Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences (Forensic Science)

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Is this course for you?

Forensic science, combining science and the law, is an exciting and rewarding career path to go down, with many different routes and areas of specialisation. Highly skilled, well-trained, and qualified Forensic Scientists and Technicians are constantly sought-after by employers around the globe.

This one-year Level 4 qualification in Forensic Science is an advanced, technical qualification co-developed with London South Bank University (LSBU) and employers, delivered in a supportive Technical College environment with contemporary facilities.

Gaining this industry-led qualification not only provides you with a direct route to Higher Education, including direct entry to London South Bank University’s second year Forensic Science Bachelor of Science degree, but also equips you with the specialised scientific knowledge and skills needed to fast-track your career progression in Forensic Science and related disciplines such as health sciences.

This course requires a dual enrolment. After enrolling at South Bank Colleges you will be invited to enrol at London South Bank University. Students can benefit from access to shared facilities, including The Hub, a state-of-the-art library and study space, and the university’s modern gym and fitness facilities. This unique advantage combines the best of college-level support with the extensive resources of a university campus.

What experience and skills will you gain?

The course offers students a broad introduction to the forensic science and professional laboratory science via mandatory units, while allowing for the acquisition of specialist skills and experience through specialist forensic science modules. Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in evidence-based practice, personal research, self-study, directed study and workplace learning and experience.

You will study core units:

Fundamentals of Laboratory Techniques
Scientific Data Handling Approaches and Techniques
Regulation and Quality in the Applied Sciences
Cell Biology
Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Criminal investigation
Anatomy and Human Physiology
Analytical Chemistry

Campus
What do you need to apply?
How will you be assessed?

Assessment is continuous throughout the course, with a combination of written assignments, external examination, practical tasks (both in the laboratory and in the field), presentations, time constraint assignments.

The assessment is criterion-referenced, and all units will be individually graded as pass, merit or distinction.

Both oral and written feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.
Where can this course take you?

This course could lead to direct employment in a variety of science-related industries and roles (influenced your selected pathway), including Laboratory Technician, Research Technician, Technical Support Chemist / Biologist, Quality Support Technician, Manufacturing Technician, Science Technician, Technologist, Instrumentation Technician and Product Development Technician; or give you the opportunity to progress straight to Higher Education.

After successfully passing the Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Applied Sciences, you may wish to consider progressing to Higher Education, including direct entry to the second year of London South Bank University's Forensic Science degree. You may also consider one of London South Bank University's other degree courses (additional qualifications may be required)