Level 3 in Forensic and Criminal Investigation (BTEC Foundation Diploma)

Before submitting your application to Wilberforce Sixth Form College, please ensure the following information has been included:

• Personal Details – including your home address, email address, contact number and school.
• Predicted Grades – a full list of all your predicted grades.

Once your application is submitted, we will contact you via your personal email address. If you wish to change your course choices, this can be done at your interview—there is no need to submit a new application.

For further information or assistance, please contact liaison@wilberforce.ac.uk

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Why should I study this course?

This course provides an exciting and enjoyable pathway through the Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation qualification to help you either enter employment or proceed to Higher Education. 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. You will also get the opportunity to participate in a University of Hull curriculum enhancement project on toxicology and how “stuff” kills you.

This course is for you if:

This course is for you if you want to extend your scientific experience and knowledge and you are prepared to work hard.

What skills do I need?

You will need to show commitment, a strong interest in science subjects and a willingness to learn.

How will I be taught?

You will be taught through a whole range of approaches but as you can see from the unit titles much of the work will be practically based and a significant proportion of the learning will arise through these various practical assignments.

Private study

Much of the portfolio evidence required in this course relies on independent working and you will need to be able to write up practicals, research new topics and work at home to successfully complete all the requirements. You will also need to revise extensively for the exams both within and outside of the class room.

How is the course assessed?

The BTEC Forensic and Criminal Investigation course is assessed by both exams and coursework. The Foundation Diploma is 40% examination. You will be asked to develop your own assignments and you will be assessed by submitting a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your learning. This assessment approach allows a greater flexibility for ‘assessment for learning’ and you will get feedback on your progress as you provide evidence to meet the grading criteria.

What materials do I need to provide?

Writing materials including paper. Revision guide. Scientific Calculator.

You must have:

• A minimum GCSE average of 5.0

• A grade 3 or higher in GCSE English Language

• A grade 4 or higher in GCSE Science (or equivalent)

If you are interested in joining the College, we will arrange a meeting with an experienced subject counsellor who will help you to choose courses that best suit your ambitions and achievements.

All entry requirement details are correct at the time of publication; however, the College may need to make some changes in light of student demand, staff availability and external factors beyond the College's control.

Experiences

This course will provide you with the opportunity to hear from academic and industry professionals ns talks and workshops, as well as visiting leading universities across the UK. You will also be given the opportunity to take part in events like our PulseCSI day, which helps you to experience a day in the life as a CSI Investigator and Forensic Scientist.

Progression

Students who complete a qualification in Forensic and Criminal Investigation can go on to complete a degree in an area like Forensic Science or Criminology. It may be that you want to undertake a higher level apprenticeship, which will also be available to you after completing a L3 qualification.

Outcomes

Students who complete a qualification in Forensic and Criminal Investigation go on to a wide variety of jobs. These can include: Analytical Chemist, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Scientist, Police Officer or Scientific Laboratory Technician.