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Level 3
Pearson BTEC L3 Extended Diploma in Forensic and Criminal Investigation
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is an eclectic mix of science and forensic disciplines including Crime Scene Management and Forensic Fire Investigation. Within the STEM science department you will develop your scientific skills and understanding and apply them in a variety of different settings.
You will be taught by a small and dedicated course team who have a range of specialism and will work to guide and support you through the many exciting units covered.
In addition to scientific skills, English and maths skills development will be embedded throughout the course alongside personal development sessions through PDP and independent study tasks. You will be required to complete Work Experience during your time on the course and we advise that you begin looking for appropriate Work Experience opportunities as soon as you are accepted on to the course.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You will need to have achieved a minimum of a five GCSEs at grade 9-4, which includes English Language and Maths and all Sciences (combined or triple).
Entry is also subject to a successful interview and consideration of prior learning, achievement and attendance.
The course contains a significant amount of high level science which is then applied to various forensic disciplines. You must be prepared to study across the three core science subjects and maths at level 3.
In addition to the 6 science and investigative units covered in the first year, the Extended Diploma covers a further 7 units of forensic biology, investigation and criminology, with 2 units externally assessed and the remaining 5 internally assessed.
Completion of the full Extended Diploma to a DMM standard will gain you 112 UCAS points, which is generally the starting point for entry to Higher Education, however we encourage and will support you to achieve the highest grades possible.
2 of the 6 units in the first year are externally assessed. Unit 1 is assessed through a 1.5 hour written exam. Unit 3 is assessed through an externally marked task which is also set by the exam board.
2 of the 7 units in the second year are externally assessed. Unit 5 and Unit 7 are both assessed through a 3 hour written exam.
These assessments are timetabled by the exam board.
All remaining units are internally assessed through written assignments, observed practical work, research tasks and group work.
Textbook – Forensic Science by Jackson and Jackson ISBN 978-0273738404 PLEASE NOTE IT IS FINE TO BUY AN EARLIER EDITION AT A LOWER COST
Labcoat – for all practical sessions – can be purchased through College – cost approximately £18.50 (subject to change)
Scientific Calculator – available from all supermarkets