Young Forensic Scientist Summer Experience

Immersive Forensic Experiences

• Sketch, package and recover key pieces of evidence at a simulated crime scene.
• Work alongside specialists to perform fingerprint and blood spatter analysis to identify a suspect.
• Write and deliver expert witness testimony in a courtroom setting and receive feedback from professionals.
• Enter the lab and take part in a DNA extraction exercise.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity experts to uncover digital evidence from the dark web.

Gain a Qualification and UCAS Points

• Gain practical forensic experience to enhance your university application and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
• Have your work assessed to receive a Level 3 Award in Work Experience and Career Planning, worth 8 UCAS points.
• Complete the online assessment after the programme to receive a personalised certificate and an industry reference letter.

Meet Senior Forensic Scientists

• Be guided by forensic experts specialising in blood spatter, fingerprint analysis, toxicology, anthropology and first response.
• Attend private networking sessions to connect with professionals who may support your future career.

Career Coaching

• Receive expert coaching on how to pursue competitive careers in forensic science.
• Guidance on subject choices, university applications, work experience and extra-curricular activities.
• Receive a personalised industry reference letter from forensic scientists confirming your achievements on the programme.

World-Class Universities and World-Class People

• Experience life at University College London (UCL), one of the best universities in the world.
• Meet ambitious students from around the globe and build an international network through shared forensic experiences.

Design Your Own Summer Experience

• Choose from the following programme formats:
  • First Week Only (taster experience)
  • Two-Week Experience (full programme)
  • Two-Week Premium Experience (both weeks plus enhanced benefits)
• Choose either residential or non-residential attendance.
• Residential students stay in UCL student halls in central London, with meals, guardianship and evening/weekend activities included.
• Optional airport transfers are available at checkout.

Week 1

The Forensic Mindset

• Explore the daily work of forensic scientists in the field and laboratory
• Develop soft skills such as critical thinking and decision-making, alongside analytical techniques and UV light use
• Learn practical lab skills including pipetting and risk assessments

Become the CSI

• Understand crime scene strategy, hygiene protocols and essential forensic equipment
• Complete escape room challenges and analyse historic forensic case studies
• Race against time to uncover suspects and solve simulated criminal scenarios

Enter the Crime Scene

• Act as a first responder, collect evidence and sketch a crime scene
• Learn fingerprint identification, powdering techniques and evidence packaging
• Match fingerprints to suspects and understand surface effects on prints

Blood Spatter Analysis

• Learn types, terminology and classifications of bloodstain patterns
• Generate and examine spatter to identify crime scenarios
• Reconstruct events using bloodstain size, shape and distribution

Week 2

Enter the Lab

• Gain insight into daily life inside a forensic laboratory and interact with technicians
• Watch demonstrations on chromatography and other forensic techniques
• Collect and extract DNA samples

Forensic Specialties

• Investigate fire and explosives, arson analysis and bomb component identification
• Explore forensic anthropology and build profiles using skeletal remains

The Courtroom

• Act as an expert witness in a simulated courtroom and compile your case
• Deliver expert testimony and undergo cross-examination with feedback
• Learn from forensic scientists who have testified in major cases

Cyber Forensics

• Explore digital forensics, cyber attacks and the dark web
• Investigate online criminal activity and uncover illegal transactions
• Learn techniques used to dismantle cybercrime operations

Networking Event with Top Forensic Scientists

• Network with specialists in digital, fire, explosives and analytical forensics
• Ask questions, apply your knowledge and receive expert career advice

Graduation & Certification

• Celebrate your achievements
• Receive an industry reference letter signed by professionals

2-Week Premium

Overview

• Includes all Week 1 and Week 2 activities plus 15 additional hours with professionals
• Build a professional development portfolio and earn UCAS points with a Level 3 Award
• Attend a private Gala dinner during the final weekend

Highlights

• Attend masterclasses on CVs, LinkedIn, personal branding and Oxbridge/Ivy League applications
• Take psychometric tests to understand your strengths and motivations
• Compete in a strategy simulation and network with professionals in London

Dates
27th July 2026

Venues
The programme is based at UCL and the surrounding University of London campus. Certain days take place in other key industry locations in London

Accommodation
Students live on university campus in central London and are allocated to halls of residence used by University of London students, including those from UCL and LSE. We typically occupy a range of halls, including Garden Halls, College Hall, International Hall and Frances Gardner House.

All rooms are single and en-suite.