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Rising interest in forensic science thanks to television crime dramas has led to a surge in degree courses that "are not rigorous enough", according to a report.

The Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies report says there are now 350 "hybrid" courses that do not offer the "pure science" degrees that employers prefer.

Semta said dramas such as the BBC's Silent Witness had caused an increase in girls applying to courses that mixed forensic science with tourism or drama. A Semta spokesman said employers were concerned that "young people could derive false expectations in terms of realistic employment opportunities".