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Careers FAQs

Forensic science and related areas are fast becoming a very popular careers choice for many students. There are now more than 100 forensic science courses on offer at universities, so trying to decide which one to do is becoming ever harder.

As a result the human resources team at the Forensic Science Service (FSS) receive many enquiries from people seeking advice or information about career opportunities within the forensic science field. Unfortunately, we cannot give careers advice (links for organisations who can help are given), but we can give you some general information about qualifications, recruitment and where we advertise.

Here, we have tried to answer as many of the most frequently asked questions as possible or refer you to other sources of information that may help. They have been divided up into specific areas to make it easier to search.

• Useful links
• Qualifications
• Training
• Work Experience/Placements/Sponsorship/Lab visits/Recruitment
• Careers in non-scientific roles

Useful links

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS): www.ucas.com
Careers information: www.connexions-direct.com

Further links can be also be found in the useful links section.

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Qualifications

At the moment I am in Year 9 and choosing my GCSEs. Which GCSEs and 'A' levels do I need to become a forensic scientist?

I'm taking my GCSEs this year and I want to get into the forensic science field in the future. For my 'A' levels I am taking chemistry, biology, maths and history, I was wondering if these are the right choices to take?

I have always been interested in a career in forensic science. I am coming up to the end of my 'A' levels and wonder if there are any options available apart from university? Is there any possibility of on-the-job training or would I have to have a university degree?

To become an assistant forensic scientist you will need four GCSEs grades A-C which must include English and either maths or a science as well as an 'A' level in a scientific subject (biology or chemistry). You would receive on-the-job training, but would be expected to demonstrate a knowledge of biology or chemistry techniques and practices. To progress or to apply to become a forensic scientist you will need a scientific degree at 2.2 or above.

I am in my final year at university, studying for a degree in a science-related subject and would like to pursue a career in forensic science. Should I consider doing a Masters degree or would good grades in my current degree be sufficient?

A Masters degree is not necessarily a requirement, however some shortlisting will require qualification assessment due to the volume of applications received. It may also prove useful to gain paid laboratory experience where possible as this may help your application in the shortlisting phase.

I am currently studying a level one course in science with the Open University and wish to further my studies with a forensics career in mind. What are my best options at this stage?

Completion of a scientific qualification, often to degree level, is the best route to take before applying for any of our vacancies when they are advertised. However, the minimum requirement to become an assistant forensic scientist are four GCSEs (grade A-C) which must include English and either maths or a science (biology or chemistry) and a minimum of one 'A' level in a scientific subject. Equivalent qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the 'Entry level qualifications' section of our website.

I am really interested in a career in forensic science and, in particular, working for the FSS. However, I am not a British national - will this prevent me from applying for a job with your organisation?

Due to the sensitive nature of the work carried out by the FSS, it is a requirement under Civil Service nationality rules, that people are either British nationals, a member of the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) or a Commonwealth country, and have been resident in the UK for three or more years. The FSS is an equal opportunities employer and the Home Office welcomes applications from candidates regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, sex, sexual orientation, disability or any other irrelevant factor. If you are in any doubt about your eligibility to apply, please contact the FSS direct or apply and we will consider your application on merit against the set criteria as outlined in our candidate notes.

I have achieved good grades in my studies, although have been unsuccessful in my application for a trainee forensic scientist. Could you tell me the main skills/personal qualities which make a good forensic scientist?

Unfortunately these positions often attract an exceptionally large volume of applications, therefore making it necessary to use a strict shortlisting criteria, which often starts with qualifications. Generally, all applicants have achieved a high standard with many having gained a PhD, Masters or other postgraduate qualification. Although this is not a necessity, it can put someone in a more advantageous position when we are shortlisting from, say, 1,000 applicants down to 300 for interview. Another useful tool to aid your application would be to have gained some laboratory-based work experience, preferably for six months or more in a paid position. In terms of the skills and personal qualities required for the post, the main selection criteria focus on analytical, teamwork and communication skills. Personal qualities include integrity, objectivity and an enquiring mind. Should you wish to apply for one of our vacancies, you will of course be sent a full role description and person specification with the application form.

I know that a Masters degree in forensics would mean I have to pay tuition fees whereas I would get a salary working as a trainee. What would a typical salary be and how quickly would I be able to progress as a trainee?

The starting salary for an assistant forensic scientist is slightly higher in London than elsewhere due to the higher cost of living. Salaries change each year due to annual pay rises, so for current salary details it is best to contact the FSS direct. Progression up the pay scale is performance-related and assessed annually. All vacancies are advertised internally, so it is also possible to apply and gain promotion in this way.

Can you tell me about the work of a scenes of crime officer?

