Science

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

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

Entry to jobs is competitive, so 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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

Apprenticeship

The following science degree apprenticeships may be relevant to this role:

• research scientist degree apprenticeship
• laboratory scientist 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

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct application

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

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

More information

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.

Professional and industry bodies

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.

Further information

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

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could move into management and direct other forensics staff as a forensics manager or casework examiner.

You could also work as a reporting scientist, acting as an expert witness in court.

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