Headstart Course at University of Kent - Forensic Science

Forensic Science is a fascinating, exciting and multidisciplinary subject covering chemical analytical skills and crime scene analysis in the context of the UK’s legal system. At Kent, our fully accredited degrees feature a strong scientific core as well as hands on practical work, which open up a wide range of career opportunities.

Our Forensic Science degrees – including our courses with a year in industry and a year abroad - are now open to those who haven’t previously studied science at a higher level (Key stage 5) through our foundation year.

What’s it all about?

This course is designed to give you hands-on experience in some of the many different areas of Forensic Science such as crime scene analysis, ballistics and drug analysis. The course aims to cover introductory sessions to several areas of forensic analysis along with a realistic experience of what it is like when the analysis done by scientists is presented in court. Based on the individual specialities of our lecturers this will be a great opportunity to investigate the many applications that the skills developed in a Forensic Science course can have.

What will I be doing?

A truly immersive experience, the course will introduce you to what studying Forensic Science is like within the School of Physical Sciences at the University of Kent. You will experience lectures from current research active members of staff on their research and the degree programmes along with an overview of the possible career options for you, including information on our year in industry programme. You will also experience small group work in a laboratory environment including analysing evidence in our scene of crime house, analytical chemistry and ballistics; as well as experiencing Forensic Science in the eyes of the law, by enacting a real courtroom presentation of evidence.

Would this course suit me?

This course is suitable for anyone with a passion for and interested in studying a degree in Forensic Science - even if you haven’t previously studied science at a higher level. If you are interested in organic/inorganic chemistry, crime scene analysis, ballistics or fires and explosions and would like an introduction to a Forensic Science degree at the University of Kent, this course is for you.

There is a fee to attend this course, but some bursaries are available.

Applications need to be made by students.