Chemistry with Forensic Science

Chemistry with forensic science is a degree that combines rigorous training in chemical science with the specialised knowledge of how chemistry is applied in legal and criminal investigation contexts. Chemistry provides the fundamental understanding of matter, reactions, and analytical techniques that underpins all forensic work, while the forensic science element applies this to the detection, analysis, and interpretation of physical evidence in criminal and civil cases. The combination is well suited to students who are drawn to analytical chemistry and who want to understand its application in a socially significant professional context.

At the University of Huddersfield, this programme begins with a foundation year that provides additional scientific and academic preparation before the main degree begins, making it accessible to students whose prior qualifications would benefit from consolidation before degree-level study. In the main degree years, you will study organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry alongside analytical techniques including spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The forensic science strand introduces you to crime scene science, the analysis of evidence including drugs, toxicology, fire investigation, and DNA profiling, and the legal and procedural context in which forensic evidence is gathered, analysed, and presented.

The programme includes a sandwich year with a work placement, providing professional experience in a chemistry or forensic environment.

Graduates from chemistry with forensic science go on to careers in forensic science laboratories, police scientific support, environmental analysis, the pharmaceutical industry, quality assurance, and analytical chemistry roles across a range of sectors. The forensic dimension adds context and application to a strong chemistry education and is valued in roles where evidence analysis and reporting to legal standards is required. Further study is an option for those wishing to specialise in a particular area of forensic or analytical chemistry.