DIPLOMA IN CEMETERY & CREMATORIUM MANAGEMENT
Why this course?
If you're serious about developing your career in bereavement services, the ICCM Diploma in Cemetery and Crematorium Management is your next step. This qualification is more than a milestone, it’s a mark of professional excellence.
Whether you're working towards a senior management role, or simply want to expand your expertise, the Diploma gives you the confidence, credibility, and competence to lead.
You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of cemetery and crematorium law, management, and operations, all supported by specialist tutors from Stratford Business School and qualified ICCM trainers with real-world experience. From online study to immersive seminars, this flexible qualification fits around your life whilst still delivering the highest standards of education.
And when you complete your Diploma, your achievement is formally recognised and celebrated with an official presentation from the ICCM President at the Annual Learning Conference, including a free ticket to attend. This is not just training. It's transformation.
Who is it for?
Students registered for the ICCM’s examinations, or studying under the Crematorium Technicians Training Scheme or Cemetery Operatives Training Scheme, or non-Diploma holders gainfully employed in a burial, cremation or similar undertaking.
Duration: The ICCM Certificate in Cemetery, Crematorium or Natural Burial Ground Management should be completed within two years, and studies for the full Diploma should be completed within five years.
Delivery: In-person and live online, including the Education Seminar.
What's covered?
Developed by the ICCM and Stratford Business School, the Diploma in Cemetery and Crematorium Management is the only service-specific educational qualification available to those working in cemeteries and crematoriums in the UK.
Consisting of both compulsory and optional units, members can study for the whole Diploma, Certificate stages, or individual units. Each unit is designed to educate students about the relevant subject and equip them with the knowledge to apply in their workplace, to ensure high quality services to bereaved people.
Gaining the ICCM Diploma demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and helps them develop in their career. Many senior roles within bereavement services ask for possession of, or study towards, the ICCM Diploma.
The ICCM Diploma consists of seven units:
Compulsory Core Units
- Cemetery Management
- Crematorium Management
- Cemetery and Crematorium Law
- Managing Operations and Teams
Additional Units
- Natural Burial Ground Management
- Marketing Essentials
- Understanding and Leading Change
Completing all 7 units results in the full ICCM Diploma.
There is also the option to study a combination of units to achieve one of three ICCM Certificates:
Certificate in Crematorium Management
- Crematorium Management
- Cemetery & Crematorium Law
- Managing Operations & Teams
Certificate in Cemetery Management
- Cemetery Management
- Cemetery & Crematorium Law
- Managing Operations & Teams
Certificate in Natural Burial Ground Management
- Natural Burial Ground Management
- Cemetery & Crematorium Law
- Managing Operations & Teams
Honours are given to anyone achieving distinctions across all subjects.
Achieve all distinctions inside 3 years to earn the ultimate honour of the Eickhoff Medal.
At a glance
Flexible self-paced learning
- Up to 5 years to complete all units
- Comprehensive Support
Investment:
Enrolment Fee (one off) £180 + VAT
Unit Fee (each) £650 + VAT
The Eickhoff Medal
In 1921, George Eickhoff served as the ICCM President who chose ‘Power of Knowledge’ as the theme for his term of office. He once said “let our slogan for this year be ‘opportunity always awaits the eager'.” We are proud to continue his legacy by recognising those whose efforts match George’s vision, and celebrate their outstanding contribution to embracing education.
In addition:
Study and conversion days
A boost in morale and progress, these are held periodically for intense study, supported by Stratford Business School tutors, followed by assessments. Ask us about bespoke Diploma study days based at your workplace.
The Education Seminar
Highly recommended by students, this element of the Diploma is a 3-day residential seminar in February. The seminar is a motivational part of the education course that provides for both formal and informal learning, as well as connecting and working alongside people who are equally passionate about the work.
ICCM trainers attend in person, with tutors from Stratford Business School available online throughout to assist with the completion of assignments. This is an ideal opportunity for students to discuss their work in detail with their tutor and fellow students, and to focus on completing assignments with no distractions.
Testimonials
“I thoroughly enjoyed studying for the Diploma, the loose deadlines meant the pressure was off and I could concentrate on my role as a cemetery and crematorium manager but also study when it suited...”
Rachel Harrison (AICCM), Aberystwyth Cemetery & Crematorium
“I am thoroughly enjoying the Diploma course. One of the biggest advantages for me has been the flexibility of the assignments. With no strict deadlines, I’ve been able to fit the coursework around my day-to-day job, which has made balancing work and study much more manageable...
…The annual Education Seminar is also a fantastic addition to the course. It provides an excellent opportunity to gain further insight to support your studies and to meet like-minded individuals from across the profession, making it both educational and inspiring.
I would highly recommend the ICCM Diploma to anyone looking to deepen their industry knowledge while maintaining their professional responsibilities."
Ben Edward (MICCM), West Wiltshire Crematorium
“It has provided a solid foundation of knowledge and essential understanding of the sensitive nature of Bereavement Services, helping me to build confidence and capability. The education seminars have been especially useful - they offered focused time to get my head down and make real progress on assignments, sometimes completing a whole module while also providing great opportunities to network with like-minded professionals and learn from their experiences.”
Emma Scantlebury, Park Wood Crematorium
“Working on the ICCM Diploma has really helped me to take time to take a step back from the day-to-day of my role and self-reflect on what I do as a Cemeteries Manager and examine areas where I can improve and learn how I can do things better.”
Tusar SenGupta (AICCM)