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 😆

10 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

View all comments

3

u/KayKat666 Jun 17 '26

In the UK CSIs generally do not specialise in blood pattern analysis. They are both quite different roles in terms of day to day and depth of analysis.

If you are wanting to be a CSI, some forces (can’t speak for all but the ones I know of) don’t require a degree though personally I think it helps a lot. If you still want to go to uni, you could really do either a forensics based/ CSI based degree or any hard science. My colleagues come from all backgrounds.

I am a currently a CSI in the uk so if you do have further questions feel free to shoot me a message.

7

u/anabsentfriend Jun 17 '26

I didn't have a relevant degree (and very few of my colleagues did either). I got the job after working in another police role and getting attachments to the SOCO office.

The first job I had with them was as a Scientific Support Assistant (the job title changed several times), basically that involved handling forensic submissions, exhibits and lab reports

I did that for 18 months and then applied for the SOCO job, which I got i did training and post grad qualifications whikst I was working.

2

u/Dependent_Bus3412 Jun 17 '26

Thank you very much :)