Are you curious, detail-oriented, and interested to learn how science supports the justice system? You might just find yourself suited to a career in forensic science. Does this sound like a good match? Read on, our guide will explain more.
Updated: 26 Jan 2026
In the lab, your daily tasks may include the preparation and examination of sample materials, which mostly means hair, fibres, and blood. You’ll learn to unravel the secrets of these tiny trace materials to reveal the truth behind unanswered questions in a range of criminal investigations. You’ll become an expert of lab protocol, preventing contamination, extracting and interpreting data, using software and statistical methods to draw conclusions, and writing up your findings in clear, concise technical reports.
You may be involved in court cases, serving as an expert witness and answering lawyers’ questions under oath, and you may also be called in to provide insights to groups of police detectives or other investigative professionals.
Attention to detail
You’ll need to spot tiny differences in samples or data sets that could dramatically change the way a case is judged
Analytical thinking
Choosing the appropriate methods is as much of a science as running the tests themselves, and interpreting results within their scientific context is essential to the work
Dexterity
Hair and fibres are fiddly. Microscopes and other forensic lab equipment have lots of moving parts and calibrations, so having steady hands and strong concentration skills is advantageous
Most forensic science degrees ask for A-levels in chemistry plus one or two other sciences (biology, physics, or maths). Grades vary based on specific university and course, however you’ll be looking at approximately BCC—ABB, which translates to 104–128 UCAS tariff points.
A BSc Forensic Science degree is generally the most direct route to working professionally, however in the case that you know exactly which field you want to go into, you might also choose something more specific such as those with built-in specialisms in analytical, molecular, or digital forensics.
Some courses are accredited by bodies like the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) or Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), and although this can give you extra credibility as a graduate, they are not mandatory for working as a forensic scientist.
NEXT: Compare a huge range of forensic science degrees
As is often the case with science-based courses, your degree will be a mix of classroom theory, and practical laboratory work. However, your laboratory work will cover a lot of interesting simulated environments not typically used by science students, such as crime-scene houses and mock courtrooms.
You’ll be assessed through a combination of graded lab reports, research essays, or mock case files to demonstrate your understanding of scientific techniques and forensic procedures. Undergraduate courses run for three years, with optional placement or study-abroad years in some sandwich programmes.
Graduates in related disciplines (chemistry, biology, computer science) can pursue postgraduate conversion courses in forensic science or forensic computing, meeting entry requirements for many crime labs.
You’ll typically start your career as a forensic laboratory assistant with many entry-level jobs being offered by private forensic organisations and government agencies. Starting salaries range from £20,000 to £28,000 (as per civil service pay bands), rising to £30,000–£40,000 as you gain experience and specialise. Senior positions like team leader or case manager can command salaries upwards of £45,000.
Lab experience
It’s definitely feasible to accumulate some lab exposure through university open days or taster sessions and highlight this in your application. Being familiar with lab protocol will give you a running start at uni
Technical preparation
Familiarise yourself with the type of lab equipment you’ll be using at university, as well as some of the software tools. This shows initiative and is good preparation for your studies
“I get to spend lots of time in university where I’m able to talk to lecturers, and feel like I get an even split between lectures and laboratory work. The course content in the first three months has been very varied, which has helped me understand which pathways in Forensic Science I am interested in” — Lauren, BSc Forensic Science at the University of Derby
NEXT: Analyse hundreds of Whatuni student reviews
What’s the difference between forensic science and criminology?
Forensic science focuses on lab-based evidence analysis, while criminology explores the causes of crime and criminal behaviour. Is the work dangerous?
Lab work follows strict safety protocols, and crime scene visits are supervised and risk-assessed to protect you.
Will I get to visit real crime scenes or work with police?
Not while studying. Some courses include simulated crime scenes, however access to real crime scenes is usually limited to professionals
If you’re ready to dive into the fascinating world of forensics, you can browse a huge array of undergraduate degrees using our course finder and find the perfect course to get started.