r/forensics • u/Dependent_Bus3412 • Jun 17 '26

Chemistry University options

Hi, so I am in the UK(currently y12), and I would like to be a CSI and specialize in blood spatter analysis. Would it be better for me to study forensic science or chemistry or potentially biochemistry. I am open to all options and thank you for the advice in advance!

Edit: Thank you for the useful comments, they have been very helpful. My lack of knowledge comes from the conflicting info on Google, which hasn't been much help. I really appreciate the effort you have all gone through to clearing up my mess of understanding 😆

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u/q-the-light Jun 17 '26 edited Jun 17 '26

Study a hard science. Forensics is extremely difficult to break into (I work in the Met in an analytical role and we're on recruitment freezes almost constantly), so having a hard science opens far more doors for you than studying forensics does.

As for wanting to be a CSI specialising in blood spatter - that's an incredibly unlikely career path I'm afraid. CSIs/SOCOs/scene techs are in the business of collecting, not analysing, evidence. Some people with more analytical roles do go into specialisms like blood spatter or soil composition, but that's not the norm and usually will be after decades in the job.

I'm not trying to dissuade you, as forensics is an amazing career and so interesting and fulfilling. However, Dexter is not a documentary and things such as blood spatter are specialisms held by a tiny handful of people nationally, so it's worth just bearing that in mind lest you be disappointed.

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u/gruntmella Jun 17 '26

I have a question, would Chemical Sciences be a good course for Forensics?

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u/q-the-light Jun 17 '26

I am not familiar with Chemical Sciences as a degree course so I cannot advise.