Best Universities for Forensic Science

Forensic science is a fascinating, interdisciplinary branch of science that brings together natural, physical and chemical sciences towards the investigation of criminal activity. It’s a key part of modern justice systems, and sees its graduates working in laboratories, in the field and in courtrooms. It’s a popular choice for students who are looking to take their existing scientific expertise and apply it in a new direction or put themselves in the best position possible to compete for sought-after roles in forensic labs and specialised policing roles. 

There are a wide range of postgraduate study options available to students in this field, and it can be difficult working out which course will give you the best educational experience and help you progress towards your career goals. 

This guide explores the best universities for forensic science, and highlights which institutions will be the best place to start your research depending on what factors are most important to you. 

Best Universities for Forensic Science 

There are nearly 120 postgraduate programmes on offer in forensic science. The Complete University Guide 2024 league tables ranks the best universities for a given subject across a variety of categories. As a result, you’ll find it to be a great place to begin your research into your ideal university – helping you zero in on your perfect postgraduate course. 

These three universities topped the tables for forensic science overall, reflecting their excellent performance across all the factors outlined below... 

• University of Strathclyde 
• Robert Gordon University 
• University of Kent 

Top choice for Student Satisfaction 

Student satisfaction is a useful measure that captures the overall experience of studying at a university, how much students have enjoyed it, and how valuable they’ve found their programme. It relates to everything from teaching quality to the condition of facilities, extracurricular opportunities, and the overall feel of a university or its home city. 

For forensic science students, this is an important factor to consider as the range and quality of facilities such as laboratories, crime scene investigation simulations, and mock courtrooms are central to a productive learning experience. 

When it comes to student satisfaction, the best university for forensic science is the Coventry University. 

Go to: See forensic science courses at Coventry University

Top choice for Graduate Prospects 

Graduate prospects is another essential factor for forensic science students at postgraduate level. It’s a highly competitive sector that requires robust professional skills as well as excellent technical knowledge, so being able to practice career-relevant techniques and make connections with employers is a key part of a suitable course. 

This category looks at everything from the extent of practical experience that you’ll develop during your course, to career events and networking opportunities, as well as individual guidance and support. 

The best uni for forensic science, in terms of graduate prospects, is Robert Gordon University. 

Go to: See forensic science courses at Robert Gordon University

Top choice for Research Quality 

While research quality may be more important to some forensic science students than others, depending on the type of course they are applying to and their career aspirations, it’s a relevant factor to consider whatever your circumstances. 

Research quality is a summary of a university’s academic output and its impact, the capacity for students to contribute to this research, and its connections to industry or other research bodies. Research in forensic science is essential to progress in the field, and is highly relevant to the many lab-based professional roles in the sector. 

The top university for forensic science in terms of research quality is the University of Strathclyde. 

Go to: See forensic science courses at University of Strathclyde

Ranking Information Source   

This article uses ranking information from the Complete University Guide’s league tables. Data is sources from the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the 2021 Research Excellence Framework and the National Student Survey. The Complete University Guide has its own methodology for calculating the rankings of each university. 

Go to: See the 2024 Complete University Guide forensic science subject league table 

Student reviews 

The Complete University Guide 2024 league tables are an excellent way to identify the best universities for forensic science, allowing you to focus your research on the top unis. You might still struggle to choose between excellent institutions, however, and looking at real student reviews through Whatuni is a great way to get further insight into what it’s like to study somewhere. 

One forensic science university which has received a wide range of positive reviews from students, including many five-star ratings, is Bristol, University of the West of England. 

Go to: See forensic science courses at Bristol, University of the West of England

More universities for studying Forensic Science 

With just under 120 postgraduate programmes in forensic science to explore, there’s a huge amount of choice for your postgraduate studies. Our course search tool is purpose-built to help you navigate a large number of great courses, getting information on their curricula, entry requirements, fees and more, so you can find your perfect forensic science degree. 

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