Free BTEC Level 3 Forensic Investigation Course in Chesterfield. Classes run at Outwood Academy Newbold, full-time during the day over two years. You'll build cross-sector scientific knowledge alongside practical skills in forensic evidence collection and analysis. The course also covers forensic psychology and the criminal justice system. To join, you'll need five good passes at GCSE or Level 2 BTEC, including maths or English, with grades 9 to 5 or Merit or above. This level 3 BTEC forensic investigation qualification is equivalent to one and a half A-Levels.
Who this course is for
This qualification enables students to acquire substantial cross-sector scientific knowledge and practical scientific skills, as well as forensic evidence collection and analysis skills, an appreciation of the application of psychology in forensic profiling and an understanding of the criminal justice system. (Equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels)
Entry requirements
You must have achieved 5 good passes, including mathematics or English, where a good pass is defined as: 9-5 in a GCSE or a Merit or better at a level 2 BTEC. In addition to this minimum entry requirement, it is preferable for students to have achieved at least a good pass in any subject that they intend to study at A Level, if they have studied it at GCSE.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical scientific skills used in forensic evidence collection and analysis.
You'll study the science behind how forensic evidence is gathered, processed, and interpreted.
You'll explore how psychology is applied in forensic profiling.
You'll gain an understanding of how the criminal justice system works.
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Outwood Academy Newbold. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC format combines internally assessed assignments with externally assessed units. Assignments are set and marked by your teachers, while external assessments are set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. Practical work is a core part of the course, giving you hands-on experience alongside the theory.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Outwood Academy Newbold 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
Laboratory analyst: testing samples in a scientific setting
Police officer: entry-level role with a science background
Forensic psychologist (with further study): profiling and offender assessment
Mortuary technician: working in pathology and post-mortem support
What you could study next
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science: the natural next step for university entry, building directly on this qualification.
BSc (Hons) Criminology and Forensic Investigation: combines criminal justice theory with forensic practice.
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science: for those drawn to the laboratory science side of the course.
BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Applied Science: a work-based higher education route if a full degree is not your next step.
