Forensic Science Level 3

Your first step in forensic science, learn procedures used to collect evidence and how crime scenes are investigated.

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All Oxbridge home learning courses are delivered to a high-quality standard with full access to course materials. If you prefer a printed copy of your course material, choose our print option. Note: extra charges will apply.

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Overview

Analysing the crime. Collecting the evidence. Giving an expert opinion in court, all eyes on you. The job of a forensic scientist is challenging yet fascinating. Using principles of biology, chemistry and maths, these experts obtain and analyse evidence from a variety of sources, including body fluids, hair, textile fibres, glass fragments and tyre marks. If you’ve always been interested in learning more about this exciting and compelling discipline, this course is for you.

Once enrolled, you'll learn about the principles and practicalities of working in a scientific setting, how crime scenes are investigated, and the procedures to follow when collecting and analysing evidence from a crime scene. You’ll have the opportunity to delve into the workings of the criminal mind, analysing motives and thinking, and you’ll explore DNA and blood spatter analysis. This course enables you to work entirely at your own pace, in your own time, and you don't need any experience or knowledge to enrol.

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Introduction to Forensic Science
  • Scientific disciplines
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Computing
Unit 2 - Crime Scene Investigations
  • The role of the forensic science services
  • Health and Safety
  • Crime scene preservation
  • Documentation of the scene and its evidence
  • Recognition and recovery of physical evidence
  • Transportation and storage and of evidence
  • Chain of custody
Unit 3 - Investigating Computer Based Electronic Evidence
  • Gathering digital forensic evidence
  • Common types of storage devices
  • Recovering and packaging of digital evidence
  • Transporting digital evidence
  • Written records
  • Principles of gathering digital forensic evidence
Unit 4 - Crime Scene Equipment
  • General equipment
  • Optional equipment
  • Specialised equipment
Unit 5 - Analysis of Crime Scene Evidence
  • Inspect and prepare submitted items
  • A range of chemical, biological and physical techniques applied to the forensic analysis.
  • DNA analysis
  • Body fluid analysis
  • Bloodstain pattern analysis
  • Fingerprint analysis
  • Physical impression and imprints analysis
  • Trace evidence analysis
  • Arson analysis
  • Explosives analysis
  • Ballistics analysis
  • Drug analysis
  • Documents analysis
  • Digital equipment analysis
  • Interpreting results
Unit 6 - Presentation of Evidence
  • Presenting findings
  • Written and oral skills
  • Computing skills

Extra info

Awarding Body

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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.

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Course Outcome

At the end of this course, successful learners will receive a Certificate of Achievement from NCFE and a Learner Unit Summary (which lists the details of all of the units you have completed as part of your course).

How is this course assessed or examined?

Assessments are in the form of written tasks that take place at the end of each unit to check your understanding.

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.

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FAQs

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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Is it too late to start a career in psychology?

It’s never too late to start a career in psychology, whether you’re considering changing direction after studies in an unrelated field, or you want a fresh start after years or decades following a different path. Studying psychology online is easy, flexible and convenient, which opens up this exciting field to everyone – regardless of age or previous experience.

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How do I start a career in psychology?

You could begin with an introductory course that covers a selection of psychological practices. This could be at GCSE level or even a level 3 psychology course. 

From here, you could study a more specialised course such as educational psychology, an advanced diploma in psychology, or neuro-linguistic programming. And if you wish, you can use your new knowledge to apply for a university-level course.

Once you’ve got some qualifications under your belt, you can start applying for jobs in your chosen field of psychology.

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Why study psychology with Oxbridge?

We offer courses for beginners through to more advanced levels, so there will be a course to suit everyone’s experience and ability. All of our courses are created by industry experts and taught online by experienced tutors.

The best part is that all our courses are flexible, which is perfect if you’re in full-time employment or have other commitments preventing you from attending a physical location to study.

Are you ready to join the hundreds of recently enrolled students of all ages and backgrounds, enhancing their careers through an online psychology course with Oxbridge? Enrol online or speak to a learning adviser for more information or advice.

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Do criminologists get paid well?

The Government’s national career service states that the average salary for a criminologist can start at £23,500 and go up to £36,000 once you’ve gained experience.

Although, becoming a criminologist is not the only pathway you can take once qualified. You can also work in the police or probation sector, within the forensics department or become a civil service administrator.

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Is being a psychologist stressful?

Psychologists can often work long or unsociable hours, alongside patients in difficult situations. For these reasons, at times some people may find psychology to be a stressful career. That said, it’s rarely a boring vocation, and it can frequently be incredibly rewarding.

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​​How long does a criminology course take?

That depends on which criminology course you select and whether you opt for a traditional school setting or an online one. Our online criminology courses can take, on average, between six and 12 months to complete.

Because you have access to your learning materials 24 hours a day, and there are no set lesson times, you’re in complete control. As a result, you can complete your course in less time or take longer should you need to.

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How can I learn psychology on my own?

We get it; you want to become a psychologist but don’t want to upheave your entire life to retrain or study. You also may not be too thrilled at the idea of being forced to learn at the pace of a whole class. Instead, you want to qualify by yourself.

That’s where online psychology courses come in. Once you’ve enrolled, you simply log into your learning portal and study at a time and pace that suits you. And if you do need additional help and support, you can request an online one-to-one with your personal tutor.

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Is a career in psychology for me?

If you have a deep interest in the workings of the human mind and behaviour, and you want a challenging career working closely with people, then psychology may be the career for you.

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Why study a criminology course online with Oxbridge?

If you’re interested in a career in the criminal justice sector, taking a criminology course with Oxbridge could set you on the right path. Whether it’s A-level Law, Forensic ScienceCrime Scene Investigation or an Advanced Criminology Diploma, we offer a range of online distance learning courses that are perfect for budding criminologists.

You’ll be studying with a trusted and experienced distance learning provider with outstanding support guaranteed when you enrol with us. Our award-winning learning platform and supportive, knowledgeable tutors have led to our students achieving remarkable pass rates.

You can enrol online or speak with our learning advisers for more help and advice.

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What is a criminology course?

Criminology is the study of crime from a social perspective. It sets out to examine crimes and those who commit them, with a view to preventing them in the future and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

It falls under a subgroup of sociology, so you can expect to study biology, psychology, penology and more as part of your education.

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How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

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