Although the Forensic Science Service does employ a team of scene of crime examiners, this is not an area for which we commonly recruit and we would expect examiners to be fully trained and compliant when joining the FSS. Scenes of crime officers (SOCOs) are civilians more commonly employed and trained by police forces. For further information regarding relevant training please contact The National Training Centre for Scientific Support to Crime Investigation on 01388 762191 or www.forensic-training.police.uk.

What are the minimum qualifications needed to become a crime scene investigator for the police force or other forensic agencies?

Scene of crime examiners are required to be fully qualified when joining the FSS. The usual qualification required would be the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) certificate which is not obtainable from the FSS. Further details of this course and related subjects can be obtained from The National Training Centre for Scientific Support to Crime Investigation, which is based in County Durham. Any queries relating to crime scene courses and qualifications (or related areas such as fingerprints etc) should, in the first instance, be directed to the National Training Centre. Further career details can be found at www.forensic-training.police.uk or 01388 762191 and www.worktrain.gov.uk, select "occupations" and "crime scene examiner" or "forensic scientist".

Are there any particular courses or universities that the FSS favour?

Due to the increasing popularity of forensic science as a career choice, the number of courses on offer is expanding rapidly, therefore we cannot recommend any courses or universities. We also operate a system of fair and open competition whereby all candidates are assessed on merit for the posts they apply for. For further information please see the 'entry level qualifications' section on our website. There are also a number of links to universities that offer scientific courses and whilst we do not promote any of the institutions, they are there to offer guidance to people interested in careers in science.

Is it better to specialise in one subject rather than just forensic science as a degree?

The majority of work carried out by the FSS is biology or chemistry based and with this in mind you may prefer to take that route. However, we would not discriminate against an applicant that had a forensic science degree, so ultimately the choice of degree subject is down to individual choice. The FSS, would, however expect degree level applicants to have knowledge and experience of the processes that are used in biology and chemistry related procedures.

I am currently taking a gap year but am considering studying for a physiology and pharmacology BSc degree. Could you please tell me if this would be a suitable degree for a career in the forensic science field?

Unfortunately, we are unable to recommend courses or guarantee employment to potential applicants, as all candidates are assessed on merit against the criteria for the role they have applied for. As the work we carry out is predominately biology or chemistry based, there would be no reason why you could not apply for a relevant advertised vacancy with a degree in the subjects above and then be assessed accordingly.

I am very interested in following a career in forensic science and would like advice on the most useful subject to study at university. The forensic science courses available sound interesting but are these at all beneficial to a career as a forensic scientist or would it be better to specialise in one subject?

To become a forensic scientist you will need at least a 2.2 degree in a scientific subject. As our work is predominantly biology and chemistry based, you would be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the basic techniques and procedures used in these areas. As we are unable to recommend individual courses, we are not able to advise on the specific routes you should take and suggest that you contact your local careers centre or www.connexions-direct.com for further information.

I would like more information on postgraduate training courses and employment

Unfortunately, we do not have any direct association to universities and as such are unable to recommend any postgraduate courses. For further advice contact the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) (www.ucas.com) or your local careers centre.

I have been told there is a graduate fast track scheme into the Forensic Science Service. I am currently in my final year of a forensic science degree and I would like to know more about this scheme

The scheme that you refer to is our trainee forensic scientist (reporting officer) recruitment. The FSS usually carry this out once a year in the autumn, however this is dependent on the business need for that year, so is not guaranteed to run annually. Candidates will be expected to have at least a 2.2 degree in a scientific subject and will have to complete a competency based application form. Shortlisted candidates would then be invited to attend an assessment centre. Training lasts approximately 18 months, after which time if you have successfully completed the training assessments, you would become a forensic scientist. Vacancies are usually advertised on our website and in publications such as New Scientist.

Last year I applied to join the trainee forensic officer's scheme and got as far as the assessment centre but was unsuccessful. Please could you let me know if there will be recruitment happening again

This recruitment will happen again, but is dependent on the business need in any one year, so is not guaranteed to run on an annual basis. We usually advertise late summer/autumn and vacancies generally appear in New Scientist magazine and on our website.

I am trying to find out where I can study to become a "Questioned Document Examiner" in the UK. I'm particularly interested to find out what areas are covered within the course, should this course exist. I have searched the UCAS site and couldn't find anything relating to this area

There are no specific courses that the FSS are aware of for training in this area and people joining the FSS receive on the job training to work for the questioned documents team. People working in questioned documents come from a number of scientific and forensic disciplines, such as biologist, chemists and even forensic archaeology.

I am currently studying psychology and am very interested in being a crime analyst, however I am unsure of how to go about this once I leave university and what training I will need to do

Unfortunately this is not a field that we operate in. Crime analysis and related psychology is usually carried out by the police. It may be worthwhile either contacting your local police force for further information or alternatively contact The British Psychological Society help desk on 0116 254 9568 or email helpdesk@bps.org.uk for information on careers and general enquiries or www.bps.org.uk.

