Overview
Forensic Science with Criminology Access To Higher Education Advanced (Level 3)This Access to Higher Education Diploma in Forensic Science with Criminology is a one year Level 3 intensive course aimed at mature students (19+) without the standard qualifications to enter higher education.
You’ll develop a strong foundation in key academic skills, including effective study techniques and advanced academic writing, ensuring you feel confident and fully prepared for degree-level study.
Dive into fascinating subject areas such as:
- Applied Forensics
- DNA and Genetic Analysis
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Criminological Profiling
Whether you’re aiming for a career in forensic science, criminology, or related fields, this course provides an exciting and relevant introduction to the discipline.
To support your journey, Advanced Learning Loans are available for learners aged 19+. Even better, if you progress on to a higher education course, your loan will be written off – meaning no repayment is required.
The course is designed to fit around your life, with:
- Two days per week in college
- One additional day of blended online learning.
Ready to apply?
Course information
Need to know
Entry requirements
You must be aged 19 or over to apply and will need to have English Language and maths GCSE at grade 4 (GCSE Grade C) or above or equivalent Level 2 qualifications. If your first language is not English will need an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher.
You will also need to have good IT skills as all of your assignments will be carried out using either Word, Excel or PowerPoint. You can undertake IT Skills classes at our Learning Centres.
It is very important to research the entry criteria of the universities you would like to apply to. You will need a minimum of GCSE English and maths, in addition to your Access qualification, for entry onto degree-level courses.
Many university courses can be very competitive and it’s important to understand and fulfil the entry requirements prior to applying.
If you do not yet have these qualifications you may be able to enrol onto the Pre-Access course and undertake Functional Skills maths and/or English.
What qualification will I gain?
Access to Higher Education Diploma in Forensic Science with Criminology.
How will I be assessed?
You will be regularly assessed throughout out the course via a range of methods, including written, practical and oral assignments, as well as project work. To enable you to be successful on the course you will need to be able to use IT to produce essays, reports, presentations and statistical data.
Why study?
This course is designed specifically for adult learners aged 19+ who are returning to education, offering a supportive environment and a clear pathway to university.
It provides a fast-track route to higher education, allowing students to achieve a full Level 3 qualification equivalent to three A-Levels in just one intensive year.
With a broad curriculum, it keeps progression options open across a range of degree subjects, not just forensic science and criminology. Students will engage with career-focused content, including forensic investigation, DNA analysis, and criminological profiling, while also developing essential academic skills such as research, study techniques, and academic writing to prepare for degree-level study.
The flexible structure combines two days of in-person teaching with one day of blended online learning, with classes held during school hours to support those with work or caring responsibilities.
The course offers strong progression pathways into careers such as forensic science, policing, criminology, and psychology, while also helping to rebuild confidence in learning, particularly for those who have been out of education for some time.
Course content
What will I study?
Students will explore a broad and engaging curriculum that combines core forensic science with key areas of criminology and sociology.
Topics typically include DNA and genetic analysis, crime scene investigation, and practical forensic techniques, alongside criminological theories, criminal behaviour, and profiling.
The course may also introduce wider social perspectives, such as the sociology of the family and the impact of poverty on crime, helping learners understand the social context of offending. Throughout, students will develop critical thinking, research, and academic writing skills to support progression to degree-level study.
Next steps
Future career options may include:
- Forensic Scientist
- Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- Forensic Laboratory Technician
- Forensic DNA Analyst
- Digital Forensics Analyst
- Ballistics or Toxicology Specialist
- Police Officer
- Police Staff Investigator
- Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO)
- Intelligence Analyst
- Border Force Officer
- Prison Officer
- Criminologist
- Criminal Profiler
- Youth Offending Team Worker
- Probation Officer
- Rehabilitation or Resettlement Worker
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Court Officer
- Crown Prosecution Service roles
- Social Worker
- Safeguarding Officer
- Victim Support Worker
- Community Safety Officer
Funding information
If you are aged 19 or over, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Alternatively, you can pay by instalments to help make the cost more affordable.
If you complete one of our Access to Higher Education courses and use an Advanced Learner Loan to pay for your tuition fee, the Student Loans Company will write off the balance on the Advanced Learner Loan if you then go on to complete an undergraduate course.
| Available Courses | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tresham College Kettering Campus |
|
|
Apply now |
|
||||||||||||
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
Additional Learning Support
If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.
Financial Support
For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.
Accessibility
We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.
Any questions?
If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.