FORENSIC

And Criminal Investigation Level 3

National Extended Diploma

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. This course will cover some of the key science concepts in biology, chemistry and physics; introduce key laboratory techniques needed in planning a scientific investigation; techniques in collecting, analysing and reporting chemical, physical and biological evidence during forensic investigations; introduce criminology theories; legal framework and criminal law. The qualification is wide-ranging and equivalent to three A-Levels. It has been designed as a two-year full-time programme.

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

• 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent. Applicants must have a GCSE profile which includes a GCSE Science and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above; OR

• BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR

• NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR

• 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, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level

• Applicants must have a GCSE profile which includes a GCSE Science and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or above

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.

Please note: 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.

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.

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.

APPLIED SCIENCE LEVEL 2 FIRST EXTENDED CERTIFICATE Armagh, & Portadown

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable in the selection of candidates in all courses.

What Will I Study?

Modules studied in year 1 include:

• 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 studied in year 2 include:

• 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

How Will I Be Assessed?

BTEC Level 3 Nationals Science qualifications take a unitby-unit approach and offer 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, presentations etc.

Further Study

On successful completion of this course, you 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 Careers

The forensic and criminology sector is diverse and wideranging including, for example, forensic science, forensic and criminal psychology and forensic criminology. There is a wide range of occupations for graduate entry including forensic laboratories, the police force and the probation service.

Contacts

FacultyHESC@src.ac.uk

028 3025 9685

Overview

The Pearson BTEC Level 2 First Extended Certificate qualification is a one year course that has been developed to:

• Exemplify scientific principles in vocational contexts, leading to an understanding of how those principles are applied in practice, and can facilitate a move either on to further periods of study or into employment

• Give learners the opportunity to gain a broad understanding and knowledge of science principles and practice

• Give learners the opportunity to develop a range of related skills and techniques that are essential for successful performance in working life

• Give opportunities for learners to achieve a nationally recognised level 1 or level 2 science qualification

• Support progression into a more specialised level 3 vocational or academic course or into an apprenticeship

• Give learners the opportunity to enter potential employment within a wide range of science sectors such as process, industrial, medical, or forensic.

It is appropriate for learners of all abilities who will benefit from a practical and applied approach to learning in a vocational context.

Entry Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course

• 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

2 qualification

• Applicants should normally have a minimum of a full Level 1 qualification (4 GCSEs at grades D-G, including English and Mathematics at grades D-F or equivalent). Applicants presenting with a Junior Cert qualification should have attained mostly higher-level subjects

• All applicants must be able to demonstrate at interview that they have a satisfactory level of fluency in English –both written and spoken. 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

• Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual or group interviews) is advisable for the selection of candidates in all level 2 full-time courses. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they are committed and motivated to the course

• The College may also use other evidence provided as part of the application process

• Students who have not gained a GCSE grade C or above in English Language and/or Maths are required to undertake Essential Skills in Communications and/or Application of Number as part of their main programme of study. This is a compulsory requirement within the College

What Will I Study?

The course consists of twelve mandatory modules:

• Principles of Science (externally assessed examination unit)

• Chemistry and our Earth

• Energy and our Universe

• Biology and our Environment

• The Living Body

• Investigating a Crime Scene

• Applications of Chemical Substances

• Applications of Physical Science

• Health Applications of Life Science

• Scientific Skills (externally assessed examination unit)

• Science in Medicine

• Practical Scientific Project

Students who have not gained a GCSE grade C or above in English Language and/or Maths are required to undertake Essential Skills in Communications and/or Application of Number as part of their main programme of study. This is a compulsory requirement within the College.

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will be assessed using a range of internal and external assessment methods. Internally assessed modules include assessment types such as presentations, booklets, case studies and essay type assignments.

Further Study

This course is an ideal starting point for studying applied science and progressing to a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a range of areas, including applied science and forensic Science.

Careers

One of the main purposes of BTEC qualifications is to help learners to progress ultimately into employment. The vast majority of employers require learners to have certain technical skills, knowledge and understanding to work in a particular sector, but they are also looking for employability skills to ensure that employees are effective in the workplace. Throughout the BTEC First in Applied Science learners should develop a range of employability skills. Contacts

FacultyHESC@src.ac.uk 028 3025 9685