Forensic & Criminal Investigation

Interested in problem-solving, science and enjoy piecing clues together? If so, a career in forensics and criminal investigation could be for you.

Forensic Science – Environmental Science – Police – Legal system (courts) – NHS

Forensics and criminology can take you into a variety of rewarding careers while teaching you key analytical skills. It can enable you to work in specialist fields and help to improve society.

This course is perfect if you enjoy all things science-related and have a particular interest in the reasons behind criminal behaviour and how crime scenes are investigated.

This two-year course is equivalent to three A Levels and successful completion will provide you with the same UCAS points to enter university.

UCAS Tariff – Earn up to 168 UCAS points

On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university:

• The main subject qualification
• Work experience for a minimum of 37 hours or, on some courses, up to 50 days over an academic year. You will be expected to find placements by researching companies, contacting employers and speaking with college staff. 
• English and maths where students have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects
• Additional enhancing activities such as tutorials and work-related learning, including careers fairs, site visits and guest speakers, to help further develop the personal skills relevant to your progression goals

The Forensic & Criminal Investigation qualification

Over the two-year course you will complete a series of assignments and challenging investigations using techniques used by crime scene investigators and forensic scientists including collecting and analysing evidence from crime. You will also carry out a variety of practical science activities in our laboratory as well as some exciting investigative work both on and off-site.

Year 1 (Foundation Diploma)

• Principles and applications of science
• Practical scientific procedures and techniques
• Science investigation skills
• Forensic investigation procedures in practice

Optional units available:

• Physiology of body systems
• Environmental forensics in crime

If you successfully complete the first year of study you will gain a Level 3 Foundation Diploma qualification. In order to progress to the second year you will need to pass the first year of study.

Year 2 (Extended Diploma)

• Applications of criminology
• Criminal investigation procedures in practice
• Criminal and forensic psychology

Optional units available:

• Forensic anthropology and archaeology
• Forensic photography
• Forensic fire investigation
• Forensic traffic collision investigation 

Trips, visits and activities

 As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, visits and guest lectures. Previous activities have included:

• Guest lectures from a wide range of industry professionals
• University fairs and careers events
• Industry networking opportunities through work experience and a dedicated industry week

Students have access to our science lab for medical and forensic science investigations.

Explore our virtual tour (new window)

55% coursework / practical

45% exam

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English, maths and science)
OR
Level 2 Forensic & Applied Science (including GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above)

You will need to attend a College interview. Find out more about How to Apply

May not meet the entry requirements?
Check out our Level 2 Forensic & Applied Science

Job Roles

Police Officer: Investigating crimes and keeping the public safe.

Doctor (and other NHS professions): Caring for patients, diagnosing and treating illnesses.

Anatomical Pathology Technician: Help pathologists carry out autopsies and examine the body to determine the cause of death. Required to be a doctor first.

Laboratory Technician: Following lab protocols to analyse samples – these could be from food, health or other sources.

Criminal Psychologist: Assist police with interviewing suspects and determining fitness for trial.

Prison Officer: Ensure prisoners undergo appropriate rehabilitation. Monitor health and wellbeing of prisoners.

Solicitor: Represent offenders/ prosecute offenders in court.

Environment Enforcement Officer: Investigate offences/ occurrences in the environment. Collect evidence and prepare reports.

Scene of Crime Officer (Forensics): Process a crime scene, collect evidence, maintain proper procedure and make sure the Forensic Scientist has all the details.

Forensic Scientist: Process evidence in a lab and prepare traces of physical evidence for use in courts of law. They help to achieve justice for victims and their families by using a range of techniques: DNA analysis, psychological theories and profiling approaches.

If you will be aged 19 before the start of the second year of this course, you will be liable to pay a fee for that year. Please contact us for more information.