Death Investigation: Coroners & Inquests
Law
Course overview
The former Chief Coroner of England and Wales, HH Sir Peter Thornton KC, will repeat his short course entitled Death Investigation: Coroners and Inquests in spring 2025. A series of five in-person interactive seminars (one per week) will explain and discuss the law and procedure of coroners, covering a comprehensive range of topics from reporting deaths, investigating cases, conducting inquests and reporting to prevent future deaths. Attendees will be able to participate in discussions, give short presentations and consider the importance of the role played by coroners in the administration of justice: Who are they? What do they do? What is the purpose of their work? How should they do it?
24 February 2026 - 24 March 2026
Places: Course closed
Delivery mode: In person
Application deadline: 15 February 2026
Places: Course closed
Course features
The five two-hour seminars will take place at King's College London's Strand Campus at Bush House in the heart of legal London on consecutive Tuesdays, evenings from 17:00-19:00.
The course is designed for lawyers, judges and postgraduate law students. A limited number of places are available. CPD points will be available for 10 hours with a King's College London certificate of completion*.
*Attendance will be monitored to ensure that the correct hours are logged.
This course will:
- Provide participants with a critical understanding of the purpose of the inquest and the coroner service and its benefits.
- Enable participants to understand the administrative structure, different roles and purposes, the duty to investigate, the inquest and the outcome
Students will prepare for classes and participate in discussions as appropriate.
Learning outcomes
- In-depth understanding of coroner and inquest services.
- Ability to apply knowledge to practice.
- Understanding of legal processes.
Course schedule
The course will consist of a series of five in-person seminars. Students will be expected to participate in discussions and short presentations. As a CPD student, you will not be required to sit an exam or to submit any coursework.
| Dates | Seminar Topic |
| Week 1, 24 February 2026, 17:00-19:00 | Introduction |
| Week 2, 03 March 2026, 17:00-19:00 | Duty to Investigate |
| Week 3, 10 March 2026, 17:00-19:00 | The Inquest (1) |
| Week 4, 17 March 2026, 17:00-19:00 | The Inquest (2) |
| Week 5, 24 March 2026, 17:00-19:00 | Final |
Entry requirements
Participants are expected to be educated to degree level or have significant, relevant work experience (primarily lawyers working in the medico-legal field, e.g., barristers or solicitors in private practice or working for hospital trusts).
The course is especially suitable for those with a medical or legal background who want to learn more about the coroner's service.
Further information
How to apply?
To enrol in this course, simply click the “Apply” button and complete the short admissions questionnaire. Please note that your place will only be confirmed once payment has been received.
This course is open to all applicants. We recommend reviewing the Course Overview and Learner Profile to ensure it aligns with your goals. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the course’s suitability, please contact ExecEd-Law@kcl.ac.uk and a member of the Programme Team will be happy to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you require further information about the course or Executive Education at The Dickson Poon School of Law, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Frequently asked questions | The Dickson Poon School of Law | King’s College London page or contact ExecEd-Law@kcl.ac.uk
Credit value:
Not for credit
Duration:
Duration
Offered by:
CPD Accreditation
Who will I be taught by
Visiting Professor at King’s College London
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