is studying forensic science a bad idea?

Im applying for uni this september and im starting to second guess myself because im not sure where i would go after uni. Like i dont know if i would be able to get a job easily and i dont even know where to look because you cant apply with the police. Does anyone know like what kind of jobs id be able to get with this degree?

Reply 1

bocaj22

3

Original post by heyidontknowwhat

Im applying for uni this september and im starting to second guess myself because im not sure where i would go after uni. Like i dont know if i would be able to get a job easily and i dont even know where to look because you cant apply with the police. Does anyone know like what kind of jobs id be able to get with this degree?

Not a bad idea, I’ve just graduated with a first class honours Forensic Science. The Police do advertise/recruit as civilian police staff, not normal police officer recruitment, for such roles as For Sc Investigator/Officer, For Collision Investigator. Also FS lab testing jobs? I’m in process of the Police Officer route, although specific FS degree not required.

(edited 8 months ago)

Reply 2

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Original post by heyidontknowwhat

Im applying for uni this september and im starting to second guess myself because im not sure where i would go after uni. Like i dont know if i would be able to get a job easily and i dont even know where to look because you cant apply with the police. Does anyone know like what kind of jobs id be able to get with this degree?

The thing to keep in mind that you don't need to do a degree in forensic science to work as a forensic scientist. You could do a degree in the basic sciences (e.g. chemistry, biochemistry, other biosciences or physical sciences perhaps) and still go that route. However those degrees add other options potentially, while forensic science as a degree doesn't give you anything outside of that other than the generalist grad roles that any graduate can aim for.

It's also worth bearing in mind in general the forensic science sector in the UK is small, and not a growth sector. Essentially, there are far more people graduating from forensic science degrees, much less basic science degrees, than there are likely to be openings. Also it's worth bearing in mind that a lot of the lab based forensic science roles are not the most engaging thing - as you aren't interpreting the results or anything normally (and in fact that may well be grounds for the evidence to be thrown out of court if you were found to be prejudiced in the outcome of them results), you are just performing the tests to a high level of exactness, following very rigid procedures. From what I've read it's quite monotonous as a result as for the most part you would just be doing the same tests in exactly the same way all day long, and as noted you aren't interpreting the results - you would just review for QA purposes.

So I would generally recommend if you're interested in forensic science as a possible route after graduation (even in spite of the above), aim to do a basic science degree in something like chemistry or biochemistry/biosciences, and then go from there. As you can still go the forensic science route that way, but also have other options in case you change your mind, or indeed even if you don't, in case you aren't able to immediately get a role in that sector and need to find another job while continuing to apply for roles. And the experience in another lab based role might be quite helpful to move into the forensic science sector if that's still what you want to do :smile:

Reply 3

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

15

Original post by heyidontknowwhat

Im applying for uni this september and im starting to second guess myself because im not sure where i would go after uni. Like i dont know if i would be able to get a job easily and i dont even know where to look because you cant apply with the police. Does anyone know like what kind of jobs id be able to get with this degree?

Hi @heyidontknowwhat,

It's completely normal to have concerns about your future, especially during the uni application process. I know I certainly did. Whilst I study chemistry and not forensic science, I can offer some advice from my own experiences.

Forensic science is a specialised field that can offer various job opportunities. From a quick search using the prospects website (https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/forensic-science) some directly related roles are crime scene investigator, toxicologist and a laboratory technician. However, some indirectly linked roles you may not have thought of include border force officer, forensic computer analyst and science writer.

Make sure you take time to research options that you may not have previously thought about and keep an open mind. Before finalising your decision, you could consider reaching out to your career advisor at college to find more specific information about career paths for forensic science graduates. You could also try to connect with professionals in the fields to gain insights into their experiences and learn more about potential job opportunities.

Hope this helps
-Beth (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

is studying forensic science a bad idea?

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