Chemistry with Forensic Investigation

Chemistry with forensic investigation is a degree that brings the tools of analytical chemistry to bear on the questions that arise in criminal investigation, legal proceedings and scientific evidence. Forensic science is a field that depends heavily on chemistry: identifying unknown substances, analysing trace evidence, understanding toxicology, dating materials and validating the integrity of samples all require the kind of rigorous analytical training that a chemistry degree provides. This combination gives you both the scientific foundations and the specific forensic knowledge that the discipline requires.

At the University of Surrey, you will study chemistry at a serious academic level while developing specific expertise in its forensic applications. The programme runs for three years full time. Surrey has invested in integrating AI and digital skills into its courses, building the digital confidence and creativity that employers increasingly value in scientific graduates.

The typical entry tariff is 120 points, reflecting the mathematical and scientific demands of a chemistry degree.

You will develop skills in analytical techniques including spectroscopy, chromatography and mass spectrometry, alongside organic and inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and the specific applications of these in forensic contexts. You will also engage with the legal and evidential frameworks within which forensic science operates, understanding how scientific findings are presented in court and how the chain of custody of evidence is maintained. Laboratory work is central to the degree, and you will develop the practical competence and attention to detail that forensic work demands.

Graduates from chemistry with forensic investigation programmes move into careers in forensic science laboratories, law enforcement support, environmental analysis, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, and analytical roles across the chemical and food industries. The scientific rigour of a chemistry degree also opens doors in healthcare science, materials science, and research. Some graduates continue to postgraduate study in forensic science, analytical chemistry or a related field, while others pursue professional roles directly after graduation.