About the course

Our Forensic and Criminal Investigation course is a great choice for anyone who has a love of science, and is interested in its application to criminal investigations. We cover a number of topics, situations and case studies in this course, which will allow students to fully appreciate the complexities of the criminal investigation sector. You will develop skills across a wide range of scientific techniques in the lab, covering the more well known techniques such as DNA and fingerprinting, but also including scientific analysis of unknown chemical samples, pollen and soil analysis. We will undertake a number of simulated crime scene scenarios across both years, covering a range of different crime types, such as murders, suicides, drug related incidents and traffic collisions. Students also develop communication skills by taking part in mock criminal interviews, and giving evidence in a moot court. 

This Advanced Level vocational course is equivalent to three A Levels and offers an excellent combination of practical and academic study in preparation for university and employment.

Start Date/s

02/09/2024, 02/09/2024

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above in a good range of subjects including GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science OR a relevant Level 2 Diploma with a Merit profile overall or above in a Science subject.

Modules

In their first year, students will cover units in Principles & Applications of Science, Practical Scientific Procedures & Techniques, Science Investigation Skills, Forensic Investigation Procedures in Practice, Physiology of the Human Body, Forensic Photography and Environmental Forensics. In their second year, students will cover units in Criminal Investigation Procedures, Criminology, Psychology, Forensic Fire Investigation, Forensic Traffic Investigation, Anthropology and Archaeology. Assessment across the course is a mixture of external examination and internally completed assignment work.

Assessment

The following units are externally assessed Principles and Applications of Science I, Science Investigation skills, Applications of Criminology and Applications of Criminal and Forensic Psychology. Other units will be internally assessed using a range of assessment methods including practical work, coursework, presentations and research tasks.

Careers & Progression

On successful completion of this course, you may decide to progress onto a variety of Degree courses; to a Higher or Degree Apprenticeship or directly into a career. Careers that this course may ultimately lead to include: Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation, Law, Criminal Investigation, Policing, Psychology, Criminology and Analytical Chemistry. The structure and variety of skills built into the course means past students have also successfully gained places on other university courses, including teaching, business, finance and nursing, as well as employment in apprenticeships.

Additional Details