Becoming a forensic scientist | Step by Step Guide (2024)

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Interested in becoming a forensic scientist in the UK? Discover the benefits, qualifications, and different routes you can take to pursue a career as a forensic scientist.

Becoming a forensic scientist | Step by Step Guide (3)

In this article, we'll cover:

  • What forensic scientists do
  • The different types of forensic scientist
  • Why become a forensic scientist
  • Routes to becoming a forensic scientist in the UK
  • Frequently asked questions about becoming a forensic scientist

Key facts

  • The average starting salary of a forensic scientist is £18,000 (National Careers Service)
  • Experienced forensic scientists can earn up to £45,000 (National Careers Service)
  • You may be expected to work on call at short notice
  • There are three main routes to becoming a forensic scientist: university degree, apprenticeship and applying directly

What do forensic scientists do?

As a forensic scientist you’ll investigate and examine contact trace material related to crimes. You'd then present your findings in a formal written statement or report. You may have to attend court as an expert witness to provide your evidence. The evidence you present could either support the defence or prosecution in both civil and criminal investigations.

Not all forensic scientists will be involved with crime scene work or reporting. You may choose to work in the laboratory as a forensic scientist.

A forensic scientist also performs biological, chemical and microscopic analysis on evidence taken from crime scenes.

Your daily duties as a forensic scientist could include:

  • Collecting evidence and recording findings from crime scenes or accidents
  • Working with teams and external agencies such as the police
  • Examining results of DNA analyses of substances, including blood, body fluids, hair and fibres from clothing
  • Analysing and interpreting results and data
  • Applying different chemical or biological techniques
  • Presenting your findings in courts of law
  • Researching and developing forensic techniques

Types of forensic scientist

Your daily duties as a forensic scientist depend on the area of forensic science you want to work in. The main areas of forensic science are:

  • Biology – your work could be connected to crimes against people, for example, assault, rape and murder. You’d be responsible for DNA testing and examining hair, blood and clothing fibres.
  • Chemistry – your work could be connected to crimes against property, for example, burglary and arson. You’d be responsible for examining substances like paint, glass or chemicals.
  • Drugs and toxicology – You’d be responsible for restricted drug testing, including analysing urine and blood for alcohol and investigating for the detection of poison.

Why become a forensic scientist?

You won't be spending all day in an office when you work as a forensic scientist. The day to day job can be incredibly varied. You might spend one day conducting lab tests and another using problem-solving skills to look for evidence. The job will be fast paced and you'll be responding to unusual situations, sometimes involving high-profile crimes.

With a degree in forensic science there are many roles you can go into beyond a forensic scientist. You can also work across multiple industries, including law enforcement, healthcare, finance and computing. Graduates have gone on to work as:

  • DNA testers
  • Drug tester
  • Crime scene investigators
  • Fingerprint officers
  • Toxicologists
  • Criminal intelligence analysts

Studying a forensic science degree will also give you plenty of transferable skills if you ever chose to pursue a different career path. These skills include:

  • Analysis
  • Communication
  • Data interpretation
  • Numeracy
  • Presentation skills

Forensic scientists play a vital role in public safety. As a forensic scientist you'll investigate a crime scene, collect evidence and determine possibilities to help solve a crime. The evidence you collect may contribute towards a guilty verdict that results in the imprisonment of a dangerous criminal.

Routes to becoming a forensic scientist

There are three main routes to becoming a forensic scientist in the UK:

  • University
  • Degree apprenticeship
  • Direct application

To become a forensic scientist, you can study an undergraduate degree or postgraduate qualification in:

  • Forensic science
  • A related subject such as biological science, chemistry, medical science or physics

Competition for jobs in forensic science is high. It might help to choose a university with a degree accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Some universities have dedicated facilities such as fake crime scenes that resemble scenarios you might come across as a forensic scientist. This will help you apply your learning to real-world scenarios, helping to prepare you for your future career.

You can study the following accredited undergraduate degrees at the University of Central Lancashire:

  • Forensic Science Foundation Year, BSc
  • Forensic Science, BSc
  • Forensic Science and Criminal Investigation, BSc

A full-time forensic science degree will typically take 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements for a forensic science degree

Depending on the institution, you’ll typically need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry
  • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject to pursue postgraduate study

Always check the entry requirements for the course and institution you’re applying to.

Postgraduate study

Due to the level of competition for forensic science jobs, you could consider studying a postgraduate degree to boost your job prospects.

You can study the following postgraduate degrees at the University of Central Lancashire:

  • Applied Forensic Psychology, MSc
  • DNA Profiling, MSc

If you wanted to learn as you earn, you could do a degree apprenticeship to become a forensic scientist. A degree apprenticeship Level 6 takes around three years to complete.

Entry requirements

Always check the entry requirements for the apprenticeship and institution you’re applying to as they will vary between providers.

If you have a lot of lab experience and have qualifications in science, you could apply directly to work as a forensic scientist with a forensic service provider.

Frequently asked questions about becoming a forensic scientist

What GSCEs you'll need to have depends on the institution you are applying to.

You'll typically need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 including Maths and English

Some institutions may require you to have GCSEs in science too.

If you are applying to study a degree in Forensic Science, you will also need A Levels or equivalent.

Depending on the institution, you’ll typically need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry
  • An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject to pursue postgraduate study

Always check the entry requirements for the course and institution you’re applying to.

There are three main routes you can take to become a forensic scientist:

  • Studying a degree at university
  • A degree apprenticeship
  • Direct application

Some of our forensic science graduates have gone on to:

  • Study a masters
  • Become the Head of CSI at Lancashire Constabulary
  • Work for one of the largest forensic science providers and DNA testing companies in the world
  • Work as a Forensic Operations Manager at Durham Constabulary

According to the National Careers Service, the average starting salary of a forensic scientist is £18,000. An experience forensic scientist can earn up to £45,000.

