BTEC Level 3 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 2026 |
End Date | 31 Jul 2027 |
Course Overview
The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation at Coleg Cambria is a 2-year, full-time program designed to be the equivalent of 3 A-levels. This course provides a comprehensive overview of forensic science, forensic psychology, and criminology, as applied within the UK legal system.
Course Content The program consists of 13 units, delving into criminology and forensic practices through real-life contexts and scenarios. It also builds a strong foundation in core scientific principles, similar to A-level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
In the first year, you'll cover six units:
* 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 Investigation Procedures in Practice (90 GLH)
* Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems (60 GLH)
* Unit 13: Forensic Genetics (60 GLH)
Your second year will involve seven additional units:
* 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 9: Environmental Forensics (60 GLH)
* Unit 14: Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (60 GLH)
* Unit 15: Practical Chemical Analysis (60 GLH)
* Unit 16: Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques (60 GLH)
Units marked with an asterisk (*) are assessed by an externally set written examination, while those with two asterisks (**) involve an externally set task carried out in college. All other units are assessed through internally assigned tasks.
Course Content The program consists of 13 units, delving into criminology and forensic practices through real-life contexts and scenarios. It also builds a strong foundation in core scientific principles, similar to A-level Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
In the first year, you'll cover six units:
* 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 Investigation Procedures in Practice (90 GLH)
* Unit 8: Physiology of Human Body Systems (60 GLH)
* Unit 13: Forensic Genetics (60 GLH)
Your second year will involve seven additional units:
* 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 9: Environmental Forensics (60 GLH)
* Unit 14: Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (60 GLH)
* Unit 15: Practical Chemical Analysis (60 GLH)
* Unit 16: Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques (60 GLH)
Units marked with an asterisk (*) are assessed by an externally set written examination, while those with two asterisks (**) involve an externally set task carried out in college. All other units are assessed through internally assigned tasks.
5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including English Language/Welsh (1st Language) and Maths.
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
OR Successful completion of a relevant Level 2 programme which must include achievement of numeracy and literacy.
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.
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
OR Successful completion of a relevant Level 2 programme which must include achievement of numeracy and literacy.
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.
Assessments are designed to test your understanding of theoretical content and practical skills in mock forensic and criminal investigation scenarios. This includes investigating mock crime scenes, excavating shallow graves, identifying remains and estimating time of death. You’ll also be assessed through courtroom cross-examination. Assessments are “open book” and draw upon class materials, homework, practical activities, and self-directed study. Assessment methods are varied and include projects, practical tasks, and research activities. All assignment work is submitted electronically via Google Classroom.
The final course grades range from D*D*D* to PPP, equivalent to A*A*A* to EEE at A-level.
The final course grades range from D*D*D* to PPP, equivalent to A*A*A* to EEE at A-level.
Upon successful completion, you will achieve the equivalent of 3 A-levels. You’ll also aim to achieve the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate, which is an A-level equivalent course. This means successful learners will achieve the equivalent of 4 A-levels, providing the UCAS points needed for university progression.
This course naturally leads to either a full-time degree course or direct entry into a job or higher-level apprenticeship. There are over 250 forensic-based degree courses in the UK, covering areas like Forensics & Criminology, Hate Crime Science, Digital Forensics, and Medical forensic courses such as Forensic Radiology.
With this BTEC and an appropriate degree, you could work as a forensic scientist for the Police, customs, and other investigatory agencies, or in the field of Pathology as an Anatomical Pathology Technician. Opportunities also exist within the NHS, the military, and the pharmaceutical industry. Many graduates also move into government, medical, military, and pharmaceutical labs.
While there’s a 3% projected increase in vacancies in the field over the next five years, competition for forensic-focused degrees and jobs can be high due to the popularity of the field. Starting salaries for qualified professionals are typically around £20,000, rising to £35,000 with experience, and senior staff salaries often exceed £45,000.
This course naturally leads to either a full-time degree course or direct entry into a job or higher-level apprenticeship. There are over 250 forensic-based degree courses in the UK, covering areas like Forensics & Criminology, Hate Crime Science, Digital Forensics, and Medical forensic courses such as Forensic Radiology.
With this BTEC and an appropriate degree, you could work as a forensic scientist for the Police, customs, and other investigatory agencies, or in the field of Pathology as an Anatomical Pathology Technician. Opportunities also exist within the NHS, the military, and the pharmaceutical industry. Many graduates also move into government, medical, military, and pharmaceutical labs.
While there’s a 3% projected increase in vacancies in the field over the next five years, competition for forensic-focused degrees and jobs can be high due to the popularity of the field. Starting salaries for qualified professionals are typically around £20,000, rising to £35,000 with experience, and senior staff salaries often exceed £45,000.
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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