A Forensic Science degree at ARU will teach you the principles of forensic science, from crime scene to court room. With a focus on chemical and biological analysis, you’ll find out what that evidence means. We look at ways to ‘read’ data, interpret the results and present your evidence in court.
Education provided by ARU is Gold standard
ARU is among the 20% of universities in the country who have been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Based in our £45m Science Centre in Cambridge, you’ll analyse and investigate a range of evidence in crime scene rooms and the forensic lab.
You’ll get hands-on with specialist analytical equipment, under the guidance of expert tutors. And you’ll learn outside the classroom too, with visits to law courts and a local mortuary, and opportunities to work with local police forces and forensic labs.
Join a course that's been ranked 3rd in the country for Learning Opportunities (Source: subject ranking for Forensic and Archaeological Sciences, National Student Survey 2022).
Graduate with advanced skills in chemistry, biology and laboratory analysis – ready to start a career as a forensic scientist.
Get a sneak preview of our Forensic Science degree: try your hand at online quizzes, solve a crime, hear about our latest research and tackle a chemistry word search.
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Explore chemical forensics and 'everyday' evidence in our dedicated labs.
Take a virtual tour of our Forensic Science degreeApply your knowledge of biology to forensic casework.
Collect and analyse evidence from authentic crime scene rooms.
Work with Cambridgeshire Police or a forensic laboratory on your dissertation.
Learn in our £45m Science Centre in the heart of Cambridge.
Discover our Science CentreAt ARU you’ll be based in our Science Centre in Cambridge, which features:
All our forensic science students can take part in:
There’s also the opportunity to conduct your dissertation in collaboration with Cambridgeshire Police or a forensic laboratory.
Studying this accredited course qualifies you to become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.
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As a forensic science graduate you’ll be ready to work in a range of careers including laboratory analysis, quality control analysis, crime scene investigation and policing.
In fact, having gained a number of transferable skills, you’ll find you can explore roles in broader scientific and analytical-based jobs. Or you can consider a career in areas such as research, teaching or further education.
Some of our recent graduates are working in local police forces, and in lab settings for companies such as LGC, Chemtest, Treatt, Anglian Water and Cellmark.
Graduation doesn’t need to be the end of your time with us. If you’d like to continue your studies we offer a range of postgraduate courses including MSc Forensic Science. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship and get 20% off your fees.
Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.
To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.
Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.
"I enjoy the wide variety of lectures, practicals, seminars and tutorials which enable me to explore my particular areas of interest, while also knowing that I am receiving a fully rounded education. The lecturers are enthusiastic, passionate and knowledgeable and put the wellbeing of their students as a priority."
BSc (Hons) Forensic Science studentOur friendly, bustling campus is a stone’s throw from the centre of Cambridge, often described as the perfect student city.
Explore CambridgeDo you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.
We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.
You have the option to take a placement year as part of this course. It’s a great chance to get hands-on experience in the industry you want to work in.
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