The study of forensic science provides a complex and interdisciplinary scientific training which includes, in addition to the specific subject matter, experimental scientific subjects such as physics, biology, mathematics and, above all, chemistry, as well as an important component of disciplines in the area of humanities (criminal law, criminology), medicine (forensic medicine) and electronic engineering (IT, imaging). The proportion of laboratory work is very high in relation to courses and seminars.
Class arrangements in the second part of the Bachelor’s course (years 2 and 3) do not necessarily align with the table layout. Please refer to the official study plan.
Study Options After the Bachelor's Degree
At UNIL, the following Master's programmes are open without further conditions to holders of the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Forensic Science:
The courses offered by the School of Forensic Science lead to positions in judicial organisations (such as the police, laboratories and inspectorates), while offering broader prospects in the fields of public and private security (such as banks, insurance companies, security and inspection organisations, intelligence services, public authorities and sport).
The employment market is challenging and changing significantly with the widespread traceability of human activities, including the use of digital technologies. As a result, it needs a proportionate and structured approach to information processing in investigative and intelligence procedures.
Open borders offer the possibility of a career in Europe, despite numerous restrictions imposed by some countries (most European Union countries still require people working in the justice system, the police and the armed forces to be their own citizens). The qualifications awarded by the School of Forensic Science do not allow graduates to bypass the competitive examinations that sometimes form part of the selection procedure.
Career prospects depend partly on the choice of Master’s course.
Areas of activity
Cantonal, municipal (major cities only) and federal police services
Holders of a Master’s in Forensic Science can apply for positions in forensic identification services or managerial posts in various areas of activity (such as forensic analysis, training or management). Specialists in criminal law can also access various management positions (such as head of security, or even police commander). These are some of the most sought-after jobs and require the specific skills delivered by the training received. The development of forensic analysis and specialist units requires skills that are within the reach of graduates with a Master’s or PhD in forensic science.
Insurance
Criminal law specialists are able to access positions as claims managers (employee level) or claims inspectors (executive level). However, the key skills required are the ability to manage, negotiate and interact with people, rather than advanced scientific knowledge,
Banking
Security is the main area of the banking sector likely to be interested in forensic science graduates. Management, organisation and dealing with staff play a preponderant role in executive positions. Prior professional experience or additional management training are often essential.
Research
Forensic science research is evolving in parallel with scientific developments. New specialities are appearing, such as the use of DNA in identifying individuals. Research positions at the university are often of limited duration, but can lead to jobs in leading laboratories, applied universities or responsibilities in specialist units in the police, judiciary and public administration.
Other areas and sectors
Graduates with a qualification from the School of Forensic Science can apply for positions in public administration (for example, the prison system), private firms (such as surveillance companies) or large federal institutions (such as the Swiss postal service (La Poste) or railways (CFF)). Here, they will be in competition with holders of other qualifications, particularly in law or economics. Criminologists may, for example, work in the prison and probation services (in areas such as rehabilitation support or adult training) or security monitoring units.
Examples of positions
Probation officer, Fondation vaudoise de probation (Vaud Probation Foundation)
Every two years, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (OFS) conducts a survey on graduate employment, one year after students have completed their course. View the results for Forensic Science graduates online:
Results of the survey for UNIL graduates specifically
Inès Labidi
Master of Science in Forensic Science, orientation Digital Investigation and Identification
How did you choose your studies?
"When you enter the first year, you have to be prepared to do a lot of 'hard' science subjects, and to take a bit on yourself if it's not your thing, because after that it gets really cool!"
It was a very natural choice for me: I'd always been interested in mysteries and the police, so this course of study appealed to me straight away. That's why I chose this subject in my options at secondary school (maths-physics and bio-chemistry). Above all, it gave me confidence in my abilities in the hard sciences, but I think I could have managed without these options: if you're motivated and committed, you don't need a scientific background to succeed.
Finally, one subject that I perhaps should have considered more in my choices before university was computer science, because there's a lot of it in the first year and the level is quite high. But in reality, you can do very well even without having done any of this before! You shouldn't let yourself be put off by computer science, and personally, despite my lack of background in the field, I ended up choosing a Master's degree based on this discipline! After that, I'm thinking of going to the police academy so that I can do investigations, and why not join a digital crime squad. In the first year, there's also a lot of maths, chemistry and physics. Some of the courses take place at the EPFL, which gives you an idea of the level you need to adopt! There are also a few subjects related to criminal science (criminology, law, methodology and trace typology), but these are fairly light in the first year.
Many students are surprised when they arrive in their first year, because they thought it was going to be like a crime drama. That's a shame, because it leads to a lot of drop-outs. I think that when you enter the first year, you need to be prepared to do a lot of 'hard' science subjects, and to take a bit on yourself if that's not your thing, because after that it gets really cool! That's the main advice I'd give, along with working very regularly. What you see in your first year is an important foundation, but it's not necessarily a predictor of what's to come, depending on the field you want to specialise in. For example, I struggled in maths and physics, but that didn't stop me from doing well in the rest of the course!
First-year classes are generally quite large, and the workload doesn't necessarily allow you to get out much. Personally, I had joined the criminal sciences student association, which helped me to meet people and feel part of the faculty. In the second year, there are generally fewer people, so the contact changes completely: you get to know the people in your class, particularly through the many joint projects for which you don't always choose your group. Not only do you get to meet people, but you also get to see how other people work and learn to work as part of a team. In the third year, the composition of the class is generally the same as in the second year, since the two years are linked by the same modules. I think it's important not to compare yourself with others, because we all have different backgrounds! It doesn't matter what your background is, once you've found your own way of working and gained confidence in your abilities, you can do it. It's hard work, but it's so exciting that it's worth it.
Exchanges and mobility
Going on a university exchange is a unique and highly rewarding experience, provided you prepare well. The first thing to remember is that you need to start taking steps well in advance. For example, if you're planning to go away in your 3rd year of a bachelor's degree, you should start taking steps at the beginning of your 2nd year at the latest.
