Forensic scientist

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• forensic science
• a related subject like chemistry, biological science, physics or medical sciences

It may help to choose a university qualification accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including chemistry
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

You may be able to start by doing a laboratory scientist higher or degree apprenticeship.

It will help if you do your aprenticeship with a company that provides forensic science services, or with a police force that has its own in-house lab facilities.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You can apply directly to forensic services providers if you've got a lot of lab experience, and qualifications in science, especially chemistry.

Career tips

If you want to specialise in recovering data from computers and mobile phones, you'll need relevant experience and qualifications. Useful subjects include computing, electrical engineering, electronics or physics.

Further information

You can find out more on careers in forensics from The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

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
• the ability to work on your own
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this role you could be:

• blood grouping and DNA profiling
• analysing fluid and tissue samples for traces of drugs and poisons
• examining splash patterns and the distribution of particles
• analysing handwriting, signatures, ink and paper
• providing expert advice on explosives, firearms and ballistics
• researching and developing new technologies
• recovering data from computers, mobile phones and other electronic equipment
• attending crime scenes, like a murder or fire
• giving impartial, scientific evidence in court

You could work on the streets, in a laboratory or in a court.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear protective clothing.