Primarily aimed at individuals already working in the sector, the new foundation degree in mortuary science covers a diverse range of subjects, including biological chemistry, cell and tissue science, anatomy and physiology, and the biological markers of death and decomposition and systemic pathology.

Beyond the core biological and human health sciences, the programme also examines contemporary funeral practices, communication with the bereaved and those involved in working with the bereaved, the ethical, legal and cultural aspects of death and funeral practice, and health and safety, on top of traditional academic disciplines such as study skills, data handling and research methods and ethics.

The diverse nature of the modules studied is designed to prepare students for career advancement not only in the funeral industries, but also beyond into related bioscience and biomedical jobs.

A key member of the course team is retired funeral director David Thompson, who worked in the industry for 40 years before becoming an accredited invigilator for the British Institute of Embalmers' Examination Board. David was involved in the recruitment of the first cohort of students, which began its studies last Thursday.

He said: "Everyone who has signed up for the course says they are amazed at the opportunity they are being given.

"This is something the industry has needed for a long time and could represent a real breakthrough. I'm sure it will be very successful and will establish Chester as the leader ."

Trained embalmers in the UK often find that although their qualification is suitable for European and Commonwealth countries, it is not necessarily recognised in the lucrative markets of North and South America. In the USA, for instance, a formal professional qualification is required to work as a funeral director or embalmer.

The option of studying for a globally-recognised university-level qualification for the first time is proving to be very popular, and the University of Chester is on course to offer a full BSc degree in mortuary science by 2009/2010, covering additional subjects such as forensic toxicology, advanced microbiology, counselling skills, and disaster management, on top of those already studied on the foundation degree.

The new cohort of students will be completing their programme through blended learning, which involves a combination of taught sessions at the university, distance-learning at home, in the workplace and e-learning.

Head of biological sciences at the University, Dr Basma Ellahi, said: "Lord Leitch's target of 40 per cent of all adults to have degree-level qualifications by 2020 places an emphasis on higher education institutions to work with employers to develop skills-based higher education programmes.

"This course is one of many that the department has developed to address this, and represents the first of its kind at foundation degree level for those working in the area of mortuary science.