DIU Thanatopraxie et Métiers du Funéraire at Université Bretagne Sud

The DIU Thanatopraxie et Métiers du Funéraire is an inter-university diploma delivered as continuing education that prepares students for the national thanatopractor competitive exam. It develops and certifies skills in medico-legal safeguards, care of the deceased and their relatives within the law and professional ethics, hygiene and safety, and ergonomics and business management. The diploma alone does not allow practice; only the national diploma in thanatopraxy does.

Faculty: Faculté Sciences de l'Ingénieur  |  Duration: 200 hours of theory (October to December) plus a practical part of at least 6 months (75 validated treatments) or a 35-hour placement  |  Intake: October  |  Study mode: part-time (continuing education)  |  Location: Lorient, Bretagne, France

What you will study

Eight teaching units in three blocks plus a practical block: thanatopraxy conservation and aesthetic care, forensic medicine, histology/anatomy/physiology, funeral regulations, hygiene and health safety, human sciences of death and ethics, ergonomics and handling, and business management basics. The practical block requires 75 validated treatments over at least 6 months after passing the written national exam, or a 35-hour mortuary placement after failing it.

Career pathways

Thanatopractor.

Official programme page