Forensic scientists help to identify and analyse criminal evidence. A career in forensic science requires many skills, such as:

  • Analysis
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Data interpretation
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Numeracy
  • Problem-solving
  • Presentation skills

If you want to study at university to become a forensic scientist, it will typically take 3 years to complete your degree if you study full-time.

If you choose you to take on further study and do a postgraduate degree, this will typically take another year of full-time study or up to 3 years part-time.

To summarise, becoming a forensic scientist is an incredibly varied career and with plenty of opportunities for career progression.

If you have questions or want to find out more about becoming a forensic scientist, chat to our team.

Where next?

  • Becoming a forensic scientist | Step by Step Guide (4)

    Subject

    Forensic Science
  • Becoming a forensic scientist | Step by Step Guide (5)

    Course

    Forensic Science, BSc (Hons)
  • Becoming a forensic scientist | Step by Step Guide (6)

    Course

Becoming a forensic scientist | Step by Step Guide (2024)

FAQs

Becoming a forensic scientist | Step by Step Guide? ›

Many prospective forensic scientists choose to earn a bachelor's degree in forensic science from a school with an accredited forensic science program, although that is not strictly required. Some forensic scientists earn bachelor of science degrees in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or criminal justice.

How do I start studying forensics? ›

Many prospective forensic scientists choose to earn a bachelor's degree in forensic science from a school with an accredited forensic science program, although that is not strictly required. Some forensic scientists earn bachelor of science degrees in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or criminal justice.

How to become a forensic scientist for the FBI? ›

Qualifications and Eligibility

A bachelor's degree or higher from a U.S.- accredited college or university with at least 24 college semester hours in one of the following fields: computer science, digital forensics, engineering, information technology, or mathematics.

Do you need to pass an exam to be a forensic scientist? ›

A certification in forensic science is common, given the multiple specialties which exist inside this industry. Typically, professional certification involves certain experience and educational requirements, and most require people to pass an examination before certification is accomplished.

How many years does a forensic scientist need? ›

Since a bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level requirement for forensic science positions, 4 years is the average minimum length of time it takes after high school to become a forensic science technician.

Is it hard to get into forensic science? ›

Becoming a forensic scientist can be challenging. Forensic scientists need a bachelor's degree and specialized training in areas like DNA analysis, toxicology and fingerprint analysis. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills help prospective forensic scientists succeed in this field.

What are the highest paying forensic jobs? ›

Forensic medical examiners are typically the highest-paid forensic jobs, making about $100,000 a year. However, rates vary from $70,000 a year to $200,000 or more. To become a forensic medical examiner, you'll need to become a licensed physician.

What is the #1 forensic program in the US? ›

Best Forensic Science colleges in the U.S. for 2024. The University of New Haven's Forensic Science program comes in at #1 in our list of best forensic science colleges. This program prepares students for a career in crime scene investigation at the local or federal level.

What GPA do you need to be a FBI? ›

Have and maintain a 2.95 cumulative GPA or better on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and through graduation. Not be a current, permanent FBI employee. Pass all of the FBI employment background investigation requirements and be able to receive a Top Secret Clearance.

Are forensic scientists in demand? ›

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12.6% employment growth for forensic science technicians between 2022 and 2032. In that period, an estimated 2,300 jobs should open up. Forensic science technician is a blanket name for a number of professionals who might work in the auspices of forensic science.

Does the CIA hire forensics? ›

As a Forensic Scientist within CIA's Directorate of Science and Technology (DS&T), you will apply your deep technical expertise to provide identity-driven analysis and innovative solutions for complex mission requirements.

Can you go straight into forensic science? ›

While a bachelor's degree is a common requirement for many forensic science jobs, earning a graduate degree might be necessary to qualify for more specialized roles. Becoming a forensic pathologist, for instance, requires years of medical training, licensing, and a graduate-level education in the medical field.

Can you become a forensic scientist without a degree? ›

You can also get forensic science certification for drug analysis, drug chemistry, fire debris analysis, molecular biology and paints and polymers.To be eligible for professional certification, you must have a graduate or postgraduate degree and some work experience or on-the-job training.

Does forensics require a lot of math? ›

However, for degree paths like forensics science, math requirements will be higher. Daily work involves chemistry and even ballistics calculations, depending on the job that a person has. Because of these job requirements, forensic science curriculums usually include algebra, physics, and even calculus.

What are the 7 steps to become a forensic pathologist? ›

Take these steps to be a forensic pathologist:
  • Earn your bachelor's degree. ...
  • Graduate medical school. ...
  • Become a licensed physician. ...
  • Complete a residency program. ...
  • Finish a forensic pathology fellowship. ...
  • Obtain board certification.
Mar 3, 2023

Is it hard to be a forensic scientist? ›

Becoming a forensic scientist can be challenging. Forensic scientists need a bachelor's degree and specialized training in areas like DNA analysis, toxicology and fingerprint analysis. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills help prospective forensic scientists succeed in this field.

Do you need a PhD to be a forensic scientist? ›

But experts recommend that people interested in becoming a forensic scientist get their bachelor's degree to insure greater job perspectives and salaries. A small percentage of forensic scientists have a master's degree or a PhD. The majority of people major in subjects such as forensics, biology and chemistry.

What skills do you need to be a forensic scientist? ›

You'll need:
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning.
  • knowledge of public safety and security.
  • excellent written communication skills.

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