Skip to content

Forensics course using horror props to woo Zoomers

Harry ParkhillLincoln
News imageBBC A mask from the horror film Scream hangs off a hat stand in the corner of a room with purple shadows on the wallsBBC
Props from pop culture have been used to create an "immersive experience" for prospective students

Iconic moments from films and TV shows are being used to attract members of Gen Z into forensic science.

The University of Lincolnshire will ask prospective students to observe and analyse a crime scene featuring 18 pop-culture references at an open day later.

Dr Kirsty Miller, from the university, said social media and true crime had made criminal investigations "fascinating to huge audiences".

Film references were "designed to spark curiosity and show prospective students how those skills are developed in practice", she added.

News imageA fictional crime scene with references to films and TV. In the centre there's a bed with lots of air fresheners hanging over it Behind it is a cordless 90s phone. to the right there's an entrance to a bathroom with a shower curtain drawn on the wall is a poster of Raquel welch and a tea cup and saucer with a teaspoon in it. All are movie or tv references
Prospective students are being asked to use their observation skills to spot film and TV references

In February, a government report described the forensics industry as "not working for anyone".

The House of Lords Select Committee on Science and Technology said the market providing forensic services had "collapsed" and criminal cases were failing "due to missing or damaged evidence".

The report also raised "concerns about the inadequacy of some forensic science undergraduate degrees".

It said "many degrees might be training people for jobs that do not exist, given extreme budget constraints in the area and the lack of clear career pathways".

The University of Lincoln's course was ranked first in The Guardian University Guide 2025 and fifth in 2026.

A spokesperson for the university said "many, if not the vast majority, of our graduates in this area are working across the field".

News imageJose stands in front of a display of a crime scene lit up in blue lights. The scene is a set of a bedroom or living room with a desk in it. The area is sealed off with police tape.
Prof Jose Gonzalez-Rodriguez wants to inspire a "love" of forensics

Jose Gonzalez-Rodriguez, a professor of forensic and analytical chemistry at the university, said he wanted new generations to "love forensic science and criminal subjects as much as we do".

"In the future these generations will be the ones responsible for protecting the country from crime," he added.

The university worked with Brett Harman, a film critic known for his TikTok channel Brettflix.

He said he would be hosting a "forensic game" for prospective students.

"Some of the things on display just look so authentic from the actual movies and the TV shows. I feel like I'm on the set," Harman said.

"It's going to be very immersive and we're going to be testing people's knowledge as well, not only about crime, but their movie knowledge and TV knowledge."

News imageA door with a large hole chopped through the centre
A scene from The Shining has been recreated

A Home Office spokesperson said: "Forensic science plays a vital role in delivering justice and protecting the public.

"We continue to work closely with policing and forensic partners to ensure the sector attracts and retains the skilled professionals it needs."

Listen to highlights fromLincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch thelatest episode of Look North.

Download the BBC News app from the App Storefor iPhone and iPad orGoogle Play for Android devices

More on this story