FORENSIC AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Pearson BTEC

Overview

The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation is an applied general qualification for learners wanting to develop their knowledge of applied science, forensic science criminology and criminal and forensic psychology.

This course will cover some of the key science concepts in biology, chemistry and physics; introduce key laboratory techniques needed in planning a scientific investigation; techniques in collecting, analysing and reporting chemical, physical and biological evidence during forensic investigations; introduce criminology theories; legal framework and criminal law.

The qualification is wide-ranging and equivalent to three A-Levels. It has been designed as a two-year full-time programme.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent. Applicants must have a GCSE profile which includes a GCSE Science and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above; OR
BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR
NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.
Applicants must have a GCSE profile which includes a GCSE Science and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

Please note: In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English Language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

Modules studied in year 1 include:

Principles and Applications of Science I.
Practical Scientific procedures and techniques.
Science Investigation Skills.
Forensic Investigation Procedures in Practice.
Forensic Fire Investigation.
Forensic Photography.

Modules studied in year 2 include:

Physiology of Human Body Systems.
Forensic Traffic Collision Investigation.
Practical Chemical Analysis.
Applications of Criminology.
Applications of Criminal and Forensic Psychology.
Criminal Investigation Procedures in Practice.
Microbiology and Microbiology Techniques.

BTEC Level 3 Nationals Science qualifications take a unit-by-unit approach and offer a combination of assessment styles.

Assessment is specifically designed to fit the purpose and objective of the qualification. It includes a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. This will include a combination of externally assessed examinations and internally assessed work in the form of written assignments, reports, observation, presentations etc.

On successful completion of this course, you may progress to higher education courses in the forensic and criminal investigation sector, before entering employment.

The range of higher education degree courses that learners can progress to include:

Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation.
Forensic Science.
Criminology.
Criminology and Law.
Psychology.
Psychology and Criminology.
Policing and Criminal Justice.
Social Policy.

The forensic and criminology sector is diverse and wide-ranging including, for example, forensic science, forensic and criminal psychology and forensic criminology.

There is a wide range of occupations for graduate entry including forensic laboratories, the police force and the probation service.