Students who study Forensic and Medical Science at university typically pursue careers in fields related to forensic investigation, healthcare, research, and law enforcement. Some common career paths include:

• Forensic Scientist – Analysing evidence from crime scenes in laboratories, working for police forces, government agencies, or private forensic firms.
• Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) – Collecting and preserving physical evidence from crime scenes for analysis.
• Toxicologist – Studying the effects of drugs, chemicals, and poisons in medical or criminal investigations.
• Biomedical Scientist – Conducting laboratory-based research in hospitals, pathology labs, or pharmaceutical companies.
• Clinical Scientist – Working in hospitals to analyse bodily fluids and tissues to diagnose diseases.
• Pathologist or Coroner’s Assistant – Assisting in post-mortem examinations to determine causes of death.
• Law Enforcement or Intelligence Analyst – Applying scientific knowledge to criminal investigations within the police, government, or security agencies.
• Regulatory or Public Health Officer – Working in agencies to ensure safety and compliance in pharmaceuticals, food, and health sectors.
• Academia and Research – Conducting forensic or medical science research in universities or private organisations.

Some graduates also pursue further studies, such as master's degrees or PhDs, or enter medical school to become doctors or forensic pathologists.

Here’s a more detailed look at some of the career paths that Forensic and Medical Science graduates often follow:

1. Forensic Scientist

Forensic scientists play a crucial role in criminal investigations by collecting, analysing, and interpreting evidence from crime scenes. They may specialise in various types of evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, firearms, or digital data. They often work for law enforcement agencies, private forensic labs, or government bodies. The work involves both laboratory analysis and written reports for use in legal proceedings. Many forensic scientists also testify in court to explain their findings.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collecting and preserving evidence from crime scenes
• Performing lab tests on biological, chemical, and physical evidence
• Preparing reports and presenting findings in court

2. Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)

Crime Scene Investigators, also known as crime scene officers, are responsible for securing crime scenes and collecting evidence such as photographs, fingerprints, and biological samples. They often work closely with forensic scientists to ensure that the evidence is processed properly and that investigative procedures comply with legal standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Examining crime scenes for evidence
• Documenting the scene with photos, notes, and sketches
• Collecting physical evidence (e.g. blood, fibres, weapons)
• Assisting in crime scene reconstruction

3. Toxicologist

Toxicologists work in laboratories, hospitals, or government agencies and focus on detecting and analysing substances such as drugs, alcohol, poisons, or toxins. They are commonly involved in criminal investigations where substance abuse, poisoning, or overdose is suspected. Toxicologists may also work in public health or environmental safety to evaluate toxic substances.

Key Responsibilities:

• Testing bodily fluids and tissues for the presence of toxic substances
• Assessing the effects of substances on health and the environment
• Providing expert testimony in court, particularly in cases of poisoning or overdose

4. Biomedical Scientist

Biomedical scientists focus on laboratory work, examining body fluids and tissues to diagnose diseases or infections. They work in medical settings like hospitals or research labs and may specialise in areas such as microbiology, haematology, or immunology. Their work is critical for diagnosing conditions, monitoring patient progress, and informing treatment decisions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting lab tests on patient samples (blood, urine, etc.)
• Analyzing results to help diagnose diseases and medical conditions
• Working with medical teams to interpret results and make recommendations

5. Clinical Scientist

Clinical scientists apply their medical and scientific knowledge in hospitals to diagnose and monitor patients' health. They specialise in a specific area of medicine, such as genetics, biochemistry, or haematology, and may work in departments like pathology, radiology, or microbiology. Their work often overlaps with that of biomedical scientists but may involve more patient interaction.

Key Responsibilities:

• Performing diagnostic tests in clinical settings
• Providing consultations to doctors regarding test results
• Working with patients and medical staff to manage and diagnose diseases

6. Pathologist or Coroner’s Assistant

A pathologist conducts autopsies to determine the cause of death, particularly in cases that are suspicious or unexplained. In a similar vein, coroner’s assistants assist pathologists in conducting post-mortem examinations. This career path requires additional medical training, and pathologists are often involved in high-profile criminal cases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death
• Collecting evidence from bodies to aid in criminal investigations
• Writing autopsy reports and providing expert testimony in court

7. Law Enforcement or Intelligence Analyst

Law enforcement or intelligence analysts use scientific methods to support criminal investigations. This can include reviewing evidence from cybercrimes, financial crimes, or other cases where technology and data play a significant role. Analysts typically work in police departments, intelligence agencies, or security firms, and they may also assist in investigations related to national security.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyzing crime trends and intelligence data
• Investigating financial or cybercrimes
• Providing recommendations for further investigation

8. Regulatory or Public Health Officer

Graduates can work in regulatory bodies or public health departments to ensure compliance with safety standards in areas like food, pharmaceuticals, or environmental health. They may be involved in the regulation of medical products or the investigation of health hazards such as chemical spills, pollution, or outbreaks of disease.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring that companies and organisations comply with health and safety regulations
• Conducting investigations into public health issues
• Promoting health and safety awareness in the community

9. Academia and Research

Some graduates choose to pursue advanced studies in forensic science, medical science, or related fields, eventually working in academia as lecturers or researchers. They may also be involved in developing new techniques or technologies that can be applied in forensic investigations or medical diagnostics.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conducting research in forensic or medical science
• Publishing papers and presenting findings at conferences
• Teaching and mentoring students in universities

These career paths can offer a combination of fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and expert testimony. Many roles in forensic and medical science also allow graduates to specialise further with additional training or postgraduate study, making it a flexible and diverse field.

Choosing the Correct Pathway

The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Forensic and Medical Sciences course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.

For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Health Pathway, click HERE.

If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.