Why I choose Kingston University to study Forensic Science

The BSc (Hons) Forensic Science degree course at Kingston University offers a fully immersive experience into the world of forensic science. The course teaches the essential skills a forensic scientist would require, as well as developing the ability to question literally everything.

In forensic science no case, nor sample, will be the same. Each crime is committed by and against individuals who have their own set of experiences which uniquely contribute to a given situation. Unfortunately, in life you cannot prepare for the unknown. However, you can train your brain to manage in situations where you may have previously felt lost. For this reason, both our practical sessions and lectures are heavily centred around being able to critically evaluate a situation. Discussions and debates are always welcome, to challenge our questioning mindset and progress as a team.

The staff leading our course have all specialised in different areas of forensic science, ensuring that students are taught a diverse range of subjects within the field. Since we are a relatively small class who are always collaborating, we get to know our peers very well and have become very close. Furthermore, the size of our classes allows us to build a professional rapport with our lecturers.

The reason why I chose to study forensic science at Kingston University was because of the fantastic facilities available on site. Our investigations often begin like any would with the examination of a crime scene. This is conducted within our very own simulated crime house located on the Penrhyn Road campus.

Here we are taught the importance of using informed judgements to recover crucial evidence to use in our case scenarios. After gathering our evidence, we analyse these exhibits. These may be anything from hair to fingerprints and blood samples. As students, we have access to a wide range of analytical labs where we examine this evidence. Some of these labs include our anthropology, DNA, microscopy, toxicology, spectroscopy and biology laboratories. In these labs, we are able to explore what interests us most and specialise within this subject in our final year dissertation.

In addition to the opportunities available during term time, our degree course offers true insights into the role of a forensic scientist through on-site summer internship opportunities. In the past, such internships have involved the analysis of historical bones, assisting with research within the accredited toxicology laboratory KAST, or exploring spectroscopic techniques within the Raman laboratory.

Kingston University values the role of a forensic scientist. It shows this by facilitating the thorough training and professional development of students who are soon to enter the field. I could not be happier to have chosen Kingston University as the place to study forensic science.