Forensic Science (Vocational)

Outline

You will learn how science is applied within forensic and criminal investigations, combining biology, chemistry and physics with specialist forensic, criminological and investigative topics.

Applied and Practical Science

Develop your understanding of core biology, chemistry and physics alongside practical laboratory procedures and scientific investigation.

Forensic Investigation

Explore crime-scene procedures, evidence collection and preservation and how forensic evidence is handled, interpreted and used within investigations.

Criminology and Criminal Investigation

Examine investigative procedures, criminological explanations of crime, crime and the media, and different approaches to punishment and crime prevention.

Criminal and Forensic Psychology

Explore psychological ideas within criminal and forensic contexts and consider how they can be applied to realistic cases and evidence.

Specialist Forensic Science

You will investigate areas including:

• Environmental Forensics
• Forensic Fire Investigation
• Traffic Collision Investigation
• DNA and Forensic Genetics
• Practical Chemical Analysis
• Human Body Systems

Across the course, you will study units covering Principles and Applications of Science, Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques, Science Investigation Skills, Forensic Investigation Procedures, Criminology, Criminal Investigation Procedures, Criminal and Forensic Psychology and a range of specialist forensic topics.

Practical and transferable skills

Practical work is an important part of the programme. You will develop skills in accurate measurement, solution preparation, chromatography, chemical analysis, biological and DNA-related evidence, scientific investigation and evidence handling.

You will also develop valuable transferable skills including research, report writing, data analysis, evaluation, problem-solving, case analysis and using evidence to justify conclusions.

Work experience

All students must complete 30 hours of work experience alongside the academic programme, giving you the opportunity to develop your professional skills and experience

Progression

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation can support progression to university, higher or degree apprenticeships and employment.

Higher Education

Depending on individual university entry requirements, relevant degree areas may include:

• Forensic Science
• Forensic Biology
• Forensic Chemistry
• Criminology
• Criminal Psychology
• Policing
• Criminal Investigation

Forensic Science and Investigation

Potential career areas include:

• Forensic Laboratory Work
• Forensic Biology and DNA Analysis
• Analytical Laboratory Work
• Crime-Scene Investigation
• Environmental Forensics
• Fire Investigation
• Collision Investigation

Criminal Investigation and Justice

The course can also support progression towards areas including:

• Police and Criminal Investigation Roles
• Intelligence and Analytical Roles
• Scientific or Criminal-Justice Support Roles

Some of these careers require additional professional training, specific degrees or recruitment requirements after completing your Level 3 qualification.

Assessment

The qualification combines externally assessed units with internally assessed coursework.

External Assessment – approximately 42%

Four units are externally assessed by Pearson:

• Unit 1 – Principles and Applications of Science I
• Unit 3 – Science Investigation Skills
• Unit 5 – Applications of Criminology
• Unit 7 – Applications of Criminal and Forensic Psychology

Unit 1 is examination-based, while Units 3, 5 and 7 are assessed through externally set tasks.

Coursework – approximately 58%

The remaining units are internally assessed through assignments completed during the course.

Each unit contributes points towards your final qualification grade, meaning your performance across both coursework and externally assessed units contributes to your overall result.

You will also need to manage regular independent study outside lessons, including revision, coursework, research, preparation for practical work and catching up following absence.

Entry Requirements

Students will need a minimum of 3 grade 4s and two grade 5s at GCSE including a grade 4 in GCSE English. The two grade 5s must come from a selection of Maths, Combined Science, Physics, Chemistry or Biology, with the rest of these subjects at grade 4. Progressions from Level 2 Vocational Science will require a merit grade profile with Level 2 passes in examined units and grade 4 in English and grade 5 in Maths.Additional Information: We will consider 1 Vocational qualification in place of a GCSE as long as a grade 4 is achieved in English.

* Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

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