Overview
Securing the scene. Dusting for prints. Gathering evidence that could help put dangerous offenders behind bars for life. The job of crime scene investigators is not only fascinating and varied, it’s essential in making sure that justice is done. Although it’s one of the most interesting careers out there, life as a CSI isn’t for the faint of heart!
This level 3 course is ideal for anyone working towards a career not only in crime scene investigation, but in criminology, forensic science, or education and training. All these professions value an eye for detail, analytical skills and a problem-solving instinct – and you’ll gain every single one of them by studying with us.
You’ll learn everything from tracing evidence to investigating fire scenes, firearms, major incidents and much more. You don’t need any prior qualifications, and you can study in your own time, at your own pace. This course is a stepping stone to further education or a career on the front lines of justice.
What you'll learn
Discover the origins of crime scene investigation. You’ll look at investigation procedures and what CSI should do when arriving at a crime scene. You’ll learn about where to record information gathered from injured parties, which charitable organisation provides assistance to victims, and when crime scene reports should be completed. You’ll also ascertain what goes on the bottom of every statement you write, what should be attached to forensic evidence collected from scenes, and what is meant by ‘hearsay evidence’ and ‘quartering a room’. Finally, you’ll identify what must be disclose by the prosecution and defence, types of computerised evidence management systems, equipment of CSI, and when an audit trail should begin when using a digital camera.
Gain a broad understanding into various types of trace evidence, such as fibres, glass, hairs, paint and soil. You’ll look at factors that affect how such evidence is recovered from a crime scene. You’ll also examine impressions or marks left at the scene of a crime from footwear, instruments (e.g. a crowbar), gloves and tyres. You’ll also learn about the history of DNA, and what it takes to recover DNA samples (e.g. saliva) from crime scenes. This unit will also boost your knowledge of fingerprints, from detecting them at scenes, to their individual characteristics, and their use to identify suspects. There will also be case studies to aid your progress.
Acquire knowledge of fire scene investigations, the role of agencies involved, why a CSI might suspect arson, and how to recover samples from the scene itself. You’ll look at firearms and explosives, as well as the recovery of discharge residue. There will also be a case study for you to work through to support your learning.
Identify background knowledge to the forensic examination of a crime scene. You’ll look at types of cordon put in place at scenes, what members make up a crime investigation team, as well as learn some key initialism, such as CSM. You’ll also explore organisations that provide advice during major investigations, how and why crime scene managers conduct team evaluations, and understand the principle of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in relation to the management of a crime scene team.
Recognise which four groups biological weapons are divided into. You’ll be able to explain what CBRN stand for, as well as how CSI should package hardware, software and devices in cyber investigations. You’ll finally determine types of evidence to indicate drug use, and what items a you should consider removing as evidence from a scene of sudden infant death.
In the final unit, you’ll gain an overview of the role and structure of the Criminal Law Courts in England and Wales. You’ll understand the function and structure of various courts, including the Crown, Magistrates, Youth and Coroner’s Courts. Finally, you’ll learn about the role of the Crown Prosecution Service.
Extra info
Awarding Body
With a heritage stretching back over 150 years, NCFE is one of the largest awarding bodies in the UK. Over 340,000 students were awarded certification by NCFE last year.
NCFE Customised Qualifications are bespoke, unregulated qualifications developed to meet the specific needs of learners. These courses fit in where there are no other regulated qualifications are available. Meaning you can achieve recognition from a well-respected awarding body, even if there isn’t a pre-existing qualification in a certain subject area.
Course Outcome
At the end of this course, successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement by NCFE Customised Qualifications.
How is this course assessed or examined?
Throughout this course, you may be expected to complete assignments, essays, research projects, presentations, video/audio recordings, and practical learning sessions to meet the requirements of your course. This information will be included in your study pack detailing exactly what you need to do to accomplish your goals as a student.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English.
