The University of Bath will initially offer a foundation degree for funeral directors covering all aspects of the profession from bereavement counselling to law, customer service and disposal of remains.

Glennys Howarth, head of Bath's Centre for Death and Society, was told she could go ahead with plans to advertise the course, which she developed with the National Association of Funeral Directors.

The foundation degree will take place over two years, with the opportunity for students to convert the qualification to a bachelor's degree over an additional year.

A spokeswoman for the university said: "The foundation degree in funeral services is intended to provide students with a broad understanding of social science and humanities perspectives on death, dying and loss in the context of their professional practice.

"Whilst developing an appreciation of theoretical developments in this field, it will also enhance students' analytical skills and grasp of professional implications, ethics and practice issues.

"It will be of particular interest to students employed in the funeral industry, for whom it will provide an opportunity to further their understanding of the social issues that impact on experience and practice.

"Progression from the foundation degree will be to a specifically developed honours year which will build on all of the previous units - work-based and academic.

"The honours year will include a higher level of business management content, allowing students to choose to continue their studies to tailor this final year more closely to their career."

Once completed, students will have gained a BSc (Hons) in funeral services.

A master's-level degree, the MSc in death and society, is already offered at the university.

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