Chemistry with Forensic Investigation BSc (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Surrey

Program Overview

If you’re fascinated by chemistry and curious about crime-solving, this degree is the perfect match. You’ll gain a solid foundation in chemistry while learning how to analyse real forensic evidence — from glass and paint to drugs — preparing you for a hands-on career in forensic investigation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year is all about building strong chemistry skills. You’ll explore the fundamentals in Principles of Analytical Chemistry, understand elements and their behaviours in Periodicity and Reactivity of the Elements, and pick up essential data-handling and statistics skills in Mathematics, Computing and Statistical Skills. At the same time, Fundamentals of Forensic Science: From Crime Scene to Court introduces how different types of forensic evidence are collected and analysed — a perfect mix of chemistry and crime-scene work.

Year 2

In the second year, you start diving deeper into both chemistry and forensics. Organic Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation and Heterocyclic Chemistry strengthens your understanding of organic molecules, while Applied Organic Spectroscopy teaches you to interpret NMR, IR, and mass spectra — skills essential for identifying unknown substances. Advances in Analytical Instrumentation shows you the modern tools used in labs today, and Forensic Chemistry applies everything you’ve learned to real-world evidence like gunshot residue, drugs, or explosives.

Year 3

Your final year focuses on applying your knowledge in real-world forensic scenarios. You’ll tackle modules like Forensic Investigation and Forensic Toxicology, learning how to analyse complex evidence and present it in a legal setting. Optional advanced chemistry modules, like Method Development and Applications in Analytical Chemistry, let you design your own analytical experiments, while Organometallic Chemistry, Molecular Symmetry and Inorganic Electronics takes your inorganic chemistry knowledge to the next level. By the end of the year, you’ll be ready to think like both a chemist and an investigator.

Focus Areas

Analytical chemistry, forensic evidence (GSR, drugs, glass, paint), instrumental techniques, legal presentation, physical & organic chemistry.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this degree, you’ll be able to analyse chemical data critically, design forensic investigations, use modern lab instruments confidently, and present scientific evidence clearly. You’ll graduate with both the technical skills of a chemist and the practical insight of a forensic investigator.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

BSc (Hons): Accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), helping you take the first step towards becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem).
MChem option: Fully meets RSC’s CChem requirements.

Reputation & Employability

96% of Surrey’s chemistry graduates are in work or further study within 15 months.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is research-active and closely connected to industry, giving you plenty of opportunities to put your skills into practice.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Surrey, you won’t just learn about chemistry and forensics from textbooks — you’ll get hands-on experience using the same tools and techniques professionals rely on. From the very first year, you’ll spend time in state-of-the-art labs, running experiments, analysing real evidence, and working on case-study scenarios that feel just like a real forensic investigation. Small group projects, team challenges, and practical lab work ensure you learn by doing, while gaining confidence in your problem-solving and scientific reasoning. Plus, you’ll have access to cutting-edge instruments, advanced software, and even opportunities to see how chemistry works on an industrial scale.

Here’s how Surrey makes this hands-on learning happen:

Top-notch Laboratories: Fully equipped chemistry and forensic labs, including synthesis labs and materials labs, where you can practice techniques safely and professionally.
Advanced Instrumentation: Work with NMR, GC‑MS, LC‑MS, ICP‑MS, FTIR, UV‑Vis, and X-ray diffraction — exactly the kind of tools used in real forensic and analytical labs.
Pilot Plant Exposure: Get a taste of industrial-scale chemistry in the Fluor Pilot Plant, learning process control and safety in a real-world environment.
Team Projects: Collaborate on lab experiments, forensic case studies, and group investigations, building teamwork and communication skills.
Placement Opportunities: Optional industrial placements let you apply your forensic chemistry knowledge in a professional setting.
Digital Tools & Software: Learn to use ChemDraw and specialist analytical software, plus access academic databases for research and data analysis.
IT & Library Support: 24/7 access to computer labs, library resources, and online tools to help with data analysis, report writing, and research projects.
Professional Skills Training: Practice presenting findings, writing technical reports, and understanding health, safety, and legal requirements in forensic work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from this degree opens the door to a range of exciting careers where chemistry meets investigation. Many of our students go on to work as forensic scientists, analytical chemists, research scientists, or process chemists in industry. With Surrey’s strong career support and professional placements, you’ll leave ready to step into a high-impact role or continue your studies with confidence.

Here’s how Surrey helps you get there:

Dedicated Career Support: Surrey’s Employability & Careers team offers one-on-one guidance, employer events, and lifelong support to help you plan and achieve your career goals.
Professional Training Placements: Optional placements let you work on real industry projects, gain professional experience, and build valuable networks — often with organisations like LGC Forensics, EDF Energy, and Perkin Elmer.
Graduate Success: 96% of chemistry graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of finishing their degree.
Competitive Salaries: Surrey chemistry graduates report an average starting salary of around £32,622.
Accreditation: The degree is accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, helping you take the first step toward becoming a Chartered Chemist (CChem).
Flexible Career Options: With your knowledge in chemistry and forensic investigation, you could work in criminal justice, environmental labs, pharmaceuticals, research, quality control, or teaching.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your degree, you can continue your studies in several ways:

Pursue a PhD in chemistry, forensic science, or analytical science — Surrey provides strong support for students moving into doctoral research.
Opt for the MChem route, which gives you a master-level qualification and fast-tracks you toward professional chartered status.