Free BTEC Level 3 Forensic and Criminal Investigation Course in Maidenhead. Classes run at Newlands Girls' School, full-time during the day. The course runs over 22 months and covers the science behind forensic and criminal investigation, from biology and chemistry principles to practical laboratory skills. You'll study units including scientific investigation skills and practical procedures such as titrations, chromatography, and colorimetric analysis. To join, you'll need five GCSE passes including at least a grade 4 in GCSE Double Science.
Who this course is for
What will I learn on this course? Unit 1 - Principles and applications of Science I. Students will study some basic concepts in biology, chemistry and Physics, including atomic structure, animal and plant cells and waves. This unit is assessed externally. Unit 2 - Practical Scientific Procedures. Activities are focussed on the development of laboratory skills and includes titrations, colorimetric and chromatography. This unit will be assessed internally Unit 3 - Science Investigative skills. Students will learn how to plan a scientific investigation, collect and collate data, and reach valid conclusions. They will apply these skills to experiments involving enzymes and diffusion of molecules. This unit is externally assessed. Unit 4 - Diseases and infection. Learners will gain understanding of five types of diseases, their causes and how humans try to prevent and treat them. This unit is internally assessed.
Entry requirements
Course requirements You will need to achieve 5 GCSE passes including a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Double Science to be considered for this course.
What you will learn
You'll study core concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics, including atomic structure, cells, and waves.
You'll develop practical laboratory skills including titrations, colorimetric analysis, and chromatography.
You'll learn how to plan and carry out scientific investigations.
You'll explore the principles behind forensic science and how they apply to criminal investigation.
You'll practise analysing and interpreting scientific data from experiments.
You'll build an understanding of how evidence is gathered and processed in criminal cases.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of classroom teaching and hands-on laboratory work. Some units are assessed externally through set exams or tasks. Others are assessed internally through coursework and practical activities completed at the centre. Unit 1 (Principles and Applications of Science) is externally assessed. Unit 2 (Practical Scientific Procedures) and Unit 3 (Science Investigative Skills) are assessed internally.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Newlands Girls' School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Forensic science technician: supporting evidence analysis in labs or the field.
Crime scene investigator: collecting and recording physical evidence.
Police officer: a science background supports investigative roles.
Laboratory analyst: testing samples in a forensic or scientific setting.
Forensic support officer: assisting specialist teams with casework.
Pathology technician: working in mortuary or medical investigation settings.
What you could study next
Degree in Forensic Science or Criminology: the natural next step after a Level 3 BTEC, leading to graduate-level roles in forensic analysis or criminal justice.
Degree in Biomedical Science: opens routes into laboratory-based careers in healthcare and research.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Science (Level 4): a shorter higher-education route if you want to specialise before committing to a full degree.
BTEC Higher National Diploma in Applied Science (Level 5): builds on your Level 3 qualification with more advanced scientific study.