I would like to know the types of career available to me in forensics. I have seven GCSEs, 'A' levels in biology, chemistry and English and I am currently in my second year of a degree in pharmaceutical sciences, which includes modules in both biology and chemistry

If your GCSEs include maths or a science subject as well as English, then, along with your 'A' levels in biology and chemistry, you would have the minimum requirements needed to apply to be an assistant forensic scientist. If you are successful in achieving a 2.2 or above in your degree, you would be able to apply for our trainee forensic scientist recruitment or any other vacancies we advertise that stipulate a degree in the person specification. A scientific degree is required by all of our forensic scientists, however candidates with degrees often join the organisation as assistant forensic scientists with degree qualifications allowing them the opportunity to apply for internally advertised vacancies and promotion opportunities. For more information regarding careers opportunities within the FSS, see the scientific careers opportunities and non-scientific careers opportunities pages of our website.

Where is the nearest university to Wrexham for forensic science?

Unfortunately we are unable to provide information related to specific courses or universities. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) or www.ucas.com should be able to provide you with further information.

I'm just about to begin a degree course in forensic science and wondered if you could recommend a book that I could read in advance of the course which would cover a lot of the subjects I will be studying. I'd be especially interested in a book which would include details of some of the types of equipment we'll be working on (for analysis of paint, drugs etc)

Unfortunately we are unable to recommend individual titles. It may be beneficial to contact the course provider to ask for a recommended reading list that is relevant. The FSS's information services group has produced a selection of useful books covering forensic science-related topics. A list of these can be found on our website under 'recommended reading list' and also purchased through our affiliated internet bookstore.

I am currently completing my final year in an archaeological sciences degree. Could you tell me if a BSc in Archaeological Science would be relevant when applying for a position with the FSS?

The FSS does not currently employ forensic archaeologists. However, if you were to apply for another post within the FSS, we would assess your application on merit against the person specification and role description for the post. This would involve assessing the relevance of the modules that you have taken against our entry-level criteria. As the work we carry out is predominately biology and chemistry based, you would need to demonstrate an understanding of the basic techniques involved in these areas.

I am currently in my first year of a biochemistry degree at Bath University. I am looking at forensics as a possible career path and was wondering if a postgraduate course is recommended or if a BSc qualification is enough?

Unfortunately, we do not have any direct association to universities and as such are unable to recommend any postgraduate courses. Contact UCAS (www.ucas.com) or your local careers centre for further advice. The entry qualifications for a trainee forensic scientist are a scientific degree at 2.2 or above, therefore a BSc degree in biochemistry would meet our minimum entry-level criteria. However, as we often receive an overwhelming response (in excess of 1,000 applications) for our trainee forensic scientist vacancies, we often have to sift applications based on qualifications.

I am interested in a career in forensic pathology and would like some information

The department of forensic medical sciences is a new department that has been established to carry out pathology and other medico-legal work within the FSS to benefit our customers as well as the forensic medical and science communities. Members of the team will be expected to be involved in research activities as well as teaching to both undergraduate and postgraduate students through the department's academic affiliations. The department will comprise a mixture of medical doctors specialising in forensic pathology and training in forensic pathology, scientists with a biomedical background including gross anatomy and paramedical staff to assist pathologists (forensic medical assistants).

What responsibilities/day-to-day tasks would an assistant forensic scientist have and how would they differ from that of a forensic scientist?

See the scientific careers opportunities and non-scientific careers opportunities pages of our website for a description of the different roles within the FSS and an overview of the two grades.

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Training

What in-house training is provided for staff at the Forensic Science Service?

The FSS has an established reputation for providing effective training programmes, ranging from management development programmes to specific skills and competency training. The FSS has its own core of experienced trainers who are dedicated to people development. The commitment, professionalism and expertise of our staff is central to the business success. The FSS ensures this by placing emphasis on its scientific training to enhance and develop staff capability.

I am extremely keen to work for the Forensic Science Service. I am 23 and have a 2.1 BSc in Biological Sciences. I am keen to participate in any training that would increase the likelihood of gaining a job within this area

You already have the relevant qualifications that would enable you to apply to work in the FSS and much of the training is delivered 'on the job'. However, previous laboratory based work experience would be an advantage and this could be gained either in local hospitals or as a lab technician at a local school, college or university for example.

I am nearing the end of a BSc forensic science course and I am interested in finding information about training in firearms and ballistics

There are not any specific courses that we are aware of that you could attend in this area. The FSS offers training on the job for people that are working in this field and the usual entry qualifications apply as outlined in the entry level qualifications section of our website. There is also additional information with regard to the role of firearms within the FSS which may be of use.

Could you provide information about training and recruitment opportunities as a forensic/crime scene photographer?

