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Study Forensic Science, why & how to study

Forensic Science is a complex and useful area of study. It's all about the search for evidence that can solve criminal cases.

Forensic expert collects evidence at the crime scene

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Forensic Science?

  2. What Forensic Science degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Forensic Science degree?

  4. What topics does a Forensic Science degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Forensic Science?

  7. Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Forensic Science?
  8. What do Forensic Science graduates earn?

  9. What jobs can you get as a Forensic Science graduate?

  10. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  11. Similar subjects to Forensic Science

  12. Have any questions?

What’s Forensic Science?

Forensic scientists aim to provide unbiased and credible information to support legal investigations. Study Forensic Science and you’ll learn about the application of science to law. It's carried out through the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence. 

The subject area covers many sub-disciplines. These include forensic chemistry, accounting, anthropology and linguistics. Course content will vary from university to university.

Take a look at the university league table for Forensic Science.

What Forensic Science degrees can you study?

Undergraduate Forensic Science can be either a single or joint honours degree. Usually, you'll earn a BSc (Bachelor of Science) award. Examples of degree options:

Forensic Science BSc

Courses cover the field of Forensic Science, with specialised modules and practical experiences. You’ll cover areas from DNA analysis to criminal law.

Search for Forensic Science courses.

Forensic Psychology BSc

Forensic Psychology degrees revolve around psychology, crime and law. Topics include criminal behaviour, psychological impact on victims, and jury decision-making. 

Find Forensic Psychology courses

Cyber Security & Digital Forensics BSc 

This interdisciplinary degree provides you with the skills required to combat cyber threats. Areas you'll learn about could include malware analysis, security risk management and cryptography.

Search for Cyber Security & Digital Forensics courses.

Other options

There's a range of other courses you can study, such as Chemistry with Forensic Investigation or Security Science

Options may include a foundation year or an integrated master’s degree. Many offer professional experience or study abroad opportunities.

What do you need to get onto a Forensic Science degree?

Must have

Entry requirements for Forensic Science courses depend on the university, ranging from 96–160 UCAS tariff points. Qualifications may include the following: 

  • A Levels: AAB–CCE 

  • BTECs: DDD–MMP

  • Scottish Highers: AAABB–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–BBC) 

  • International Baccalaureate: 36–26 

  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied: A Level (or equivalent) in biology and/or chemistry 

Good to have  

  • Studied computer science, maths or engineering 

  • Work experience or shadowing related occupations, such the police, scientific or university labs 

  • Experience that evidences interpersonal or team working skills 

  • Volunteering as a police cadet or youth volunteer 

  • Further reading, online courses or MOOCs, or check out forensic science podcasts 

  • STEM science opportunities such as Sutton Trust summer schools, if eligible 

What topics does a Forensic Science degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Crime mapping
  • Criminal intelligence and investigation
  • Cybercrime and digital forensics
  • Ethical hacking
  • Evaluation of crime prevention measures
  • Fire analysis
  • Fundamentals of forensic science: from crime scene to court
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Probability, statistics and modelling
  • Terrorism

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of methods and will vary from module to module:

  • Coursework
  • Expert witness testimonies
  • Case studies or incident analyses
  • Essays
  • Lab reports
  • Exams (practical and written)
  • Presentations
  • Dissertation

Why study Forensic Science?

Career-specific skills:

  • Intellectual and practical skills in areas that could include entomology, forensic photography, drug analysis, fire investigations and accountancy
  • Scientific processes such as research, reasoning and lab skills
  • Experience of giving evidence in court, and court procedures

Transferable skills:

  • Communication (written and verbal)
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • IT skills
  • Methodical approach to work
  • Presentation
  • Reasoning and evaluation
  • Report writing
  • Team working

Professional accreditation:

  • Degrees may be accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
  • Some may be accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry
  1. GO TO
  2. Six reasons to study Forensic Science

Some universities offer Forensic Science students a scholarship, bursary or grant, so it’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees or living costs. 

What do Forensic Science graduates earn?

Forensic Science graduates can expect an entry-level salary of approx. £20,000. With experience, this can go up to between £25,000–£45,000. Salaries can vary widely. If you plan to fight cybercrime, a senior digital forensic officer at the Serious Fraud Office could earn £40,000–£46,000, depending on experience.

What jobs can you get as a Forensic Science graduate?

Aside from becoming a forensic scientist, the scientific and law-oriented nature of the degree means there are other options available: 

  • Analytical scientist
  • Crime scene investigator
  • Forensic intelligence analyst
  • Forensic scientist
  • Police officer
  • Research scientist
  • Teacher
  • Toxicologist

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

  • Crime and Forensic Science MSc
  • Forensic Science MSc/MRes/MPhil/PhD
  • Forensic Anthropology MSc
  • Forensic Art & Facial Imaging MSc

Similar subjects to Forensic Science

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

Search undergraduate Forensic Science courses now!

Have any questions?

If you have questions about studying Forensic Science, you can email our experts at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

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