BSc (Hons), MChem Forensic & Analytical Chemistry

4 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

This degree is perfect if you’re fascinated by chemistry and want to see how it solves real-world mysteries. You’ll gain hands-on experience analyzing substances, learning forensic techniques, and understanding the science behind criminal investigations, all while developing highly transferable lab and research skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in chemistry with modules like Chemistry: Principles & Practice 1 & 2, along with Mathematics 1C. You’ll also begin exploring forensic science through practical lab work and optional modules, giving you a taste of how chemistry connects to real-world problems.

Year 2
Year two deepens your chemistry knowledge with Inorganic Chemistry, Fundamental Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry 1. For the forensic angle, you’ll study Forensic Trace Analysis and Analytical Chemistry, learning how to recover and analyze evidence, and interpret lab data accurately. Your lab skills really develop here, preparing you for more advanced experiments.

Year 3
The third year builds on your foundation with Physical Chemistry 2 and Intermediate Organic Chemistry & Spectroscopy, including techniques like NMR. You’ll also tackle Practical Physical, Applied, Forensic & Analytical Chemistry, running experiments and writing lab reports in a style similar to what you’d see in real forensic work. Another key module is Analytical Chemistry & Drugs of Abuse, introducing chromatography, mass spectrometry, and drug profiling.

Year 4 / Final Year (MChem/BSc)
If you’re on the MChem route, you can do a 12‑month industrial or research placement, gaining hands-on experience in forensic or analytical chemistry. In the final year, you’ll focus on specialist topics like DNA analysis, toxicology, or process analytical chemistry, and complete an independent research project under supervision — a chance to tackle a real forensic problem from start to finish.

Focus areas

Forensic trace evidence, separation science, analytical instrumentation, toxicology, spectroscopy, crime‑scene chemistry.

Learning outcomes

You’ll be able to apply advanced chemical techniques to forensic challenges, analyze and interpret data, design and run experiments independently, and communicate your findings confidently through reports and presentations.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (BSc & MChem)
Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences accreditation for MChem

Reputation (employability / rankings)

Guardian University Guide 2026: 1st in the UK for Chemistry
Complete University Guide 2026: 1st in the UK for Forensic Science
Graduates are highly regarded by employers in forensic labs, research, and industry

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Strathclyde, learning isn’t just about lectures — it’s about rolling up your sleeves and working with real equipment that professional chemists and forensic scientists use every day. From your very first year, you’ll spend plenty of time in practical labs, learning how to handle chemicals safely, analyze substances, and interpret data. As you move through the course, you’ll get hands-on experience with advanced instruments like mass spectrometers, NMR, chromatography systems, and ATR‑IR spectroscopy. Plus, there are excellent opportunities to gain real-world experience through placements, research projects, and even consultancy-style work with actual companies.

Here’s how it all comes together in practice:

Industrial & Research Placements: MChem students can take a 12‑month paid placement with UK or international companies, or opt for a research placement to work on real forensic projects.
Centre for Forensic Science: Work alongside leading researchers on topics like DNA analysis, trace evidence, fire investigation, and drug profiling.
State-of-the-Art Laboratories: Access modern teaching labs early on, then progress to specialised research labs with equipment such as HPLC, GC, NMR, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography, ATR‑IR spectroscopy, and rotary evaporators.
Chemistry Clinic: Participate in Strathclyde’s student-led consultancy, helping real businesses while building your own problem-solving and teamwork skills.
Teamwork and Group Projects: Collaborate on practical exercises and computer modeling activities to develop presentation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Study Abroad Opportunities: Option to spend a year at a European partner university, combining travel with hands-on learning and research experience.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program leave Strathclyde ready for exciting careers where they can make a real difference. Whether you want to become a forensic scientist, analytical chemist, toxicologist, or research scientist, your hands-on lab experience and professional training give you the confidence and skills to succeed. You could also branch into environmental monitoring, pharmaceuticals, food safety, or crime scene investigation — there are plenty of ways to turn your chemistry expertise into a rewarding career.

Here’s how Strathclyde supports you along the way:

Tailored Career Support: The University’s Careers Service helps chemistry students with everything from CVs and applications to interview practice, so you’re ready for roles like crime-lab analyst or industrial chemist.
Strong Employment Outcomes: Graduates in relevant physical science fields typically earn around £29,000 within 15 months of finishing their degree, with many landing roles straight out of their placements.
Real-World Industry Experience: Through the MChem placement scheme, students have worked with companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Roche, gaining paid, hands-on experience in professional labs.
Professional Recognition: This degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences, giving you a valuable professional edge for your career.
Graduate Destinations: Strathclyde chemistry alumni go on to work in forensic labs, analytical roles, environmental consultancies, research, teaching, and more — your opportunities are broad and flexible.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue studying, this degree sets you up perfectly for a PhD in Chemistry or related areas, building on your research project experience to specialise further in forensic or analytical chemistry.