Course description
This two-year Forensic Science Level 3 Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels. It delivers a foundation of core science and provides an introduction to specific forensic topics such as crime scene investigation, criminology and forensic psychology.
Forensic and Criminal Investigation
This course combines science, forensics, criminology, photography and much more.
During this course, you will investigate a murder. You will learn how to secure the related crime scene of that murder and recover evidence from it, including the taking of forensic photos. That evidence will then be analysed in the college's brand-new science labs with top of the range laboratory equipment.
You will also learn the skills that enable them to interview the murder suspect and then become an expert witness in court about that interview.
You will gain experience of every stage of a criminal investigation from the moment a crime is committed, through to the crime scene evidence collection and scientific analysis, police investigating skills including the rights of individuals during investigations through to the courtroom skills that result in a conviction.
With a Forensic Science Level 3 Extended Diploma you can progress to higher education to study courses at university. These can range from forensic or crime-scene science to biology, chemistry and forensic psychology.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Applicants for the Extended Diploma in Forensic Science will normally have at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including maths, English and double or triple science.
Training Course Content
You will follow the Edexcel BTEC specification. There are core and specialist units.
Core units:
- Unit 1: Fundamentals of science (Year 1)
- Unit 2: Working in the science industry (Year 1/ 2)
- Unit 3: Scientific investigations (Year 2)
- Unit 4: Scientific practical techniques (Year 1/ 2)
- Unit 5: Perceptions of science (Year 2)
- Unit 6: Using mathematical tools in science (Year 1)
Specialist units:
- Unit 8: Using statistics for science (Year 1)
- Unit 11: Physiology of human body systems (Year 1)
- Unit 12: Physiology of human regulation and reproduction (Year 2)
- Unit 18: Genetics and genetic engineering (Year 1)
- Unit 19: Practical chemical analysis (Year 2)
- Unit 22: Chemical laboratory techniques (Year 1/ 2)
- Unit 31: Criminology (Year 2)
- Unit 32: Forensic evidence collection and analysis (Year 2)
- Unit 33: Forensic photography (Year 2)
- Unit 34: Criminal psychology (Year 1)
- Unit 35: Applications of forensic psychology (Year 2)
- Unit 36: Forensic fire investigation (Year 1)
- Unit 40: Criminal investigation in practice (Year 2)
Course delivery details
You will acquire a range of relevant skills including:
- decision making
- problem solving
- challenging assumptions
- quantifying and managing information
You gain the skills necessary for further academic study such as strong report writing and study skills, including presentation skills. You also improve the wider skills vital for success in further study or employment including:
- self-confidence
- speaking in front of others
- working with others
- taking responsibility
- managing your time
Classes take place over four days a week between 9am and 5pm. We expect you to be fully committed to your studies and attend all timetabled sessions.
In addition, you have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of individual subjects. There are also many enrichment opportunities which enable you to extend your learning beyond the bounds of your chosen subjects.
Individual learning targets are set each term and you will receive regular feedback on your progress in meeting these targets.
By the end of the course you will have benefited from individual support including advice about higher education and careers.
Assessment for this course is through a combination of coursework and examination.
The examination period is May/June.
There are regular assignments, essays and class-based assessments to help you develop your study skills for the next educational step.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...