Options with your subject: Forensic science

Forensic science combines science and the law, providing impartial scientific evidence for use in courts of law. See where skills developed on your course can take you…

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Analytical chemist
• Biomedical scientist
• Forensic scientist
• Scientific laboratory technician
• Teaching laboratory technician
• Toxicologist

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Further education lecturer
• Higher education lecturer
• Police officer
• Science writer
• Secondary school teacher
• Solicitor
• Solicitor, Scotland

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. To find out what jobs would suit you, log in to My Prospects.

Work experience

Any laboratory work experience is essential so you can prove you have skills such as attention to detail and accuracy. Work experience is more likely to be found in a scientific or hospital laboratory than a forensic setting due to the sensitive nature of the work. Work experience within the police, for example as a special constable, provides a valuable insight into police work and the role of forensics.

Those graduates seeking to extend their laboratory experience may find internships from smaller employers that are initially voluntary but may lead to paid employment.

Search for placements and find out more about work experience and internships.

Typical employers

Following the closure of the government-owned Forensic Science Service (FSS) in March 2012, graduates now need to look for jobs with private companies that deliver forensic services. Other major employers of forensic science graduates include police support departments and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) . Opportunities can often be found by exploring the strong links between academic departments and employers, so check with your university for potential contacts.

Find information on employers in science and pharmaceuticals, armed forces and emergency services and other job sectors.

Skills for your CV

Studying forensic science develops skills specific to laboratory work including:

• attention to detail;
• analytical and interpretative skills;
• a methodical approach;
• patience and concentration, as laboratory work can be routine and detailed.

Some skills are transferable, such as:

• teamwork and working independently;
• presentation skills, as you need to be an effective verbal and written communicator, e.g. court reports.

There are personal qualities that may be useful, such as a resilient outlook, as some work is upsetting or unpleasant. You could be asked to work unsocial hours, so a flexible approach is helpful.

Further study

Typical postgraduate study includes Masters in forensic science, molecular biology or fire investigation. Doctorate research could include drug, perfume or DNA analysis, or terrorism. A relevant Masters degree or PhD can significantly improve your employment prospects as competition intensifies for jobs. However, it is worth considering that courses can be difficult to fund and demand a higher level of academic ability.

For more information on further study and to find a course that interests you, see postgraduate study in the UK and search courses and research.

What do forensic science graduates do?

Nearly 60% of forensic science graduates are in employment six months after graduating. Finding a job within the field of forensic science is extremely competitive and almost half of forensic science graduates enter an entirely unrelated job. For example, more than a quarter of those in employment are working in retail or catering or as wait or bar staff.

Just over a fifth of forensic science graduates undertake further study after graduation. This includes those who are studying and working at the same time. More than 12% of these are studying in the UK for a higher degree.

Find out what other graduates are doing six months after finishing their degrees in What Do Graduates Do?  

Graduate destinations data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.

AGCAS

Written by Jill Freeman, Staffordshire University

Date: 

July 2012

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