Our forensic science degree courses develop a technical understanding of key scientific principles placed within the context of law and the legal system. Furthermore the structured skills programme built into our courses helps to develop transferable graduate skills, thereby maximising the range of employment and further study options available to our graduates. Emphasis is placed on careers awareness thoughout the course, and the many seminars delivered by external speakers provide contact with potential employers.

The Forensic Science Service recruit at various levels from technical support to reporting officers, and our BSc Hons Forensic Science course in particular equips graduates with a good knowledge of all major aspects of their work. Additionally there are many independent forensic laboratories which carry out a similar role. Employment in these areas is an obvious option for graduates with a forensic science degree, and this is an expanding area of employment though opportunities are still limited.

Alternatively there are other graduate entry occupations within the criminal justice system and the civil service which forensic science graduates may find attractive. These include the police force itself, including scene-of-crime officers, the customs and excise service, the immigration service and other related posts within the civil service. Many of these career paths will be of particular interest to graduates of BSc Hons Forensic Science and Criminology.

Our forensic science degree courses incorporate a large amount of analytical science, and this opens opportunities in a wide range of science-based careers. Many scientific posts are available which require the skills of analytical chemists or biologists, and the emphasis placed on these skills in our forensic science degree courses gives our graduates the option of a range of career opportunities in areas not directly related to forensics. Examples include public health laboratories, analytical consultancy services, trading standards laboratories, and analytical quality control in the chemical, pharmaceutical and other manufacturing industries. These career paths may be of particular interest to BSc Hons Forensic Science graduates.

Graduates of BSc Hons Forensic Science with Legal Studies and BSc Hons Forensic Science and Psychology can pursue career paths in either subject or investigate areas which utilise both sides of their qualification and training. On the forensic science side most of the careers open to single subject graduates also apply to joint subject graduates.
 
 

Opportunities for Further Study

Some graduates wish to pursue further study opportunities to further specialise in their chosen area of study or to enhance their potential point of entry into employment. Around the country there are a growing number of taught masters degree courses, usually leading to an MSc degree, in forensic-related disciplines. Most are only one year in duration, though it is not always easy to obtain funding since most LEAs will not pay course fees or grants for masters courses. However some masters courses may have a limited number of funded places. The broad-based nature of our forensic science courses, coupled with the rigorous scientific training and emphasis on skills development, provide a firm foundation for such further study. 

Another alternative is research, usually leading to an MPhil or PhD degree over a period of two to four years. Places and research topics are very limited though many are fully funded.

A further option is teacher-training for a PGCE or similar qualification. This is a popular option amongst our science graduates. A forensic science degree provides a broad base of scientific knowledge and understanding, and is therefore a good foundation for the teaching of science in schools.
 
 

Staffordshire University Careers Service

Staffordshire University Careers Service has offices on the Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford campuses, and offers a wide range of services, including regular careers and vacancies bulletins, recruitment fairs, and seminars on CV writing and job applications. The Careers Service can be visited on-line at: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/services/student_support/careers/
 
 

Careers-Related Weblinks

A number of other useful websites are listed below. Some are potential employers, some advertise job opportunities and others provide more general career-related information.

American Academy of Forensic Sciences, http://www.aafs.org

Forensic Alliance, http://www.forensicalliance.com

Forensic Science Service, http://www.forensic.gov.uk

Gradunet, virtual careers office,  http://www.gradunet.co.uk

Jobs.ac.uk,  http://www.jobs.ac.uk

Jobs Unlimited, the Guardian jobs site,  http://www.jobsunlimited.co.uk

Milkround online,  http://www.milkround.com

Monster careers site, http://www.monster.co.uk

New Scientist jobs site, http://www.newscientistjobs.com
 
 
 

Webpage created by Dr Mark Tonge, 18.07.00,  last modified 05.08.03