• Forensic Science at Kent is ranked 1st overall in The Guardian University Guide 2023.
• Forensic Science at Kent is ranked 3rd overall in the Complete University Guide 2023.
• Chemistry REF21 saw 100% of impact case studies being judged in the highest categories.
Our vision
We aspire to be recognised for delivering world-class research and teaching excellence in the natural sciences, transforming our society through our innovative and interdisciplinary research, and educating our students to enhance and improve the local and global community.
At Kent, academics, researchers and students are all part of the same close-knit scientific community. We welcome staff and students from all over the world and have a strong commitment to equality and diversity within everything we do. Together we create success.
Professional accreditation
Forensic Science accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Science.
Chemistry accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Employability
We are committed to helping you to make the best possible start in your career.
All our undergraduate programmes offer the opportunity to spend a year on a work
placement (sandwich year), which is a great way to boost your employability prospects by
putting your learning into practice and making contacts in industry.
The subjects have a specialist employability and placements team who help you with valuable internship and training opportunities.
Chemistry and Forensic Science students have gone on to work with the Home Office, Forensic Explosives Laboratory, forensic science services, local health authorities, biotechnology, chemical and pharmaceutical companies in the UK and Europe and Interpol.
We have a careers advisor who's always there if you need help with your CV or interview tips. So, if you’re applying for a placement or a summer internship, you can have practice interviews with your academic advisor.
Inspirational teaching
Our world-leading research feeds directly into our teaching; our courses provide cutting-edge content and you learn about the latest breakthroughs in scientific research. We use a range of teaching methods, from traditional lectures and laboratory classes to hands-on work.
Our emphasis on problem solving and laboratory work allows you to develop a confidence that can extend well beyond your studies, allowing you to tackle new and unfamiliar challenges. This aspect of our teaching has proved to be popular with many employers and we have an outstanding record for graduate employment.
We have achieved national and international recognition for providing high-quality teaching and all our degrees are accredited by the relevant professional bodies, ensuring you have excellent job prospects.
Research excellence
Chemistry at Kent research has been judged to be of 'international quality' in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF). We're proud to link our research - across Forensic Science and Chemistry - to our high-quality teaching, giving you the opportunity to learn about advances in the field, and be part of them through our undergraduate and postgraduate Master's courses.
Our research benefits all our students and we offer many opportunities to take part, for instance, final-year undergraduate or postgraduate research projects, summer internships, or by joining the lab apprenticeship scheme.
State-of-the-art facilities
At Kent, you have access to the most up-to-date resources and can gain hands-on experience in our laboratories.
Support for equality and diversity
In Chemistry and Forensic Science, we are working hard to create a welcoming, supportive and diverse community for all our staff and students. We are committed to supporting all staff and students to develop their skills and realise their potential more effectively, to the benefit of everyone.
You can find more information on the University Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity homepage.
Great location
Chemistry and Forensic Science are based on our Canterbury campus with its first-class academic and leisure facilities. We are equipped with the latest resources and our beautiful setting offers plenty of tranquil spaces to study and relax.
Everything you need on campus is within walking distance, including a general store, a bookshop, bank, cinema, theatre, a medical centre and a pharmacy. You can go off campus to explore the city's medieval buildings, historic pubs and an array of shops; visit the seaside towns of Whitstable, Margate or Broadstairs with their beautiful beaches, or head to London, just an hour away by high-speed train.