BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation
Further Details | |
|---|---|
Course Code | LP01530 |
Location | Yale |
Duration | Full Time, This is a 2-year full-time course. The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation is completed by the end of the second year of study. This is the equivalent of 3 A Levels. Learners will aim to achieve the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate alongside their BTEC course which is an A Level equivalent course. Successful learners will therefore achieve the equivalent of 4 A Levels, providing them with the UCAS points needed to progress to university. |
Department | Science |
Start Date | 01 Sep 2025 |
End Date | 19 Jun 2026 |
Course Overview
Forensic science is the application of science for the resolution of legal disputes and as evidence to prove or disprove a crime, using non-biased information to establish whether a crime has taken place and to evaluate crime scene evidence.
The 2-year programme is the equivalent of 3 A-levels and consists of 13 units giving a broad overview of the principles and application of forensic science, forensic psychology, and criminology as presented in court processes under UK law.
The units cover criminology and forensic practice applied to real-life contexts and scenarios. These are then underpinned with units covering the core principles of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, similar to that covered in A Level.
In the first year, 6 units are taken;
• Unit 1 - Principles and Applications of Science 1 (90 GLH)*
• Unit 2 - Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (90 GLH)
• Unit 3 - Science Investigation Skills (120 GLH)**
• Unit 4 - Forensic Investigative Procedures in Practice (90 GLH)
• Unit 9 - Environmental Forensics (60 GLH)
• Unit 13 - Forensic Genetics (60 GLH).
In the second year, a further 7 units are taken;
• Unit 5 - Applications of Criminology (120 GLH)**
• Unit 6 - Criminal Investigation Procedures in Practice (90 GLH)
• Unit 7 - Applications of Forensic and Criminal Psychology (120 GLH)**
• Unit 11 - Forensic Traffic Collision Investigation (60 GLH)
• Unit 12 - Forensic Photography (60 GLH)
• Unit 14 - Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (60 GLH)
• Unit 15 - Practical Chemical Analysis (60GLH).
* Externally set written examination
** Externally set task carried out in college
All other units are Internally assessed assignment tasks
The 2-year programme is the equivalent of 3 A-levels and consists of 13 units giving a broad overview of the principles and application of forensic science, forensic psychology, and criminology as presented in court processes under UK law.
The units cover criminology and forensic practice applied to real-life contexts and scenarios. These are then underpinned with units covering the core principles of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, similar to that covered in A Level.
In the first year, 6 units are taken;
• Unit 1 - Principles and Applications of Science 1 (90 GLH)*
• Unit 2 - Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques (90 GLH)
• Unit 3 - Science Investigation Skills (120 GLH)**
• Unit 4 - Forensic Investigative Procedures in Practice (90 GLH)
• Unit 9 - Environmental Forensics (60 GLH)
• Unit 13 - Forensic Genetics (60 GLH).
In the second year, a further 7 units are taken;
• Unit 5 - Applications of Criminology (120 GLH)**
• Unit 6 - Criminal Investigation Procedures in Practice (90 GLH)
• Unit 7 - Applications of Forensic and Criminal Psychology (120 GLH)**
• Unit 11 - Forensic Traffic Collision Investigation (60 GLH)
• Unit 12 - Forensic Photography (60 GLH)
• Unit 14 - Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (60 GLH)
• Unit 15 - Practical Chemical Analysis (60GLH).
* Externally set written examination
** Externally set task carried out in college
All other units are Internally assessed assignment tasks
Unit 1 will be assessed by a written paper which is externally set and marked by the exam board.
Units 3, 5 and 7 are assessed through externally set tasks conducted under controlled conditions.
Other units are all internally assessed. Assessment methods are summative and are designed to test the students’ understanding of the theory content as well as using practical skills within forensic and criminal investigation mock scenarios. Examples include investigating mock crime scenes, road traffic accidents, excavation of shallow graves, and the identification of remains. Students will also be assessed by undertaking courtroom cross-examination. These assessments are ‘open book’ and draw on class materials, formative homework, practical activities as well as self-directed study and research. The assessment methods are varied, depending on the unit being studied, and feature a range of projects, practical tasks, and research activities.
All assignment work will be submitted electronically via Google Classroom.
Grading and Certification
● The final course grades range from D*D*D* to PPP (the equivalent of A*A*A* to EEE at A-level)
Units 3, 5 and 7 are assessed through externally set tasks conducted under controlled conditions.
Other units are all internally assessed. Assessment methods are summative and are designed to test the students’ understanding of the theory content as well as using practical skills within forensic and criminal investigation mock scenarios. Examples include investigating mock crime scenes, road traffic accidents, excavation of shallow graves, and the identification of remains. Students will also be assessed by undertaking courtroom cross-examination. These assessments are ‘open book’ and draw on class materials, formative homework, practical activities as well as self-directed study and research. The assessment methods are varied, depending on the unit being studied, and feature a range of projects, practical tasks, and research activities.
All assignment work will be submitted electronically via Google Classroom.
Grading and Certification
● The final course grades range from D*D*D* to PPP (the equivalent of A*A*A* to EEE at A-level)
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including;
• GCSE Maths
• GCSE English Language / Welsh 1st Language
Plus one of the following Science options:
o GCSE Double Science / Applied Science – CC/44 minimum
o GCSE Separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics – CCC/444 minimum
o BTEC First in Principles & Application of Applied Science – MM minimum
At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course
• GCSE Maths
• GCSE English Language / Welsh 1st Language
Plus one of the following Science options:
o GCSE Double Science / Applied Science – CC/44 minimum
o GCSE Separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics – CCC/444 minimum
o BTEC First in Principles & Application of Applied Science – MM minimum
At Coleg Cambria we would encourage you to do the very best that you can in your exams. The better your grades the more options you will have, and may result in you gaining entry onto a higher level course
The natural progression from this course is either a full-time degree course or directly into a job / higher level apprenticeship. There are over 250 forensic-based degree courses in the UK, ranging from Forensics & Criminology, to Hate Crime Science, Forensic Analysis, Digital Forensics, and Medical forensic courses such as Forensic Radiology.
The BTEC in Forensic and Criminal Investigation with an appropriate degree can then provide access to work as a forensic scientist within the Police, customs, and other investigatory agencies as well as the field of Pathology, as an Anatomical Pathology Technician, the NHS, the military, and the pharmaceutical industry.
The BTEC in Forensic and Criminal Investigation with an appropriate degree can then provide access to work as a forensic scientist within the Police, customs, and other investigatory agencies as well as the field of Pathology, as an Anatomical Pathology Technician, the NHS, the military, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Some courses may require kit/uniform to be purchased. Please see attached kit list for further information.
Useful downloads
Useful downloads
Kit ListReady to begin your journey?
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28/11/2024
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Accessible Open Event – Northop
27/11/2024
17:00
Neurodiverse people who want to study at Cambria are invited to our Accessible Open Events.
It’s the perfect opportunity to explore everything Cambria has to offer in a sensory-supportive setting.
