Forensic science uses science to help solve crimes. Forensic scientists collect and analyse evidence from crime scenes, such as fingerprints, fibres, DNA and chemical traces. They write reports and may present findings in court. To work in the UK, you usually study science at school or college, then gain a degree in forensic science or a related subject, followed by work experience or training with a police lab or private lab.
In the UK, trainee scientists often earn around 18 000 to 25 000 pounds a year as an entry level role, with qualified forensic scientists earning roughly 25 000 to 40 000 pounds a year, and potential senior salaries above 45 000 pounds.
There are several hundred forensic science roles across police laboratories, private labs and research centres in the UK, with ongoing demand for skilled staff in crime scene analysis and laboratory work.
Most forensic scientists work typical full time hours, but shifts are common in police and crime labs to cover 24 hour incident response.
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Learn what forensic science involves and the kinds of evidence scientists study.
Forensic science uses ideas from biology, chemistry and physics to understand evidence. You might study fingerprints, DNA, fibres, and tool marks. This stage helps you see how science applies to real life in solving mysteries.
Focus on biology, chemistry and maths to prepare for lab work.
Work on your science grades and practise experiments. Good observation, recording results clearly and asking questions are important skills for any scientist.
Find out what a real forensic lab is like and what scientists do there.
Labs follow safety rules and use equipment to test samples. You can visit a local science centre or arrange a school trip to see how labs work in practice.
Learn to notice small details that others might miss.
Keep a science journal of your observations. Practice identifying objects, colours and patterns and describe them clearly.
Try simple experiments that mirror real forensic tests in a safe way.
You might study making moulds, comparing samples with simple tests or reading results from a colour change. Always follow safety rules and ask for help from a teacher.
See how scientists collect and protect evidence to keep it unspoilt.
In real life, chain of custody and careful documentation matter. Learn the idea of keeping samples in clean containers and recording who handles them.
Pick biology, chemistry and maths to prepare for university.
Think about options like combined science plus maths. Aim for strong grades to keep future study options open.
Find degree courses in forensic science or related fields.
Courses often cover crime scene analysis, toxicology, genetics and chemistry. Some degrees offer placements in labs or with police forces.
Join science clubs, work experience or volunteering to gain hands on skills.
Ask about internships with university laboratories, museums, or local police science teams. Real experience helps you learn what a future job would feel like.
Look for trainee or apprentice roles in laboratories or forensics units.
Entry routes can include science technician roles or apprenticeships that combine work with study. These paths help you learn on the job while earning.
Some roles benefit from a master or diploma in forensic science or a related field.
Postgraduate qualifications can open doors to advanced labs, specialist testing and research roles. Check what institutions offer and what entry requirements they have.
Develop communication, teamwork and meticulous record keeping.
Working with legal teams and presenting findings clearly is important. Practice writing simple but precise reports and explaining results in plain language.
Specialises in analysing genetic material to identify people involved in a crime.
Goes to crime scenes to collect evidence and protect the area while it is analysed.
Tests bodily fluids and chemicals to understand what substances may have affected a person.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Forensic Science. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
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Forensic Science aligns most closely with the role of a forensic scientist. Both involve applying scientific methods to collect, analyse and interpret physical evidence, maintain chain of custody, and produce expert reports for investigations and court proceedings, typically underpinned by a degree in forensic science or a related discipline and practical laboratory training.
You can get into this job through:
You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:
Entry to jobs is competitive, so it may help to choose a university qualification accredited by The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
You'll usually need:
You could apply to do a Degree Apprenticeship, such as:
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.
You'll usually need:
You can apply directly to forensic services providers if you've got a lot of lab experience, and qualifications in science, especially chemistry.
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.
You can join The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences for professional development and advice. The society has student membership, for undergraduates aiming to get into a forensic science career.
You can find out more on careers in forensics from The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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