate and professional experience for every client.

Infant & Child Funerals

This course is suitable for any member of staff – either operative, administrator, new entrant or ‘old hand’ – who may be involved with a child or infant’s funeral. This course is a standalone course and does not form part of the Cert.FP Programme.

UNIT: ICF ICF: Arranging child and infant funerals Level 3 - 6 Credits

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