FORENSIC AND CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Portadown Campus
Pearson

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.

Throughout the course, students will delve into various aspects of forensic science, including crime scene investigation, evidence collection and preservation. The course will cover some of the key science concepts in biology, chemistry and physics as well as:

introducing key laboratory techniques needed in planning a scientific investigation;
techniques in collecting, analysing and reporting chemical, physical and biological evidence during forensic investigations;
introducing criminology theories; and
the legal framework and criminal law.

This is a wide ranging qualification which is 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 2024 and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
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.
Applicants must have achieved the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). 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. For the Applied Science course, applicants must have achieved at least a GCSE Grade C in Maths and a GCSE Grade C in a science subject.
A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
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, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
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.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

Modules Year 1

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 Year 2

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

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma takes a unit-by-unit approach and offers 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 and presentations.

On successful completion of this course, student's 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

Upon successful completion of this programme, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in forensic and criminal investigation. Graduates may seek employment opportunities with law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, private investigation firms, or other related organisations.

The forensic and criminology sector is diverse and wide-ranging and careers within it may include forensic science, forensic and criminal psychology and forensic criminology.