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Forensic scientist
Forensic scientists provide scientific evidence for use in law courts. They examine things like blood and urine samples, fibres from clothing, fire debris and objects handled during crimes.
Work activities
Forensic scientists apply science to the law. They provide independent, scientific evidence for use in law courts. Although they work closely with the police, their evidence must be impartial – it may be used to support either the defence or prosecution cases. Most forensic scientists respond to police investigations. They usually receive evidence collected by a scenes of crime officer. On more complex or high-profile cases, they might visit the scene to give advice, for example, on evidence collection. Forensic scientists are involved in a wide variety of police cases, including crimes against property such as burglary, arson and car theft. In these cases, forensic scientists can gather evidence by examining shoe prints and tyre impressions, or traces of soil, glass and paint found on a suspect’s clothing. The aim is often to establish or rule out a link between someone suspected of committing a crime and the scene of the crime or the victim.
Forensic scientists often deal with very small pieces of evidence. To examine this evidence, they have to use equipment such as electron microscopes. Forensic scientists use a wide range of equipment and techniques, including automated machines that can test up to a hundred samples at once. Other tests are more intricate and take longer. For example, they might use gas chromatography to test fire debris. This can identify the presence of substances such as petrol, helping the scientist to understand whether the fire was started on purpose and intended to damage property or harm people. Forensic scientists can investigate serious crime against people by using biological evidence. This includes hair roots and body fluids. DNA profiling is perhaps the most important technological development in forensic science. Other specialist areas include explosives, firearms and establishing the authenticity of documents. Many forensic scientists present the results of their examinations in written reports, which may then be read out in a law court. As reporting officers, forensic scientists go to court to give evidence for some of their cases, answering questions from both the prosecution and defence lawyers. They are involved in civil law as well as criminal cases. These often involve similar examinations and analyses but help to resolve disputes between people, such as the cause of a road accident.
Personal qualities and skills
To be a forensic scientist, you’ll need:
- To be accurate, methodical and thorough in your investigations.
- Patience, attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- The ability to explain your findings clearly in court, to people like lawyers and jurors.
- Report-writing skills.
- Teamwork skills to work alongside people like the police and scenes of crime officers.
Although you’ll spend large amounts of time routine testing in laboratories, you must also be prepared to visit crime scenes that can sometimes be disturbing. Depending on the type of investigation and the laboratory, good colour vision is important.
Pay and opportunities
Forensic scientists are paid on a rising scale. Forensic scientists earn between £18,000 and £45,000 per year. Senior forensic scientists may be able to earn more.
Forensic scientists usually work 37-40 hours per week, which might include early starts, late finishes and callouts. Some forensic scientists work a rota system, so they can be available to respond to requests at short notice, day or night.
Competition is very strong. In the last few years, there has been a big rise in university forensic science courses. The result is that there are many more graduates than posts available.
Forensic scientists work for private sector laboratories and are also civilian employees of forensic science units within local police forces. There can also be opportunities with government departments and agencies such as the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). Some forensic scientists work in university research and lecturing.
Forensic scientists can become self-employed consultants.
Where are vacancies advertised?
Sources of vacancies include:
- The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) website.
- Official police magazines, and regional police service websites.
- Specialist job boards for scientific and police recruitment.
- General job boards.
- Scientific journals and magazines such as New Scientist (also, its website).
- Private sector forensic laboratory companies’ websites.
- National newspapers.
Entry routes and training
Generally, forensic scientists need at least a good first (undergraduate) degree in biology, chemistry or a related subject. Although most opportunities are related to chemistry or biology, physics also plays an important part in some areas of forensic science, so entry can be possible for physics graduates. Some universities offer specialist forensic science degrees, often combined with related subjects such as analytical chemistry, biochemistry, criminology or psychology. However, a first degree in forensic science isn’t necessarily an advantage over a degree in a straight science subject. In the last few years, there has been a big rise in university forensic science courses. The result is that there are many more graduates than posts available. Many entrants have a postgraduate MSc in forensic science or can demonstrate that they’ve developed knowledge and skills through relevant experience. Some universities offer first degree courses with a foundation year. This is an extra year for students who don’t have the specified science A-levels for entry.
You could also begin your career in this area by undertaking an apprenticeship. Relevant programmes include:
- Laboratory scientist (level 6 / degree)
- Research scientist (level 7 / higher)
The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences (CSFS) offers its members the chance to take Professional Postgraduate Diplomas. These are available in areas such as crime scene investigation, fire investigation and identifying documents. Continuing professional development might involve research, teaching, and going to conferences, workshops and seminars.
Experienced forensic scientists can become self-employed consultants, or move into areas such as teaching/lecturing, research or scientific writing.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act: Working as a forensic scientist can be an exception to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must supply information to an employer about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if they ask you to. This is different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.
Qualifications
Forensic scientists usually need at least a good first degree in chemistry, biology or a related subject. Depending on the course you choose, the usual entry requirements will be:
- Two to three A-levels, including at least one science subject. Biology and chemistry are often preferred subjects.
- GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A level-subjects.
- A further two to three GCSEs (grades 9-4), including English and maths.
Alternatives to separate science GCSEs include science and additional science or science and additional applied science. Alternatives to A levels include:
- Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.
However, course requirements vary, so please check prospectuses carefully.
Adult opportunities
Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.
If you don’t have the qualifications needed to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course, for example, Access to Science. You don’t usually need any qualifications to enter an Access course, although you should check this with the course provider. A foundation year before the start of a science degree is available at some universities and higher education colleges for students who don’t have the science A-levels usually needed for entry to the course.