Imaging specialists use both conventional and digital media in conjunction with a wide range of lighting techniques to record and enhance marks for evidential purposes, on items submitted to the laboratory and also at crime scenes. They are often required to work long and unsociable hours, and take an active role on an on-call rota. We look for people who have a minimum of a BTEC National Diploma in Photography and at least one year's professional photographic work experience. Digital experience is desirable. There are no specific courses that deal with forensic imaging, but many of the science based courses deal with relevant topics (contact UCAS (www.ucas.com) for further information on courses such as a BSc in Digital and Photographic Imaging). However, the majority of the skills needed will be developed 'on the job' through an extensive training programme.

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Work Experience/Placements/Sponsorship/Lab visits/Recruitment

I am a sixth form student completing 'A' levels in biology, chemistry and IT. I am looking for work experience in my gap year which is relevant to forensic science

The FSS is unable to offer work experience or laboratory visits, owing to the sensitive nature of the work involved. Most FSS work relates to criminal cases that result in court proceedings. Exhibits and casework examinations have to be rigorously controlled and documented to avoid contamination, and there are legal and procedural obligations on our employees which it might not be appropriate to impose on others. All FSS staff are subject to extensive pre-employment enquiries. This process can take some time and involves the use of external agencies and is another factor preventing the organisation from offering work experience.

The FSS does not operate a sponsorship scheme or modern apprenticeship.

I am keen to find employment within the FSS, but rarely see any vacancies advertised. Is it possible to be informed when any vacancies arise?

Most of our vacancies are advertised in the regional or national press, and typically appear in specialist publications such as New Scientist magazine. Unfortunately, due to the volume of enquiries we receive and the number of recruitment schemes we handle at any one time, we are unable to notify individuals about specific vacancies. For further information, please see the where are jobs advertised? section of our website.

Do the FSS offer industrial placements for undergraduates?

I am a student at Cardiff University and have just completed my first year of a genetics sandwich degree. I am extremely interested in the use of genetics in forensic science, and would like to know if you do industrial placements for undergraduates

The FSS does occasionally offer placements to students during their sandwich year in our research and development team (usually for undergraduates whose predominant interest is genetics/DNA) as well as in our IT department. However this will be dependent on the needs of the business for that year and placements cannot always be guaranteed. Competition for places is extremely high and as such students wishing to work in research should be achieving an academic standard of no less than at 2.1 level. Students interested in a placement should send their CV and a covering letter to Human Resources Central Recruitment Team, Trident Court, 2920 Solihull Parkway, Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham, B37 7YN or telephone 0121 329 8444 or fax on 0121 329 8411.

Can you recommend specific laboratories or agencies where I could do work experience?

It is worthwhile gaining experience within any laboratory environment. This could include work experience in a local hospital or in a school as a laboratory technician.

Can you please give me details and information on how and when you recruit

Please see the section of our website titled where are jobs advertised? This lists all the relevant publications that are used. Vacancies are advertised as and when the business need dictates that we have vacancies to fill, so there is no specific time frame for advertising vacancies.

I am currently studying for the conversion diploma in psychology and have been offered a place on the MSc in forensic psychology and practice at Birmingham University. I am writing to see if you could provide me with any information with regards to funding opportunities either by yourselves or by any other institution

Unfortunately we do not offer funding and are not aware of any organisation that does. Also, this is a field in which we currently do not operate, so it is probably best to contact The Forensic Science Society for further information on 01423 506068 or at www.forensic-science-society.org.uk. Alternatively you may wish to contact The British Psychological Society www.bps.org.uk who may be able to offer further advice.

Is it possible to visit the lab at Chepstow?

The FSS is unable to offer laboratory visits, owing to the sensitive nature of the work we undertake. Most FSS work relates to criminal cases that result in court proceedings. Exhibits and casework examinations have to be rigorously controlled and documented to avoid contamination, and there are legal and procedural obligations on our employees which it might not be appropriate to impose on others. All FSS staff are subject to extensive pre-employment enquiries. This process can take some time and involves the use of external agencies and as such is another factor preventing the organisation from offering work experience.

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Careers in non-scientific roles

I would like information on how to find PA/secretarial/administrative vacancies in my area, working for a forensic scientist

Vacancies such as these would be advertised in local press relevant to each of our laboratories as and when these vacancies become available. Please see where are jobs advertised? for more information. Occasionally we may use a specialist publication such as PA Week.

I am looking to use my IT technical skills in a worthwhile and challenging environment within your organisation, where do you advertise these vacancies?

I graduated from Strathclyde University with a 2.1 in forensic and analytical chemistry and I am currently studying for an MSc in IT. Could you please give me some information regarding possible IT roles within the FSS?

We would normally advertise in Computer Weekly or other relevant publications (please see our website page where are jobs advertised? for more information).

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