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 wide range of vocational units which will allow students to fully appreciate the complexities of the criminal investigation sector. You will develop skills across a range of scientific techniques in the lab, covering well known analytical procedures such a fingerprinting and DNA, as well as chemical analysis for identifying unknown substances. You will undertake a number of simulated crime scene scenarios covering a range of different crime types such as murders, suicides, drug related incidents and traffic collisions. You will also look at criminal investigations from a policing and law perspective by learning how to build case files, and gain an understanding of the UK justice system. There are also opportunities to study forensic psychology and criminology. Students develop a range of transferable skills such as completing legal documentation, writing expert witness statements, taking part in mock police interviews, and giving evidence in a moot court. 

Start Date/s

01/09/2027

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above -Including English, Mathematics and Science or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

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, and Forensic Photography. In their second year, students will cover units in Criminal Investigation Procedures, Criminology, Psychology, Forensic Fire Investigation, Forensic Traffic Investigation, Anthropology and Archaeology and Chemical Analysis. Assessment across the course is a mixture of external examination, internally completed assignments and assessed practical 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.

Additional Details