How to Become a Forensic Scientist in the UK
A forensic scientist is a newly popularized career in the United Kingdom. The work of a forensic scientist involves collecting evidence from crime scenes, analyzing it using various techniques and testifying in court regarding the findings. Forensic scientists need to have a lot of patience because their work involves painstaking efforts and is often repetitive and routine. They also need to be independent workers with a keen eye for detail. Forensic scientists in the U.K. have to go through several years of training and on-the-job experience.
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Instructions
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Enroll in a university in the United Kingdom that offers a major in Forensic Science. If your school does not have this major, you can study chemistry, biology, biochemistry or other related subjects. You can check out the list of schools in the United Kingdom that offer Forensic Science in the All About Forensic Science website (see Resources).
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Earn an A in biology or chemistry in your college courses. You will also need above-average grades in English and math.
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Graduate college, and then complete a one- to two-year post-graduate Forensic Science course.
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Gain laboratory experience as part of your training. Your laboratory training is included in the Forensic science course, and the duration of the training will also depend on the Forensic Science program you applied for. You should pay special attention in learning about courtroom skills, interpretation skills and fire investigation, among other things during your training.
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Go to the Forensic Science Service website to look for job opportunities. Obtaining a job is important as you will complete your training through on-the-job experience. Through on-the-job training, you will be able to learn firsthand how to look for forensic evidence and process it properly.
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Tips & Warnings
You will need good vision for forensic science work, and you should not be color blind.
Forensic science in the U.K. is very competitive, and you may have to move to another district or city in order to find a job.
Your training in forensic science does not stop after you finish the course. All throughout your forensic science career, you will undergo professional training to enhance your skills and knowledge.
References
Resources
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