What can I do with a degree in Forensic Science?

Find out where the range of skills you develop studying forensic science can take you. Here we list potential careers and tell you how you can find a job in this sector.

Forensic Science careers

The main role involves looking for evidence to link a suspect with a crime scene but your degree contacts may influence the path that you take. As well as developing strong lab skills a degree in Forensics Science gives you ability to demonstrate the following skills that are highly valued by employers:

The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences has developed some careers resources in identifying what you can do with your degree within this field

There are a wide range of job roles that are directly related to the field.  You may have to do further training to enter the job

Forensic Scientist

As a forensic scientist you'll provide scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.

Prospects job profile: Forensic scientist

Ballistic Expert

They are experts in tracing a bullet back to a gun or identifying the type of firearm used.

DNA Analyst

DNA analysts compare DNA samples taken from suspects and victims to determine whether someone was present at a crime scene. The work is all lab based. 

Forensic Toxicologist 

As a toxicologist you'll identify, monitor and evaluate the impact of toxic materials, chemicals, potential new medicines and radiation on the environment and human and animal health.

Prospects job profile: Toxicologist

Digital Forensics Experts

Digital forensic experts are trained to collect data from damaged and wiped hard drives, cellphones, tablets, and other computing devices. This digital evidence can be essential in the successful prosecution of electronic crimes. 
Prospects job profile: Forensic computer analyst

Biomedical Science

As a biomedical scientist, you'll carry out a range of laboratory and scientific tests on tissue samples and fluids to help clinicians diagnose and treat diseases. You'll also evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

Prospects job profile: Biomedical scientist

Forensic Accountants

Forensic accountants help solve crimes by verifying the authenticity of documents. They will often work with digital technologies.

Analytical Chemist

As an analytical chemist, you'll use a diverse range of methods to investigate the chemical nature of substances. Your aim will be to identify and understand the substance and how it behaves in different conditions

Prospects job profile: Analytical chemist

Please note that some of these careers may require further study.

Thank you to Prospects for the content on these pages.

Work experience and internship opportunities

Forensic related jobs are particularly competitive, so it is valuable, and sometimes crucial, to gain practical experience in the field.  You may need to think wider then forensics as you are building up your experience
Work experience demonstrates your commitment to the career and knowledge of what is involved.
During your course, you could also use the summer holidays or evenings and weekends to get some experience through paid opportunities or voluntary work.
Roles you could also consider to build up your experience:

  • Medical lab Technician
  • School Lab Technician
  • Analytical Chemist

Where to look for experience

You could also try contacting science museums, research and clinical laboratories, conservation facilities or pharmaceutical companies and life science companies directly.  The following links are useful links of companies:

Find a job

The Careers and Employability Service provides information and advice on job searching to University of Kent students and recent graduates. This includes a vacancy database advertising a range of graduate jobs, sandwich placements and vacation work/internships. The websites listed below may also be useful when searching for a job and when looking for further information on this sector.

Companies
A range of employers recruit graduates for Forensic related jobs including:

  • Universities and clinical research organisations;
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies;
  • Private hospitals and NHS trusts;
  • National and global health and environmental charities;
  • Scientific and technical consultancies;
  • Schools and colleges;
  • Museums, science centres and broadcast companies.
  • Research institutions
  • Utilities
  • Manufacturing 
  • Police
  • Military
  • Defence and security
  • Forensic Labs

A Sample of employers that fall into the above categories

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