Forensic and Criminal Investigation Level 3

The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Forensic and criminal investigation will allow students to understand the workings of the criminal mind, how crime scenes are investigated and the procedures followed, and collect and analyse evidence from a crime scene. The Forensic investigation programme contains a mix of modules that incorporate a range of topics. Topics include: Environmental forensics, forensic fire investigation, applications of criminology, applications of criminal and forensic psychology, forensic genetics and practical scientific procedures and techniques. There is a strong emphasis on practical laboratory work to support the learning.

Forensic and Criminal Investigation BTEC Diploma Level 3 – Course Content

The topics for first year will include:

• Principles and Applications of Science I
• Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
• Science Investigation Skills
• Forensic Investigation Procedures in Practice
• Physiology of Human Body Systems
• Microbiology and Microbiological Techniques

The topics for second year will include:

• Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology
• Environmental Forensics
• Forensic Genetics
• Forensic Fire Investigation
• Applications of Criminology
• Criminal Investigation Procedures in Practice
• Applications of Criminal and Forensic Psychology

Learners will be assessed by a mixture of coursework and examinations. In order to achieve the diploma students are required to sit a total of two externally assessed units and four internally assessed units.

5 GCSEs (9-4) including English, Maths and Science, or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 2 qualification and an interview.

After completing a degree in a relevant discipline, learners may progress on to a career to become a: forensic archaeologist, anthropologist, toxicologist, forensic psychiatrist, criminologist, crime scene or fire investigator.

Higher education courses that learners can progress onto include BSc (Hons) Forensic science, Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation, Forensic psychology, Psychology and Criminology, Policing and Criminal Investigation, BA (Hons) Criminology, Criminology and Law.

The requirements of the qualification will mean learners develop the transferable and higher-order skills that are highly regarded by both higher education and employers. For example, practical and analytical skills, reading scientific text, problem solving and carrying out practical laboratory tasks and planning forensic investigations.