Forensics

[Skeletal-Chic]

Hey VT,
recently I've been looking at a career in Forensics and CSI ( Yes, I used the abbreviated form, that doesn't mean I want to be like the TV show). I've looked on various site and narrowed down my interest into four of the many varieties of Forensic science. These being Forensic Psychology/Psychobiology, Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Toxicology and Criminalistics.

So, my questions are, what A-Levels should I be taking? I know I need Chemistry and I thought Biology would be good to go with it as-well as English Literature since the investigative nature of Forensics needs language skills. And I'm also taking Drama and Theatre Studies as a relaxed one as many of the chemistry/biology students are also drama students since it is a less demanding and theory based subject.

My other question is what Universities are the best for what I'm looking for. I've been told The University of Lancashire and The University of Lincoln are good, but I've seen that they are low on the UK League Table.

My final question is, since I want a career in Forensics/CSI should I take a degree in it or take a degree in something such as Bio-Chemistry? I know that there are degrees for Forensics but I think I saw somewhere that it's better to have Bio-Chemistry.

Thanks for any help you can give me :D

BC xoxo

[Kaius]

There's another thread here (http://www.virtualteen.org/forums/showthread.php?t=71062) about that, that could help. You're definitely on the right track by taking the two sciences, but another good idea would be taking a Psychology A level, seeing as during the A2 (Second year), You'll be doing some things about forensics and criminology.

Once you're at college there will also be different types of fair's and things for you to look into. These consist of many different stalls and job explanations, and usually there's a forensics/policing one that will go through the sort of things you need to have for a career in that area. I wouldn't know whether it would be the same at your college, but thats what happens with the ones here.

Another thing to do would be to research it, find out what grades and courses you need to do so. But at A level the courses you take aren't necessarily what gets you a job in that area, you just need to worry about getting the correct about of UCAS points/grades to get into a university course in criminology and forensics. So essentially, you could take for example, Geography, Performing arts, Drama and Maths, which have nothing to do with what you wish to do for a career, and still get into the uni course you want, providing you step up to the required Entry specifications.

No one can really tell you what the best universities are, as it varies for everyone. You'd be better waiting until you get to the summer term and you'll start to research universities in your 1 to 1 tutor time. You'll find out about which Uni's have the best criminology and psychology departments as usually each university will specialise in one particular area more than others. I have a friend going off to aberystwyth university in wales this year to do her criminology degree, so really you've just got to look and see whats best for you. Hope this helps!

[INFERNO]

I've done some third-year university courses in forensics, mainly forensic psychology and some courses in law and criminology soon. However, I'm not well-versed in the universities in UK. It depends really on the specialty of forensics you want to get into but remember one thing about forensics. It's a combination of a certain field (i.e. anthropology) and law, so if possible a course in law or criminology may be useful. If you are interested in forensic psychology, then take a course in psychology or forensic psychology but it's not always offered in all places.

The best way to know which university is ideal for you is to talk with an academic counselor on that.

I've never heard of forensic biochemistry being a better degree to have than other forensic degrees but it depends somewhat on how you want to pursue it, such as getting a doctorate and doing research versus applying the knowledge from a bachelor degree.