• Question: i would like to be a forensic scientest when im older, how long do you think it would it take for me to become one?

    Asked by porgiebyrne to Ailsa, Evan, James, Kath, Ryan on 15 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Ailsa Powell

      Ailsa Powell answered on 13 Jun 2011:

      Hi,
      That sounds like a very interesting career choice – I can imagine no two days would be the same!

      I found this website for you…
      http://www.forensic.gov.uk/html/company/careers/faqs/

      Having a quick read through, you would need to do at least one science A-level (biology or chemistry) and then do a science based degree (so you would probably need more than one science A-level to get on the degree course), it says that you would need at least a 2.2 degree to be accepted onto the training program. They have a lot of applicants so a further degree could be an advantage (like a masters degree). And the training program last 18months it says.

      So quickly adding that up – a minimum of 5 and a half years from the end of your A-levels, which isn’t too bad at all. There is a lot more info on the website for you too.
      Hope that helps 🙂

    • Photo: Evan Keane

      Evan Keane answered on 14 Jun 2011:

      5.5 years – that is not too bad! And don’t worry, when you hear things like “5.5 years” it is not 5.5 years of boring training. It is all fun, interesting and exciting. This is what I was worried about when I was in school – that it would be years before I could do the fun stuff. But the training itself is great and very interesting, and fun from the start! 😀

    • Photo: Kath O'Reilly

      Kath O'Reilly answered on 14 Jun 2011:

      I’d look at the advice Ailsa gave you :O)

    • Photo: Ryan Ladd

      Ryan Ladd answered on 15 Jun 2011:

      I think Ailsa has answered the question quite well but I thought I would add that I have a friend who’s training to become a forensic scientist. Whilst it’s not exactly like the TV shows CSI or NCIS, it sounds great fun but very gory! Not long ago, he had a test where he had to work out who had shot who in a fake gun fight!

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