• Question: What qualifications do you need to become a forensic scientist?

    Asked by anon-346879 on 13 Jan 2023. This question was also asked by anon-346882, anon-346935, anon-346929.
    • Photo: Amy Rattenbury

      Amy Rattenbury answered on 13 Jan 2023:

      There is no set qualifications needed and some of it will depend on the specialty you go in to but a strong science background is key.

    • Photo: Lorna Dawson

      Lorna Dawson answered on 13 Jan 2023:

      It depends what type of forensic scientist you want to become. Technical or lead scientist type role. You can be a crime scene investigator (CSI or SOCO) where you mainly do crime scene work, or a forensic chemist or forensic biologist and can be scene based, lab based or a reporting scientist. Also you can be a forensic specialist – anthropologist, archaeologist, soil scientist etc etc. forensic means pertaining to the law. So decide what subjects you like best, study that subject, pass your exams, and then you would usually gain a forensic qualification after that such as a Masters or a PhD.

    • Photo: Shelina Jilani

      Shelina Jilani answered on 13 Jan 2023:

      In line with both Amy and Lorna, it depends on what branch of Forensic Science you wish to work. For the specialist domains you will need additional qualifications and experience to demonstrate expertise.

    • Photo: Sue Black

      Sue Black answered on 13 Jan 2023:

      As a forensic anthropologist I have both an undergraduate degree (BSc) and a post graduate degree (PhD). But I am also certified by my professional body as a chartered forensic anthropologist and recertification occurs every five years.

    • Photo: Caroline Wilkinson

      Caroline Wilkinson answered on 13 Jan 2023:

      Usually a PhD

    • Photo: Katy Bruce

      Katy Bruce answered on 20 Jan 2023:

      It depends on which sector specifically, but if you’re referring to a lab-based forensic scientist who analyses evidence from crime scenes then usually you would need a first degree in forensic science or something very close to it. However, if you mean a crime scene investigator (CSI), then a degree is not always required and you can choose to train whilst working there. If you’re asking what qualifications you’d need to be an expert like a lot of the scientists here, I’d say a PhD in the relevant field would stand you in good stead!

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