Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation Level 3 Diploma

Course Information

What does the course involve?

If you enjoyed GCSE Science and have ambitions to learn more about the practical application of scientific techniques in Forensic Science and the investigation of crime, then the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation is for you. This is a mixed delivery course encompassing practical experiments, which will enable you to learn in the context of realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

You will also develop a range of transferrable skills needed to start or progress in any career. Valued by employers and universities, these skills offer a clear route into higher education or employment.

Through the two year programme, you will study four mandatory units:

• Principles and Applications of Science I - an exam based unit where you will undertake three (one Biology, one Chemistry and one Physics) 40 minute exams. Biology content includes organelles and specialised cells. Chemistry content includes trends of the periodic table. Physics content includes waves and the use of waves in communication.
• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques – you will undertake numerous practical techniques that are utilised in forensic investigation including titrations, colorimetry, calorimetry, paper chromatography and thin layer chromatography.
• Science Investigation Skills - an exam based unit where you will be given 45 minutes to review data from a practical (either Bio/Chem/Phys based), and then sit a 1.5 hour exam based on this. Links to the generic scientific skills needed for practical investigation e.g. writing a method, identifying variables, plot graphs etc.
• Applications of Criminology - an exam based unit where students will undertake a 3 hour exam and answers questions that will need them to link their knowledge of criminology theory to case studies/scenarios

You will also study 2 specialist units:

• Environmental Forensics – you will learn about human decomposition, forensic entomology and how to use insects to determine time of death, and how to collect and analyse pollen, soil and diatom evidence (with lots of practical work doing this).
• Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology – you will learn about archaeological techniques to excavate human remains, and how forensic anthropology can be used to create a biological profile (age, sex, race and height) from skeletal remains (bones). You will then undertake a mock human burial excavation.

For more course information click here

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including at least one grade 5 in Science (Combined, Core and Additional, Chemistry or Physics in separate Sciences) and a grade 4 in English Language. Grade 5 in Mathematics is preferred based on the high mathematical content of the subject. Exceptions will be considered based on the overall grade profile of the applicant across relevant subjects. 

Can I take additional qualifications?

The course is equivalent to two A Levels and does need to be supplemented by one other qualification.

You may choose an additional course from our range of A Levels and BTEC Extended Certificates (from other subject areas). The subjects that we believe are most complementary are: A Level Chemistry, A Level Psychology, A Level Sociology, A Level Computer Science and A Level Accounting (dependant on your intended career progression). You can discuss suitable combinations at interview.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment consists of a combination of external (38%) and internal assessments (62%).

What are the costs?

Any costs associated with this course will be clarified at interview.

What are the UCAS tariff points?

BTEC National Diploma

Any other information?

We have good links to local universities offering BSc (Hons) Forensic Science, and so every effort will be made to ensure that you benefit from trips to these, as well to other links within the Forensic sector.

How do I apply?

Click here to apply