How to Become a Forensic Scientist: The Ultimate Guide

How to Become a Forensic Scientist: The Ultimate Guide

Forensic science is an exciting, advancing career path that promises variability in your day to day working life. Forensic scientists collect and analyse evidence to be used in legal proceedings, and there are multiple different routes you can take to become qualified. This guide discusses the possible routes and what you can expect from a career in forensic science.

How to Become a Forensic Scientist

University Courses

One way to become a forensic scientist is to study a relevant undergraduate course at university. Many UK universities offer forensic science as a degree, but it is also possible to study a different science degree and start the career path that way. Careers in forensic science are highly competitive due to popularity, so it may be beneficial to check that your course is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences to ensure a smoother transition to working life after graduation.

Undergraduate forensic science courses generally require two or three A levels including Chemistry, but entry requirements vary and can be found on each individual university admissions page. You can also study graduate forensic science at selected universities, such as The Open University and King’s College London. 

Apprenticeships

Another route into a career in forensic science is via an apprenticeship. This may be suitable for students that don’t wish to carry the financial burden of university, as the vast majority of apprenticeships come with a salary, however small. However, this route carries more of a responsibility as it is more like full-time employment than a university degree. 

Apprenticeships vary in working environment and may include working in court, laboratories or in the community. Academic requirements are similar for both apprenticeships and undergraduate degrees.  The apprenticeships may not being under the title of ‘forensic science’, but programs such as Laboratory Science or Research Science would be appropriate.

Applying Directly

It is possible to apply directly to jobs in forensic science, however this is unlikely to be successful without sufficient lab experience and some form of science qualifications.

Advice for Prospective Forensic Scientists

• Organise work experience sooner rather than later- summer schools and internships often have limited places, and will usually be ‘first come, first serve’. 
• Consider what area of forensics interests you most for a future career and tailor you work experience accordingly.
• Choose what route into the career you prefer early so you can aim towards those specific entry requirements. 
• Make sure you know whether your degree is accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

Work Experience

Gaining work experience in forensic science will boost your application regardless of what route you choose, and many programs require it. Many forensic laboratories will not offer work experience due to the sensitive nature of the work, so a wide range of different experience is accepted as relevant work experience. Options include:

• Experience in any science laboratory, e.g. lab within a hospital
• Internships- these are offered by multiple companies in the UK
• Summer schools 

Many prospective applicants find it difficult to gain experience. Follow an ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get” mindset- email companies and hospitals explaining the situation and see if they can offer you anything relevant. 

Common Employers

The majority of forensic scientists work for the government, however you can also choose to work privately for a company. The government often outsources work from private companies, creating more private employment roles. Popular forensics companies include, but are not limited to, Cellmark Forensic Services, Principal Forensic Services UK (PFS) and Eurofins UK

Professional Development

The CSFS have different levels of membership (associate, member and fellow) and you can progress through these with experience. After five years of experience as a forensic scientist you can then become a forensic practitioner in your chosen area.

Throughout your working life you can work towards your chosen specialism through external courses and conferences, and via workshops offered by your employer. There is a wide range of specialisms within forensic science and you can continue to gain experience in your chosen area until you are considered an expert witness in that field.

What Skills are Required for Forensic Science?

Forensic scientists undertake important work that impacts prosecution of others. Therefore, an extensive skill set is required for the role, including:

• Logical reasoning in stressful situations
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Paying attention to small details
• Staying calm and logical under pressure and/or stress
• Being able to accept constructive criticism in order to improve
• Legal knowledge
• Computer and software skills
• Good work ethic and motivation

What do Jobs in Forensics Involve?

There are a plethora of different day-to-day tasks that a job in forensic science may involve. Analytically, forensic scientists do DNA profiling, blood spatter analysis, sample fluids and tissues for drugs or poisons, and analyse handwriting and signatures.

Forensic scientists are expected to attend crime scenes to collect samples or complete analysis and attend courses to give evidence. 

There are lots of areas of development in forensics, and some scientists choose to become involved in designing new technologies for analytical tasks.

Where do Forensic Scientists Work?

Forensic scientists may work in multiple different environments:

• Laboratories: testing samples from crime scenes from suspects and victims
• Crime scenes: physically collecting evidence to be analysed or inspects blood spatters
• Court: giving evidence in criminal cases

These environments can often be dangerous or emotionally demanding. Many roles also include on-call shifts, in which you will be called to work if there is a new crime scene to be analysed. 

What are the Opportunities for Career Progression?

The salary of forensic scientists typically range from £18,000-£45,000. Experienced staff may choose to progress into management roles. Forensic scientists can also become expert witnesses in court with enough experience.