Our course will teach you the principles of forensic science, from crime scene to court room. Based in our £45m Science Centre in Cambridge, you’ll analyse and investigate a range of evidence in crime scene rooms and the forensic lab.

With a focus on chemical and biological analysis, you’ll find out what that evidence means. We look at ways to ‘read’ data, interpret the results and present your evidence in court.

You’ll get hands-on with specialist analytical equipment, under the guidance of expert tutors. And you’ll learn outside the classroom too, with visits to law courts and a local mortuary, and opportunities to work with local police forces and forensic labs.

Graduate with advanced skills in chemistry, biology and laboratory analysis – ready to start a career as a forensic scientist.

Get a sneak preview of our course: try your hand at online quizzes, solve a crime, hear about our latest research and tackle a chemistry word search.

As a forensic scientist you'll provide evidence for use in courts of law to support criminal and civil investigations.

You need training in the latest analytical techniques and processes, and a sound knowledge of the UK legal system to do this. All of that’s on offer at ARU.

While studying BSc (Hons) Forensic Science in Cambridge, you’ll learn how to package evidence correctly and perform preliminary tests for body fluids and drugs of abuse.

You’ll also examine ‘real’ forensic samples including ignitable liquid residues, and trace evidence such as paint and fibres. Together, we’ll explore techniques including microscopy, microspectrophotometry, spectroscopy and chromatography; and get hands-on experience of specialist instruments for biological analysis. You’re free to book additional time with this equipment outside of lessons.

As well as refining your lab skills, you’ll learn to conduct thorough, independent research – and to feel confident about presenting evidence in a court of law.

As a Forensic Science student at ARU, you’ll be eligible for student membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences.

As a forensic science graduate you’ll be ready to work in a range of careers including laboratory analysis, quality control analysis, crime scene investigation and policing.

In fact, having gained a number of transferable skills, you’ll find you can explore roles in broader scientific and analytical-based jobs. Or you can consider a career in areas such as research, teaching or further education.

Some of our recent graduates are working in local police forces, and in lab settings for companies such as LGC, Chemtest, Treatt, Anglian Water and Cellmark.

Whichever direction you take, you can be sure that you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and abilities that industry needs. We work with employers, and they help us review what we teach and how we teach it – offering hands-on, practical opportunities to learn through work-based projects, internships or placements.