Chemistry with Forensic Investigation MChem

4 Years On Campus Accelerated-bachelors Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

The MChem Chemistry with Forensic Investigation at the University of Surrey is perfect if you love chemistry and have a curiosity for solving real-world mysteries. You’ll combine a strong foundation in chemical science with practical forensic skills, giving you the tools to analyse evidence, understand crime scenes, and even support legal investigations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll get a solid grounding in the basics of chemistry and forensic science. Modules like Fundamentals of Forensic Science: From Crime Scene to Court introduce how evidence is collected and analysed, while Principles of Analytical Chemistry teaches the key methods for measuring and interpreting chemical data. It’s all about building the foundation you’ll need for more advanced study later.

Year 2:
Year two deepens your chemistry knowledge while letting you explore specialist forensic topics. You’ll tackle more complex analytical, physical, and organic chemistry, and have the chance to pick modules that suit your interests — from advanced spectroscopy to specific forensic techniques. This is the year you start connecting theory with real investigative skills.

Year 3:
In year three, your chemistry knowledge becomes much more advanced. You’ll develop your skills in designing and validating analytical methods through modules like Method Development and Applications in Analytical Chemistry. This is also when you start preparing for independent research and more complex forensic investigations.

Year 4:
The final year is the highlight, with opportunities to work on cutting-edge forensic science. You’ll study Advanced Methods in Forensic Investigation, learning about techniques like mass spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy, and apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Optional modules like Applications of Organometallic, Transition and Main‑Group Chemistry let you tailor your studies to your career goals, while a final research project gives you hands-on experience with a real scientific question.

Focus Areas

Forensic science, analytical chemistry, organic and inorganic chemistry, investigative instrumentation, legal applications of chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll be confident in tackling complex chemical problems, carrying out forensic investigations with precision, and communicating your findings clearly. You’ll also develop strong lab skills, teamwork abilities, and critical thinking that employers really value.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This course is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), giving you a strong foundation if you aim to become a Chartered Chemist (CChem).

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Graduate Outcomes: Around 96% of Surrey chemistry graduates are in work or further study soon after finishing.
Salary: Typical earnings for graduates are around £30,000 after 15 months.
Ranking: Surrey chemistry graduates benefit from strong employability and are highly regarded in subject rankings.
Professional Experience: You’ll have the chance to gain real-world experience through placements, preparing you for a career straight out of university.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Surrey, learning goes far beyond lectures. From your very first year, you’ll be working in state-of-the-art chemistry and forensic labs, using the same high-end equipment professionals rely on — think GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR spectrometers, FTIR, and X-ray diffractometers. You’ll get hands-on experience running experiments, analysing real samples, and exploring forensic investigations in a way that textbooks alone can’t offer.

The course is designed so that every skill you learn is something you can apply straight away in real-world settings, whether in the lab, on a crime scene simulation, or in a professional placement. Here’s how you’ll gain that practical edge:

Mock crime scenes and field days: You’ll take part in staged crime investigations, collecting evidence, analysing fingerprints, and performing chemical tests — then put it all together in a detailed forensic report.
Professional Training Year (placement): You can spend a full year working in industry or forensic labs, gaining real-world experience and building professional connections.
Specialist software and digital tools: Throughout your studies, you’ll use industry-standard programs like ChemDraw, Web of Science, Scopus, and Reaxys to analyse data, research literature, and create professional reports.
Advanced research laboratories: In your final year, you’ll join Surrey’s research labs, working alongside PhD students and academic staff on real forensic chemistry projects.
Team-based projects and presentations: From the first year, you’ll collaborate in small groups, solving problems together, producing reports, and presenting findings — just like a professional forensic team would.
Safety and sustainability in practice: All lab work follows strict health and safety protocols, and you’ll learn to minimise chemical waste and recycle wherever possible, reflecting Surrey’s commitment to responsible science.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Surrey’s MChem Chemistry with Forensic Investigation opens doors to exciting and high-skilled careers. Most graduates (around 96%) are in employment or further study within 15 months, stepping into roles where they can make a real impact. Typical jobs include forensic scientist, analytical chemist, research scientist, or even chemistry educator — all roles that put your skills to practical, meaningful use.

Here’s how Surrey helps you get there:

Career Support: Surrey’s dedicated Careers & Employability Centre offers personalised guidance, placement preparation, CV and interview coaching, and networking opportunities with employers, giving you a head start in your career.
Employment & Salary: Chemistry graduates from Surrey typically earn around £30,000–£32,600 within the first 15 months after graduation.
Industry Connections: Through the Professional Training Year (placement), you can work with over 2,300 placement providers in the UK and abroad, gaining real-world experience and building your professional network.
Accreditation: This degree is fully accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), which can help you achieve Chartered Chemist status and enhances long-term career credibility.
Graduate Success: Surrey alumni have gone on to work in forensic labs, research organisations, pharmaceutical companies, and other chemistry-focused industries, reflecting the strong employability of graduates from this course.

Further Academic Progression:
If you’re keen to continue your studies, this MChem degree provides a perfect springboard for PhD research in chemistry or forensic science. The integrated master’s structure and hands-on experience with advanced analytical techniques mean you’ll already have the knowledge and skills to thrive in research-intensive roles or academia.