Forensic Science - Level 3 Extended Diploma

Forensic science is essentially the application of scientific principles for the resolution of legal disputes or as legal evidence to prove/disprove a crime. 

The aim is to provide impartial information which can be used to establish whether a crime has been committed and to evaluate physical evidence of a crime. This course provides a broad overview of the principles and techniques of forensic science, how evidence is analysed and interpreted, and how it is presented in court processes by following UK legislation.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma.

 Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma.

Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

Topics covered can include:

• Principles of Science
• Forensic Evidence Collection and Analysis
• Forensic Fire Investigation
• PhysiologyGenetics
• Forensic Archeology
• Criminal Investigation
• Procedures and Practices
• Criminology
• Criminal Psychology

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science (Combined Science, or two individual Sciences) or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit or above

All applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

Assessment is continuous throughout the year through completing written assignments and projects as well as performing practical work that is assessed internally within the college. 

There will also be some written examinations, assessed externally via Pearson, the BTEC awarding body.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher-level courses, such as a Bachelor of Science, or to pursue employment in the science industry.

Darren joined City and Islington College in September 2021. He began his teaching career in Further Education in February 2008 teaching Sport and Uniformed Protective Services subjects at Nescot College and East Surrey College for 11 years. Darren was a tutor for Uniformed Protective Services and supported the learners in completing their university applications.  Darren has also been a Head of Department for the Care Services including Public Services, Sport, and Forensic Science. 

Before going into teaching Darren worked in the South African Air Force as a Regimental Instructor and Training Officer.  He trained new recruits who joined the South African Air Force on military discipline, weapons training, and physical fitness.

Darren is a volunteer with the Royal Air Force Air Cadet (RAFAC) organisation. He is a commissioned officer.  Darren works as a Training Officer supporting young cadets in gaining knowledge and skills in subjects such as Youth First Aid, Airmanship and Expedition Skills.  He is also a qualified supervisor/assessor supporting young people on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Darren has got experience in teaching, citizenship, diversity, leadership, communication, teamwork, and expedition skills.

Darren is passionate about teaching and enjoys seeing the young learners grow in confidence, knowledge, and skills in the Uniformed Protective course. He is always willing to go the extra distance to support the learners in achieving their qualifications and progressing onto Higher Education and in employment.

Mariam has completed a BSc, in Biomedical at the University of Galway, Ireland, and an MSc at the University of Nottingham in the UK. Mariam has continued to complete a PGCE at the University of Roehampton. Over the last 10 years, Mariam has developed a career in science, research, and education with a passion for inspiring young adults to discover their talents through Level 2 and Level 3 courses in health, medical, and applied sciences.

Mariam's experience to date has been across multiple differentiated lessons spanning across secondary education, safeguarding pupils to create a safe environment, securing good rapport and communicational skills with multi-disciplinary professionals and students, mentoring staff, and students, practising good laboratory and clinical and industrial skills from collecting specimen in stem cells to record keeping of medical data for critical analysis. 

Mariam's specialisms include strategies to differentiate learning for all abilities and attempting to implement different strategies to teach SEN and EAL students in lessons and laboratory practicals.

Monalisa is a friendly, kind, and approachable Forensic Science Lecturer with PGCE and many years of experience teaching Chemistry and Biology to a variety of courses such as A Level, BTEC Levels 1, 2 and 3, GCSE and Higher National level diplomas. Monalisa not only teaches, but also assesses the exams from different awarding bodies such as Edexcel, OCR, and AQA and has a broad knowledge of exam requirements. 

Monalisa enjoys making science interesting by adding lots of practical elements during the lessons. Monalisa has also taught functional skills in Level 2 Maths and can therefore assist learners to apply maths elements while learning science. 

Monalisa has experience teaching in both academic and vocational qualifications and guides learners in a smooth transition from academic to vocational courses or vice versa. 

Alison has taught on many STEM-related vocational courses since joining the Centre for Applied Sciences in 2020, including the BTEC Extended Certificate in Applied Sciences and Health and Social Care. Prior to this, she was a post doctorate research fellow at the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology where she worked with human stem cell models of neurodegeneration and high throughput technologies for therapeutic drug screening. She has worked within and collaboratively with industries such as GlaxoSmithKline so brings relevant experience and skills to prepare learners for work in academia and industry.  

Alison particularly enjoys teaching Scientific Skills which challenge learners to be inquisitive, analytic, and critical of scientific data and methodologies. Her recent focus has been on the BTEC First in Applied Sciences where she has developed her skill set with this cohort and enjoyed building a strong rapport with learners and building their confidence.

Jen has been teaching biology for eight years and a member of the CANDI teaching staff for two. They studied exercise science with a focus on neuroscience and biomechanics in Australia which led to three years as an exercise practitioner working with patients who had experienced neurological disorders. Upon completing their teacher training in Melbourne, Australia, Jen moved to London six years ago. 

Jen is deeply passionate about sharing a love of learning with every student, working to create an inclusive and welcoming classroom in which students enjoy being. 

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.