Post Mortem Reconstruction Course
Delivered by Martin Jeffrey MBIE Dip Fd
The course will be available to those embalmers who desire to increase their skill levels in the area of post mortem reconstruction.
The course provides a hands-on based approach to cranial/facial reconstruction, soft tissue injury to the face and airbrush cosmetics. A series of structured exercises has been devised to teach those attending how to complete the reconstruction of a badly traumatised head. Turning a closed coffin into an open coffin for viewing and giving the family a final opportunity to say goodbye. The course is designed to educate professionals in specialist techniques of Facial Restoration; the process of resuming a person’s facial features and presentation following an accident or other tragic and traumatic circumstance.
Adding reconstructive surgery techniques to your personal skill provides a much-needed and invaluable service to families who entrust their loved ones into our care, whilst showing them the commitment and dedication you have to being a professional embalmer.
The course takes place on Monday 25th May – Friday 29th May, and the following day on Saturday 30th May 2026, Martin Jeffery and the Anatomy Department will be hosting the Scottish International Embalming and Post Mortem Reconstruction Conference 2026 with speakers attending from USA, Canada, Belgium as well as the UK.
Our course attendees will have the unique opportunity to take part in the conference – further details regarding the opportunities will be released to confirmed course delegates and will be entirely optional.
Level 1: Course information
Course dates
25th – 29th May 2026
Course duration
5 days – times to be confirmed
Pre-requisites
- Participants must be a professional in an industry relevant to the course material
- Participants will adhere to checks for suitability (ie. British Institute of Embalmers Membership).
- References may be required, where standard suitability checks are not valid, this is particularly relevant to delegates attending from overseas.
Entry requirements
The course is for professional embalmers, student embalmers and associated professionals.
Course cost
£2400
Course type
Certificate of Completion (non-credit bearing).
Teaching format
A mix of in-person, practical classes and sit-down tutorials.
Learning outcomes
- Learn how to assess the damage after a sudden traumatic death and plan what specialised techniques should be used.
- Learn how to carry out a methodical /structured reconstruction of the skull and facial skull.
- Assess the extent of the soft tissue injuries and decide what techniques to apply to correct any damage
- Usage of airbrush cosmetics
Benefits
- Provide an invaluable service to the families and communities we serve.
- Turn a closed coffin into an open coffin for viewing.
- Help families with closure.
- Invest in your personal career.
Level 2: Course information
Course dates
25th – 29th May 2026
7th – 11th June 2027 – Individuals can access discounted University accommodation (details and instructions will follow).
Course duration
5 days – times to be confirmed
Pre-requisites
- You must have attended the Level 1 course at St Andrews.
Entry requirements
The course is for professional embalmers, student embalmers and associated professionals.
Course cost
£2400
Course type
Certificate of Completion (non-credit bearing).
Teaching format
A mix of in-person, practical classes and sit-down tutorials.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this intensive, hands-on course, participants will be able to:
- Assess and plan complex cranial and facial reconstructions, demonstrating a deep understanding of anatomical structures and the requirements for advanced restorative work.
- Reconstruct severe post-mortem trauma, including cases involving multiple injuries, extensive disfigurement, and significant tissue loss.
- Apply advanced soft tissue repair and waxing techniques, using specialist mortuary materials to accurately shape and restore facial features.
- Uphold professional and ethical standards, delivering high-quality post-mortem care that respects the dignity of the deceased and supports bereaved families.
Course Leads
