BTEC Level 3 National 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 Diploma qualification is completed by the end of the second year of study. This is the equivalent of 2 A-levels, leaving students with the choice of a third subject, learners will aim to achieve the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate which is an A level equivalent course delivered over 2 years, learners will therefore achieve a 3 A level equivalent course and provide them with the UCAS points needed to progress to university. |
Department | Science |
Start Date | 04 Sep 2023 |
End Date | 21 Jun 2024 |
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 2 A-levels and consists of 8 units giving a broad overview of the principles and application of forensic science and criminology as presented in court processes under UK law. The units cover criminology, forensic skills and knowledge and their practice and application in 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.
There is an exit point after the first year where you can achieve the BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science, the equivalent of an AS-level. There is no opportunity to achieve a smaller forensic qualification.
In the first year, 4 units are taken, all of which are mandatory and 2 of these are externally assessed. The mandatory units are;
● 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).
In the second year 2 further mandatory units and 2 optional units are taught. The units are;
● Unit 5 – Applications of Criminology** (120 GLH)
● Unit 6 – Criminal Investigation Procedures in Practice (90 GLH)
●Unit 9 - Environmental Forensics (60 GLH)
● Unit 14 – Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (60 GLH)
* Externally set written examination
** Externally set task carried out in college
The 2-year programme is the equivalent of 2 A-levels and consists of 8 units giving a broad overview of the principles and application of forensic science and criminology as presented in court processes under UK law. The units cover criminology, forensic skills and knowledge and their practice and application in 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.
There is an exit point after the first year where you can achieve the BTEC National Certificate in Applied Science, the equivalent of an AS-level. There is no opportunity to achieve a smaller forensic qualification.
In the first year, 4 units are taken, all of which are mandatory and 2 of these are externally assessed. The mandatory units are;
● 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).
In the second year 2 further mandatory units and 2 optional units are taught. The units are;
● Unit 5 – Applications of Criminology** (120 GLH)
● Unit 6 – Criminal Investigation Procedures in Practice (90 GLH)
●Unit 9 - Environmental Forensics (60 GLH)
● Unit 14 – Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (60 GLH)
* Externally set written examination
** Externally set task carried out in college
Unit 1 will be assessed by a written paper which is externally set and marked.
Units 3 and 5 are assessed through externally set tasks conducted under controlled conditions in college.
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 and excavation of shallow graves and identification of bodies. Students will also be assessed by undertaking court room 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* (the equivalent of A*A* at A-level), to PP (the equivalent of EE at A-level)
Units 3 and 5 are assessed through externally set tasks conducted under controlled conditions in college.
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 and excavation of shallow graves and identification of bodies. Students will also be assessed by undertaking court room 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* (the equivalent of A*A* at A-level), to PP (the equivalent of EE at A-level)
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English Language/Welsh (1st Language), plus one of the following Science options;
○ Double Science / Applied Science GCSE CC/44 or above
○ Separate Science GCSEs CCC/444 or above
○ BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science – MM or above.
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.
○ Double Science / Applied Science GCSE CC/44 or above
○ Separate Science GCSEs CCC/444 or above
○ BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Applied Science – MM or above.
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 / scene of crime officer within the Police, customs and other investigatory agencies as well as the NHS and pharmaceutical industry.
The BTEC in Forensic and Criminal Investigation with an appropriate degree can then provide access to work as a forensic scientist / scene of crime officer within the Police, customs and other investigatory agencies as well as the NHS and pharmaceutical industry.
Some courses may require equipment and/or uniforms to be purchased. Please see attached equipment list for further information.
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