What can I do with my degree in Forensic Science?

 

The main role involves looking for evidence to link a suspect with a crime scene but your degree contacts may influence the path that you take As well as developing strong lab skills a degree in Forensics Science gives you ability to demonstrate the following skills that are highly valued by employers:
The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences has developed some careers resources in identifying what you can do with your degree within this field - https://www.csofs.org/Resource-packs
There are a wide range of job roles that are directly related to the field.  You may have to do further training to enter the job

• Forensic Scientist- As a forensic scientist you'll provide scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations.
• Forensic science technicians – sometimes called crime scene investigator , they conduct most of their work in the lab
• Ballistic Expert – experts in tracing a bullet back to a gun or identifying the type firearm used
• DNA Analyst- DNA analysts compare DNA samples taken from suspects and victims to determine whether someone was present at a crime .  All lab based
• Forensic toxicologist- As a toxicologist you'll identify, monitor and evaluate the impact of toxic materials, chemicals, potential new medicines and radiation on the environment and human and animal health.
• Digital Forensics experts - are trained to collect data from damaged and wiped hard drives, cellphones, tablets, and other computing devices. This digital evidence can be essential in the successful prosecution of electronic crimes.
• Biomedical Science- As a biomedical scientist, you'll carry out a range of laboratory and scientific tests on tissue samples and fluids to help clinicians diagnose and treat diseases. You'll also evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
• Forensic accountants. forensic scientists who help solve crimes by verifying the authenticity of documents and will often work with digital
• Analyical Chemist - As an analytical chemist, you'll use a diverse range of methods to investigate the chemical nature of substances. Your aim will be to identify and understand the substance and how it behaves in different conditions

Work Experience and internship opportunities
Forensic  related jobs are particularly competitive, so it is valuable, and sometimes crucial, to gain practical experience in the field.  You may need to think wider then forensics as you are building up your experience
Work experience demonstrates your commitment to the career and knowledge of what is involved.
During your course, you could also use the summer holidays or evenings and weekends to get some experience through paid opportunities or voluntary work.
Roles you could also consider t0o build up your experience :

• Medical lab Technician
• School Lab Technician
• Analytical Chemist

Where to look for experience

• The Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)- https://stfc.ukri.org/skills/students-and-graduates/
• Wellcome Sanger Institute- https://jobs.sanger.ac.uk/vacancies.html
• http://www.rsc.org/about-us/work-for-us/#internships
• Medical research Council - Has an excellent resource to support students in finding opportunities for funding, job, studentships as well as lots of careers advice as well. https://mrc.ukri.org/skills-careers/
• www.ratemyplacement.co.uk
• The Nuffield Foundation offer research placements 
• The Year in Industry is the UK's leading student placement experts who offer one-year placements before starting university.
• https://www.brightgreenbusiness.org.uk/-offers opportunities to students and graduates to work with organisations across Scotland

You could also try contacting science museums, research and clinical laboratories, conservation facilities or pharmaceutical companies and life science companies directly.  The following links are useful links of companies:

• http://www.ukspa.org.uk/- List of science parks around the UK
  
• http://www.labhoo.com/ -database of life science companies
• Chemagility - worldwide directly of chemical distribution companies 
• Do-it - UK volunteering opportunities 
• https://www.timeshighereducation.com/unijobs/listing/101351/technical-studentship-material-and-surface-science/

Thank you to Prospects for the content on these pages.