"I was drawn to this master, because I was looking for a field with a more relevant societal impact than just physics. Also, I thought the courses of the first year were really interesting and diverse."

"During my bachelor’s, I already gained a lot of knowledge about forensic applications within the field of chemistry. However, I wanted to broaden my understanding of statistics and critical thinking within forensic science, while also deepening my expertise in analytical chemistry. "

"I’ve always wanted to pursue something more socially driven, something where I could use science to make a societal impact. That’s what led me to forensic science. I started the Master's programme Forensic Science in 2024, coming from a somewhat unconventional academic path. I have a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and sciences with a focus on Molecular Biology and Environmental Sciences, and I also completed a Master’s in Analytical Plant Chemistry."

"Before starting in forensic science, I completed a double bachelor’s in mathematics and (astro)physics. During my bachelor's studies, I realised that I wanted to pursue something with a more direct impact on society, so I began looking for potential master’s programs. When I came across the UvA Forensic Science program, I immediately knew that this was what I wanted to do after graduation."

"The main reasons why I wanted to study this particular Master's were that I was looking for a field where various disciplines come together, my knowledge has a direct impact and which allowed me to give back to society. ”

I started this master in September 2023, after having previously studied a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences with a major in mathematics and statistics. Throughout high school and my bachelor, I developed an interest in Forensic Science. Although I always enjoyed mathematics and statistics, I also wanted to find a way to apply them in a concrete way, hence forensic science. 

"Because this is an interdisciplinary master, I expected that I would be good at computer-related courses and that I would be struggle with courses focused at chemistry and biology. It turns out that as long as you follow the lectures and do the homework, it is not that hard to understand the concepts."

"I studied chemistry before I started the master Forensic Science in 2022. I have always liked analytical applications of chemistry and I also was interested in crime and everything related to this. I always thought that Forensic Science could be a great help in combining those two interests."

"In 2021, I embarked on this master's programme with a clear goal in mind. Forensic Science had always been my calling, and this programme offered an exciting opportunity to explore disciplines that were yet to be fully developed in my country. I saw this as a chance to acquire new expertise and contribute to alleviating the burden on South Africa's justice system."