BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Forensic Science with a Year Abroad

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Kent

Program Overview

If you’re curious about chemistry and fascinated by crime-solving, this BSc in Chemistry with Forensic Science (with a Year Abroad) at the University of Kent is perfect for you. You’ll gain a solid foundation in chemistry while learning how to analyse evidence from real crime scenes — and the year abroad gives you the chance to experience science in an international setting.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year sets the groundwork. You’ll explore the basics of Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry, and get hands-on in the lab with Experimental Chemistry 1. Alongside this, modules like Practical Skills in Chemistry and Forensic Science will introduce you to the practical side of crime scene investigation, from evidence collection to documentation.

Year 2:
Year two gets more specialized. You’ll dive into Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry 2, while forensic modules such as Fundamental Forensic Techniques and Practical Skills in Forensic Science 2 show you how to handle real evidence, like fibres or chemical traces, and understand how investigations work in practice.

Year 3 (Year Abroad):
This is your adventure year! You’ll study at a partner university overseas, gaining new perspectives on chemistry and forensic science, building independence, and immersing yourself in a different culture — all while earning credits that count toward your degree.

Year 4:
Back at Kent, it’s time to bring it all together. You’ll tackle Advanced Analytical Chemistry and Organic Synthesis, complete an independent Chemistry Research Project, and hone your forensic skills in Trace Evidence Analysis and Contemporary Forensic Practice. You’ll even get a taste of what it’s like to act as an expert witness in court — a perfect bridge to a career in forensic science.

Focus Areas

Analytical chemistry, forensic evidence analysis, organic and inorganic synthesis, crime scene investigation, expert witness training.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, you’ll confidently design and carry out experiments, analyse complex evidence, interpret and report data, consider the ethical and legal aspects of forensic work, and communicate your findings clearly — even in a courtroom.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), ensuring your degree is respected in the industry.

Reputation & Employability

Kent’s chemistry and forensic science programmes are highly regarded, with modern labs, expert teaching, and strong industry connections. Over 90% of graduates find full-time work or further study within 15 months, making this a degree with real career impact.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Kent, you don’t just learn chemistry and forensic science from textbooks — you get hands-on in professional-grade labs and crime scene facilities from day one. The course is designed so that everything you do mirrors real-world practice: from synthesising chemicals to analysing evidence, and even investigating simulated crime scenes. You’ll develop practical skills while using the same equipment professionals rely on, preparing you for careers in chemistry, forensic science, or research.

Here’s what that looks like in action:

Work in modern chemistry labs, including synthetic and analytical facilities, with tools like glove-boxes, Schlenk lines, and a CEM microwave reactor for advanced chemical synthesis.
Access high-temperature solid-state labs to explore inorganic materials and chemical processes safely.
Analyse compounds using Kent’s 400 MHz NMR facility to understand molecular structures.
Train in the Crime Scene House, a realistic environment where you’ll recover and document evidence in both indoor and outdoor simulated crime scenes.
Use the experimental ballistics facility and comparison microscopes for practical study of projectiles and trace evidence.
Join research projects with the Forensic Research Group, investigating trace evidence, fire analysis, and forensic chemistry.
Take advantage of specialist equipment across Kent’s Natural Sciences division, including scanning electron microscopes and X-ray diffraction instruments.
Gain real-world experience through industry collaborations and faculty-led projects.

Kent’s labs, equipment, and research opportunities mean you’ll leave with practical skills and confidence, not just theory.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from Kent with a BSc in Chemistry with Forensic Science (with a Year Abroad) means you’ll leave ready to make an impact in both chemistry and forensic science. Alumni have gone on to exciting roles such as analytical chemist, forensic scientist, laboratory technician, process scientist, and even digital forensic analyst. With a combination of hands-on lab skills, forensic investigation experience, and an international perspective, your CV will really stand out.

Here’s how Kent helps you get there:

The Careers and Placements Team supports you from day one, offering workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and guidance on CVs, interviews, and career planning.
You’ll have continued access to the Careers & Employability Service for up to two years after graduation, plus membership in Kent’s global alumni network of over 190,000 professionals.
Kent has strong links with industry, meaning graduates have gone on to work for organisations like GSK, Pfizer, the Ministry of Defence, Concept Life Sciences, and SG Technologies.
Your degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), giving your qualifications long-term professional recognition.
Kent graduates are highly employable, with skills in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and practical lab work that are in demand across science and forensic sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies, there are plenty of options. You could pursue an MSc in Forensic Science or Analytical Chemistry, take on a PhD in Chemistry, or even combine your science background with postgraduate training in law or data science to specialise in areas like expert witness work or digital forensics.