Students Say

Here are a few comments our students have made about their experiences at university:

• "very informative and allowed you to gain a broad knowledge of scientific experiments and calculations when presented with real criminal evidence. This is what I came to university for, to engage in such investigations - I would recommend this to anyone"
• "friendly and approachable tutors"
• "all practicals were interesting and relevant to work in lectures"
• "help was always as hand"
• "the use of practicals and lectures worked well in conjunction with each other"
• "they [the workshops and practicals] were all really good and enjoyable"
• "many interesting topics covered - helped by looking at real cases"
• "the crime scene house is really good for practical hands-on experience"
• "fantastic facilities with a brilliant range of equipment, excellent hands-on course"

Feedback from our 2006 Graduates included:

• "My 3 years at Staffs Uni have been nothing short of amazing and have exceeded all expectations. This was mainly due to the staff of the forensic department who were always approachable, knowledgeable and helpful, even during the strike period" Elaine Cheeseman, Forensic Science and Psychology.
• "Individual support of tutors has been invaluable....great staff" Anon.
• "Had a fantastic 3 years" Rachel Burn, Forensic Science.
• "An extremely enjoyable 3 years. The lecturers are very approachable and very helpful and supportive" Alison Coates, Forensic Science.
• "All the staff, lecturers, technical staff, and research assistants have been amazing. Everyone has been such a great help that the three years have been more fun for us and we will all be better professionals having been taught by you" Anon.
• "Thank you to all forensic staff. I really enjoyed my 3 years with you (I even enjoyed the court presentation)" Manpreet Bassan, Forensic Science and Criminology.
• "I thoroughly enjoyed the course. The whole crime scene investigation felt very realistic. The lecturers were excellent on every level" Anon.

Graduate Profiles

Many graduates of the School of Sciences are now employed as practicing forensic scientists and scenes of crime officers in organisations such as the Forensic Science Service and UK Police Forces.

Sally Bayliffe graduated in 2000 and is employed currently as an Assistant Forensic Scientist at the Forensic Science Service Laboratories. In the Evidence Recovery Unit she specialises in the comparison of paint and glass samples recovered from crime scenes, suspects and victims. Sally says "The work is very interesting and rewarding. My time at Staffordshire University gave me experience of techniques I use daily in my work and helped to develop the analytical and thorough approach that is vital for success in forensic science".

Following completion of his degree, Stuart Stiff began training as a Crime Scene Examiner with the Metropolitan Police Service. The basic eight week training was followed by a posting at Wimbledon Police Station. "It's my job to photograph crime scenes, retrieve forensic evidence (e.g. DNA) as well as lift finger marks to add to the growing police database. After a total of three to four years I should be trained to deal with almost any crime scene, from street crime through to murders and rape".