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Level 3 in Forensic and Criminal Investigation

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Subject

Forensic Science

Level

Level 3

Study Mode

Full-Time

Duration

1-2 years, depending on study route

Start Date

September 2026

The course

Are you interested in science, forensics and criminology? If so, this course is ideal to kick-start your career. It combines science and social science subjects with plenty of laboratory work fiving you a mixture of theory and practical skills, whilst improving your employability. You will develop scientific analytical-thinking skills through the use of biological, chemical and physical evidence. You will remain impartial, develop a chronology and provide scientific justification for analysis and you will present facts in a non-biased manner through detailed investigations. This course requires you to practically explore the principles of science that form the basis of some of the analytical techniques commonly used to investigate crimes, as well as to carry out analysis on forensic evidence. It also requires you to interpret the results and report valid conclusions. By the end of the course you will be able to produce a coherent forensic expert report, with interpretation of findings from the analysis of evidence.

Course Information

Year 1

  • Principles and Applications of Science
  • Practical Scientific Procedures and Techniques
  • Science Investigation Skills
  • Forensic Investigation Procedures in Practice
  • Specialist units, such as: Forensic Genetics, Techniques of Crime Scene Recovery and Analysis

Year 2

  • Applications of Criminology
  • Criminal Investigation Procedures in Practice
  • Applications of Criminal and Forensic Psychology
  • Specialist units, such as: Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology

You will need four GCSEs at grade 4 or equivalent, including all sciences, English and Maths. A satisfactory academic reference is also needed.

  • Folder with dividers to organise your work and assignments
  • Stationery including notepad for use in class, pens and pencils
  • Scientific calculator
  • College-branded white laboratory coat
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Waterproof outdoor clothing and footwear suitable for all weather conditions
Following completion of this course you will be able to progress to degree level study. In addition to the applied science, forensic science, criminology, and criminal and forensic psychology sector-specific content, you will develop the transferable skills that are highly regarded by universities and employers. For example, the study of applied and forensic science, criminology, and criminal and forensic psychology particularly encourages the development of skills such as evaluation, analysis and synthesis.
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.
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