TELEVISION show CSI will become a reality at a South Lakeland college which is offering students an opportunity to study forensic science.

Inspired by popular TV crime dramas like CSI, Dexter, and Silent Witness, Kendal College is introducing the brand new course from September 2015.

Applied Forensic Science will be added to the college's growing curriculum as it looks to build on the success of its Applied Medical Science course launched in September 2014.

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Kendal College will be the only educational facility offering the forensic science course anywhere in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

The decision to take-up the course was made as young people are becoming increasingly inspired by the crime dramas they are watching on television.

The course will look at ways in which to apply scientific theories to law, covering practical science, crime scene investigation, policing, psychology, criminology, photography and much more.

Students will have the opportunity to examine historical criminal investigations and conduct practical experiments within Kendal College’s state-of-the-art scientific laboratory, complete with newly-fitted, modern IT facilities.

Richard Evans, Head of School for Applied Sciences at Kendal College, said: “Building on the successful launch of Applied Medical Science in 2014, we made the decision to expand the college’s science curriculum to include Forensic Science for 2015. CSI comes to Cumbria! This allows an excellent route for those interested in a broad range of scientific and investigative techniques to progress into a broad range of careers and university courses; from policing and laboratory work to crime scene investigation.

“At a time when the country is experiencing a shortage of people with basic science skills, The Royal Academy of Engineering estimates that the UK will need over a million new science, engineering and technology professionals by 2020. This fascinating new course might start to stimulate a renewed interest in sciences and get students fully prepared for university or the workplace.”

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron is excited about what the course will bring to the area, and the knock-on effect it could have on improving the quality of policing in the county.

“This is great news for Kendal College and will have a positive knock on effect for the students and organisations like Cumbria Police," he said.

"This shows, yet again, how Kendal College is a shining light for further education not only in Cumbria but nationally.”

For more information on the Level 3 Applied Forensic Science course, visit http://www.kendal.ac.uk or call 01539 814700.

Entry requirements are five GCSE’s at C or above with English, Maths and Science.

An open evening will take place at Kendal College on Wednesday, March 18, from 4pm to 7pm.