Forensic Science

Forensic science applies the natural sciences to the investigation of crime and other matters of legal significance. It draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and other disciplines to recover and analyse physical evidence from crime scenes, to identify individuals and substances, and to present findings in a form that can inform legal proceedings. The discipline requires both rigorous scientific training and an understanding of the legal context in which forensic evidence is used.

At Teesside University, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich placement year and work placement opportunities, giving you direct professional experience alongside your academic study. You will develop knowledge of the human body and its systems, learning how this knowledge applies to forensic contexts such as the identification of human remains and the determination of cause of death. You will study biological profiling techniques used in forensic anthropology, including the determination of sex, age, stature, and biological affinity from skeletal material.

The programme also covers the chemical and physical sciences relevant to forensic analysis, alongside the practical laboratory skills and analytical methods that forensic scientists use in professional settings. The placement year gives you experience in a real forensic or scientific environment, which is an important step towards a career in a field where employers look for practical competence as well as academic knowledge.

Graduates go on to work in forensic laboratories, police forces, the coroner's service, environmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions. Roles in forensic biology, forensic chemistry, digital forensics, and crime scene investigation are all accessible to graduates with the appropriate experience and further professional development. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in forensic science, forensic anthropology, or a related scientific discipline to develop the depth of expertise that specialist forensic roles require.