Subject Benchmark Statement: Forensic Science (including Master's)
Publication date: 30 Mar 2022
Forensic Science
Subject Benchmark Statement
Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their studies.
Below you will find the full Subject Benchmark Statement for Forensic Science. Alongside it, we have also published a summary designed to provide a short and accessible overview of the main Statement for students, employers and academics.
Subject Benchmark Statement: Forensic Science - The Basics
Publication date: 30 Mar 2022
About this subject
Forensic science is the application of science to serve the purposes of the law. As a subject discipline, forensic science provides a broadly-based science degree with a strong vocational focus on roles where scientific knowledge and skills are used to support and underpin both investigation and the justice system. This helps to ensure that forensic testimony presented to the court is underpinned by sound, peer-reviewed science.
Most forensic science courses feature a broad, laboratory-based analytical science curriculum incorporating aspects of related disciplines, such as biology and chemistry. Alternative programmes may be strongly focused on digital forensics or investigation, while retaining much of the core knowledge and skills associated with the forensic process.
Brian Rankin - Chair of the Advisory Group
Honorary Chair of Quality Standards, The Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
The new Benchmark Statement, developed with the help of excellent advisory and reading groups formed of academic and professional representatives, reflects academic and industry changes within the forensic science profession since the 2012 edition. Academically, the statement includes consideration of integrated master’s degrees, has been framed to reflect the subject’s strengthening attention to equality, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability, and reflects additional innovation and creativity in teaching and learning.The forensic science industry's development of professional quality and standards and attention to emerging areas of expertise are also addressed in the statement. I believe the new statement will help ensure high quality undergraduate and postgraduate Forensic Science courses and confidence across the profession.
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