Ever wanted to solve a crime using DNA and forensic profiling? The subject of forensic science continues to play a pivotal role in the investigation and solving of crimes. Forensic scientists use a range of sciences to answer questions related to legal situations, giving prosecutors the evidence to secure convictions.

Outline

Students will become confident in a wide range of biology, chemistry and physics ideas and experiments that can be applied to crime scene investigations. Additionally, students learn about the fundamentals of psychology and criminology to complement their main scientific unit of study.

In the first year, students develop their science knowledge and skills, which are applied to the investigation-related units covered in their second year. There are also two optional units in psychology and criminology to introduce these important concepts related to forensic investigations. The course is graded by internal assessment in both years.

Entry Requirements

Students will need two Grade 5s and three Grade 4s including a Grade 4 in GCSE (or equivalent) English. The two Grade 5s must come from a selection of mathematics, combined science, physics, chemistry or biology, with the rest these subjects at Grade 4. Progression 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 Mathematics.