Overview

This course provides an exciting and enjoyable pathway through the Forensic Science & 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.

During this two-year course you will explore the principles of science that form the basis of some of the analytical techniques commonly used to investigate crimes. You will carry out analysis on forensic evidence, interpret the results and then report valid conclusions.

What will you learn?

This is a full two-year BTEC course that is equivalent to three A-Levels. The extended diploma covers biology, chemistry, and physics, allowing you to gain a broad understanding of the fundamental principles across these core scientific areas. The two-year course contains 13 units.

There are a range of externally assessed examination and internally set assignments. In the second year you will learn to apply these scientific principles to a range of forensic settings including crime scenes, traffic collisions and fire investigations.

A significant portion of the course involves practical work in well-equipped laboratories, helping you build essential skills in scientific procedures, data analysis and evaluation.

Who is the course aimed at?

This is an excellent qualification to have that provides a solid foundation for a wide range of science-related careers, whether in laboratories, healthcare, environmental science, or other technical fields.

If you prefer learning through experiments, investigations, and real-world applications rather than solely through exams, this course offers a more practical approach to science education.

If you are enthusiastic about science, enjoy practical learning, and are aiming for a science-related career or further study in higher education, the BTEC Applied Science Extended Diploma could be an excellent choice for you.

Entry Requirements & Other Info

Entry Requirements

You must have a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 9-4, including English Language, Maths and Science.

Alternative entry route is with a minimum of a Merit grade in Level 2 Applied Science, as well as a minimum GCSE Maths grade of 4.
Experiences

This course will provide you with the opportunity to take part in trips to real working laboratories, as well as hear from academics and visiting speakers who are experts in their fields. For example Humberside Fire and Rescue Service deliver run interactive sessions looking at their role in road traffic collisions. You will also be able to take part in our Upskilling & Enrichment Programme as part of the wider science community: students who have done this have won the prestigious Waterline Challenge, a Dragon’s Den style competition which supports the Humber region as it transitions towards a zero-carbon economy.
Progression

The BTEC Applied Science Extended Diploma offers a wide array of progression opportunities, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and qualification to pursue various paths in higher education, apprenticeships, and direct employment within the science sector and beyond. This qualification is widely recognized by universities and can provide the necessary UCAS points for entry into a variety of science-based degree programmes.
Outcomes
Future industries to consider working within:
- Forensic Science: Applying scientific principles to criminal investigations.
- Environmental Science: Studying the interactions within the environment and solutions to environmental problems.
- Biological Sciences: Investigating the study of life and living organisms.
- Many more: Including areas like marine biology, microbiology, biotechnology, and analytical chemistry.
Higher and Degree Apprenticeships: The practical skills and vocational focus of the BTEC Extended Diploma make you an attractive candidate for higher and degree apprenticeships in various scientific and technical fields. These combine paid employment with further study, allowing you to gain valuable work experience and a qualification at the same time. Examples include:
- Laboratory Technician
- Research and Development Technician
- Chemical Engineering Technician
Direct Employment: The qualification equips you with practical laboratory skills, scientific knowledge, and an understanding of scientific procedures, making you employable in various roles within the science industry, such as:
- Laboratory Technician in various sectors (e.g., healthcare, research, industry)
- Research Assistant
- Quality Control Analyst