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Free BTEC Level 3 Forensic and Criminal Investigation Course in Burnley

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Forensic and Criminal Investigation Course in Burnley. Classes run at Burnley College, full-time over two years. This is a daytime course with a start date of September 2026. You'll work across a wide range of scientific techniques in the lab, including crime scene processing, fingerprinting, and analytical methods. The course also covers criminal investigations from a policing and legal perspective, including simulated crime scenes, mock criminal interviews, and a moot court. You'll need five GCSEs at Grade 5 or above, including English, Maths, and Science, or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Who this course is for

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 number of topics, situations and case studies in this course, which will allow students to fully appreciate the complexities of the criminal investigation sector. You will develop skills across a wide range of scientific techniques in the lab, covering the more well known analytical techniques as well as crime scene processing and fingerprinting. We will undertake a number of simulated crime scene scenarios across both years, covering a range of different crime types, such as murders, suicides, drug related incidents and traffic collisions as well as looking at criminal investigations from a policing and law perspective and procedures in court. Students also develop a range of transferable skills by taking part in mock criminal interviews, and giving evidence in a moot court.

Entry requirements

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

What you will learn

  • You'll apply scientific techniques to analyse evidence from crime scenes
  • You'll process simulated crime scenes covering a range of crime types, including murder, drug-related incidents, and traffic collisions
  • You'll use fingerprinting and other forensic identification methods
  • You'll study criminal investigation procedures from a policing and legal perspective
  • You'll take part in mock criminal interviews and give evidence in a moot court
  • You'll develop practical laboratory skills in scientific procedures and techniques
  • You'll examine case studies to understand the complexities of real criminal investigations

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom and laboratory at Burnley College. You'll study through a mix of practical lab work, simulated crime scene scenarios, and case study analysis. Assessment is through a combination of coursework assignments and externally assessed units, as is standard for the Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Diploma. Simulated exercises, including mock interviews and moot court participation, form a core part of how your skills are assessed across both years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Burnley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Forensic science technician: supporting evidence collection and lab analysis
  • Crime scene investigator: working with police to process scenes
  • Police officer: entering the service with a strong investigative foundation
  • Forensic laboratory analyst: testing samples in a specialist lab
  • Fingerprint officer: identifying and comparing prints for investigations
  • Mortuary technician: supporting post-mortem and forensic pathology work
  • Paralegal: using criminal law knowledge in a legal support role

What you could study next

A Level 3 BTEC National Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels and is accepted by many universities for degree entry. You could progress to a BSc in Forensic Science, Criminology, or a related subject. Some learners go on to study a degree in Policing or Criminal Justice. A degree apprenticeship in forensic or laboratory science is another option worth exploring alongside university routes.

Apply on burnley.ac.uk →
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