Forensic and Criminal Investigation BTEC Extended Diploma Level 3
September 2025 start

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.

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

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs, graded 9-4, including English, Maths and Science

You will be assessed through practical tasks, coursework, assignments and exams.

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

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:

• 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

You'll have your own Learning Development Mentor (LDM) and Work Placement Officer, helping you create both academic and career plans.

Thanks to our partnership with the University of Bolton, you'll also benefit from everything the University has to offer, with a range of opportunities to build additional skills and experiences, giving you everything you need to become a FUTURE SUCCESS in whichever field you choose!

Exposure to employers is also an integral part of this programme – we'll seek to ensure that you have opportunities to gain real-word experience of your sector, either on short work experience or an extended Industry placement.

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

Click the yellow ‘Apply’ button on this page.

You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account so that you can track your application and enrol online. You’ll also be asked to book your interview for your course at the same time.

If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email learner.hub@boltoncc.ac.uk

Open Events are the best way to discover what life as a Bolton College student is like, giving you an insight into College life.

Open Events at our Deane Road Campus are as follows:

• Tuesday 17th October 2023, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 12th December 2024, 5pm-8pm
• Wednesday 12th February 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 20th March 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Wednesday 30th April 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 19th June 2025, 5pm-8pm

If you’d like to attend one of these events, register here

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.