Forensic science

I am doing Biomedical Sciences Bsc right now. What steps will I need to take from here to become a forensic scientist?

Hi there

While this is not my area of study, I know some people doing further study in these areas as jobs often go to very highly qualified candidates.

Cranfield University has a very well regarded Forensic Institute that holds many MSc courses, that will get you on different career tracks within forensics.
They include:
- Investigative Sciences
- Forensic Investigation
- Archaeomaterials
- Digital Forensics
- Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
- Forensic Ballistics
- Forensic Explosive and Explosion Investigation
- Forensic Investigation of Heritage Crime
Some are accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, and one is run in partnership with CCL Solutions Group (CCL).
All the details and links to course pages are here:
https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/centres/cranfield-forensic-institute/postgraduate-courses

Which course if best for you will depend on your interests and career goals, but they all use really great facilities to merge teaching and practical experience. Some fo the facilities include:
- X-ray microtomography (micro-CT)
- X-ray diffraction (XRD)
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Raman and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)
- Live firing ranges
- Mass Grave Facility
There's also so much more! More details on these facilities here:
https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/centres/cranfield-forensic-institute/highlights

If you do want to do further study, but don't want to do a taught MSc, Masters by Research could also help you get into the forensics field. More info on requirements and what that includes here:
https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/centres/cranfield-forensic-institute/msc-by-research
You would be able to be a part of some amazing research teams, demonstrate practical skills and increase your employability hugely! Check out some of the current research areas here:
https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/centres/cranfield-forensic-institute/our-research-groups

You can also chat to current forensics students on our website here:
https://www.cranfield.ac.uk/ambassador-chat
Just filter the theme by 'forensics' and ask away!

Hope this helps
Ciara
2nd year Agrifood PhD student
Cranfield Student Ambassador