Forensic and Criminal Investigation BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3
If you are interested in how science can help solve crimes then this may be the course for you. Forensic science is made up of various specialisms and you will get to study units that allow you to experience a multitude of these.
This programme is intended for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education to study forensic science, criminology or psychology and ultimately on to employment.
Engaging with employers is also an integral part of this programme – we’ll seek to ensure that you have opportunities to gain real-world experience of your chosen sector.
This programme is intended for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education to study forensic science, criminology or psychology and ultimately on to employment.
Engaging with employers is also an integral part of this programme – we’ll seek to ensure that you have opportunities to gain real-world experience of your chosen sector.
Course Information
Course Type:
16-18
Study Mode:
Full Time
Qualification:
Location:
Deane Road Campus
Course Code:
LT302-YP01
Course Length:
36
Start Date:
September 2026
Subject Area:
HEALTHCARE, SCIENCE & EDUCATION
Overview
If you are interested in how science can help solve crimes then this may be the course for you. Forensic science is made up of various specialisms and you will get to study units that allow you to experience a multitude of these.
This programme is intended for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education to study forensic science, criminology or psychology and ultimately on to employment.
Engaging with employers is also an integral part of this programme – we’ll seek to ensure that you have opportunities to gain real-world experience of your chosen sector.
This programme is intended for post-16 learners who aim to progress to higher education to study forensic science, criminology or psychology and ultimately on to employment.
Engaging with employers is also an integral part of this programme – we’ll seek to ensure that you have opportunities to gain real-world experience of your chosen sector.
What You'll Learn
Topics on your Study Programme will include:
• Environmental forensics
• Forensic fire investigation
• Applications of criminology
• Applications of criminal and forensic psychology
• Forensic genetics
• Practical scientific procedures and techniques
• Practical laboratory work
You will also complete a 30 hour work placement.
Elements of study
Your programme consists of the following elements:
• Study of your chosen vocational subject - 50% of your programme
• Employability skills, such as punctuality, attendance, communication and team work
• Work experience or an Industry Placement, giving you a taste of working life
• Tutorial and personal development, such as healthy
living, volunteering and citizenship skills
• Environmental forensics
• Forensic fire investigation
• Applications of criminology
• Applications of criminal and forensic psychology
• Forensic genetics
• Practical scientific procedures and techniques
• Practical laboratory work
You will also complete a 30 hour work placement.
Elements of study
Your programme consists of the following elements:
• Study of your chosen vocational subject - 50% of your programme
• Employability skills, such as punctuality, attendance, communication and team work
• Work experience or an Industry Placement, giving you a taste of working life
• Tutorial and personal development, such as healthy
living, volunteering and citizenship skills
How Will I Be Assessed?
You will be assessed through practical tasks, coursework, assignments and exams.
Entry Requirements
- A minimum of 4 GCSEs, graded 9-4, including Science and English and Maths
I'm Interested, What Next?
Attend an open evening or apply online
Future Opportunities
After you have completed the programme, you could progress on to a Higher Education course at College or university, or explore the possibility of doing a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4). Check out opportunities at the University of Bolton by visiting www.bolton.ac.uk
Following further study you could work as a:
• Police Officer, earning up to £41,000 per year
• Forensic Scientist, earning up to £45,000 per year
• Psychologist, earning up to £87,000 per year
Following further study you could work as a:
• Police Officer, earning up to £41,000 per year
• Forensic Scientist, earning up to £45,000 per year
• Psychologist, earning up to £87,000 per year
Who Can I Speak To?
mel.lever@boltoncc.ac.uk
How to Apply?
Click the ‘Apply’ button on this page.
You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account so that you can track your application.
If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account so that you can track your application.
If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email admissions@boltoncc.ac.uk
Open Events
Open Events are your chance to experience Bolton College first-hand.
Register for one of the events below to chat to tutors, explore our facilities, and find out more about our amazing courses.
Visit boltoncollege.ac.uk/events to find an event and register.
Register for one of the events below to chat to tutors, explore our facilities, and find out more about our amazing courses.
- Wednesday 15th October 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Tuesday 18th November 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Monday 15th December 2025, 5pm-7pm
- Wednesday 9th February 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Thursday 12th March 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Tuesday 12th May 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Thursday 18th June 2026, 5pm-7pm
- Walk In Day, Thursday 2nd July 2026, 9am-4pm
Visit boltoncollege.ac.uk/events to find an event and register.
Enrichment
Sitting a job interview, writing a personal statement, applying for university - taking part in our enrichment programme will give you a CV to wow in all of these situations! You’ll benefit from departmental and cross-college enrichment with:
As well as giving you essential professional and technical skills, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a successful and well-rounded person, helping you to make a lasting impression.
We want you to have fun, so we also have plenty of leisure and sporting activities for you to enjoy, improving your health and wellbeing
- Inspiring trips and experiences
- Meetings with industry experts
- Visits to leading companies in your sector
As well as giving you essential professional and technical skills, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a successful and well-rounded person, helping you to make a lasting impression.
We want you to have fun, so we also have plenty of leisure and sporting activities for you to enjoy, improving your health and wellbeing
Why Choose Us?
We’re an elite College, and part of the University of Bolton Group, offering you a gateway to all of Greater Manchester’s vast range of fantastic opportunities for specialist careers, university degree courses and higher Apprenticeships.
We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.
You may qualify for a college bursary or financial support from Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust (LTCT), access more information here: LTCT Financial Support
We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.
You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.
You may qualify for a college bursary or financial support from Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust (LTCT), access more information here: LTCT Financial Support
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