Course Details
Enrol in a Professional Embalming & Mortuary Science Course
The British Institute of Embalmers is the only recognised Embalming Institute in the UK and its membership is highly regarded at both national and international level.
By successfully completing and passing a training course taught by one of our accredited tutors you will become eligible to submit an application for membership into the British Institute of Embalmers.
The BIE accredited tutors who teach an approved syllabus are not employed by the Institute and any fees, except those paid for examinations and membership, are paid directly to the tutor. You will be required to sit an entrance test before the start of your course to ensure your suitability.
There are many types of embalming course available to people wishing to study the theory and practice of embalming.
Classroom Based
A classroom-based course will generally consist of structured classes over a period of time, to which the student is expected to attend. Generally, the study time will comprise of both theory and practical tuition and a higher level of supervision than may be found on a correspondence course. Classroom based courses usually last for around 2.5 – 3 years attending on a part-time basis.
Correspondence/Remote Learning
A correspondence course allows a student to work at their own pace, usually involving literature being sent to the student to complete in their own time. Contact with the tutor will be less than with a classroom-based course but there will be less travelling involved.
The duration of the course very much depends on the individual student and their work ethic.
Practical Tuition
Both classroom and correspondence courses will contain practical tuition that will take place in an embalming theatre. It is advised that you discuss the following with your choice of tutor/school before you commence the embalming course.
- Availability of venue
- Availability of cases
- Extra transport costs
- Facilitation costs
- Provision of personal protective equipment
Course Fees
Tuition fees are not controlled by the BIE, they are set by the individual tutors. It is worth remembering that every training provider will include the teaching of both the theoretical and practical parts of the course but there may be additional fees payable.
It is for the student to ensure that they are clear as to what the training provider will include within the cost of the course before they enter or sign any contract.
Examinations
The IEBE is the examination provider for the BIE and the embalming course comprises of 5 theory modules numbered 1-5. At the end of each module there is a written examination, which lasts for 2.5 hours. Once all the theoretical modules have been completed successfully there are two practical examinations.
The practical examinations involve embalming two deceased, one who has been subject to an autopsy and one which has not. Your embalming skills must be assessed by your accredited tutor in person and they must sign a document to say that you meet the required level of ability before your tutor applies for practical examinations to take place.
Full Membership
Once all exams have been completed successfully you will receive a form which will enable you to apply for full membership of the BIE.
Membership is awarded by members of the National Council. This decision is made by the members of The National Council of the Institute and full membership is not automatic upon successful completion of the exams.
Once you are given full membership status you will be issued with a membership number and can use the letters “MBIE” after your Surname.
Accredited Tutors
All accredited tutors are regulated by the BIE and must abide by a strict code of practice set out by the BIE. One of the clauses in the code of practice is that a tuition contract exists between your chosen accredited tutor and yourself.
An original signed copy of the contract will be held at the BIE National office for the duration of the learning agreement.
The minimum requirements for the contract are available on the BIE’s website and it is recommended that you check your contract against these minimum requirements to ensure that it complies.
Arbitration
If a student is dissatisfied with their tuition, they can contact the Student Liaison Officer whose details can be obtained from the BIE’s International office.
The Student Liaison Officer is an experienced member of the Institute who will liaise with the student and the school to trying to reach an amicable solution to most problems.
If you wish to make a formal complaint against a tutor, you may contact the BIE Professional Standards Committee Secretary directly at bieprofessionalstandards@gmail.com or alternatively a complaint must to be sent in writing to the BIE’s National General Secretary, c/o 21c Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands, B93 0HL. This position is currently held by Gareth Doherty MBIE.