Criminology: the need for a modern and accessible vocational qualification
11 May 2026
Tom Genillard, Cambridge OCR Sociology and Criminology Subject Advisor, and Vicky Gadd, Lead for Criminology and Policing at Anglia Ruskin University
Our previous blog on the future of criminology looked at the current status of the subject and the possible future pathways in the light of V Levels and the wider picture of vocational reform.
We know from our interactions with many higher education providers, teachers and criminology practitioners over the last two years that there is a great need for a new qualification and huge interest from higher education institutions (HEIs) and students alike.
In this blog I’ll outline the need for a modern, accessible new qualification.
Vicky Gadd is Deputy Head of School for Humanities and Social Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and leads the Department of Criminology and Policing. I discussed the recent news with her and why it’s so important we have a new course out as soon as possible in this area.
Why is criminology important?
Criminology is a fast-evolving discipline in higher education. Developments in areas such as digital surveillance, counter-intelligence and modern crime prevention strategies have created a wide range of career pathways. Many of these are well-paid and attract students with criminology or social science backgrounds.
Criminology is also commonly studied as a joint honours degree, meaning students benefit from making subject connections earlier. For example, it could link to applied science when studying forensic evidence retrieval in crime scene investigations.
Organisations such as the Academy of Social Sciences continue to highlight the huge and diverse range of careers a social sciences degree can lead to. This makes high-quality Level 3 qualifications and pathways critically important, particularly in a wider society when crime is ever evolving, and organisations need to recruit adaptable, well-prepared young people.
How have we approached it
It’s important to us that all future Cambridge OCR qualifications are rigorous but make assessment straightforward.
Our key guidelines for developing a new qualification in criminology are:
Stakeholder involvement. Over the past few years we have engaged with a large number of external and internal stakeholders including higher education providers, teachers and criminology practitioners.
Authenticity. We want to cover the entire discipline and move away from the misconception about criminology being just about solving crimes and collecting evidence. It is important to highlight the truth about studying a criminology degree and avoid the “CSI Effect”.
Relevant skills. We want to ensure any future courses offer clear progression and streamline applicable skills both to higher education and a wide range of careers.
Accessibility. When developing any qualification, we have equality, diversity, inclusion and belonging at the heart of what we do.
Interview with Vicky Gadd from Anglia Ruskin University
Tom: How could a new vocational criminology qualification help students wanting to study the subject?
Vicky: A modern vocational criminology qualification designed with inclusivity and accessibility at its core can play a crucial role in preparing 16–18-year olds for higher education. By grounding students in real-world applications of criminological theory, policy, and professional practice, it helps them build the analytical, ethical and research skills that are essential for degree level study.
And why would it be positive for Higher Education Institutions?
For HEIs, this kind of qualification creates a more confident and better prepared pipeline of learners who already understand the foundational concepts of the discipline. It also widens participation by engaging students who might not otherwise see themselves as 'traditional' academic learners, opening pathways into criminology, policing, sociology, law, psychology and related fields.
When a Level 3 pathway is contemporary and relevant – reflecting current justice debates, digital offending, safeguarding, and community-based responses - it supports smoother transitions into HE, strengthens the overall quality of student engagement and helps ensure student success.
Why would you support a new Cambridge OCR Criminology course?
The sector urgently needs a robust, contemporary and well-designed pathway that prepares learners for the realities of criminology and related disciplines in higher education.
From my previous engagement with your team, I’ve appreciated the thoughtful, robust and collaborative approach taken in exploring what a high-quality Level 3 criminology qualification should look like.
I would welcome any qualification that is developed through meaningful consultation with HE, reflects current issues within the criminal justice landscape, and supports widening participation. The conversations we’ve had so far give me confidence that there is real potential to create something that meets these needs and provides a much-needed progression route for future criminology students.
We look forward to working with you collaboratively in the future.
Our position at Cambridge OCR
We remain committed to developing qualifications in this subject area that build transferable academic and employability skills, while supporting inclusivity, accessibility and widening participation. Demand from students continues to be driven by interest in social issues, justice and crime prevention.
We will continue to work closely with external stakeholders to ensure any future courses offer clear progression and streamline applicable skills to higher education and a wide range of careers.
Stay connected
If you have any questions, you can email us at sociology@ocr.org.uk or call us on 01223 553998. You can also connect with Tom on LinkedIn.
Check out our previous blogs on promoting the social science subjects via open evenings and reimagined careers pathways.
You can also sign up to subject updates to keep up-to-date with the latest news, updates and resources on criminology or sociology and our planned new refreshed A Level course.
If you are considering teaching any of our qualifications, use our online form to let us know, so that we can help you with more information.
About the author
Tom is overseeing AS and A Level Sociology as well as any future new criminology qualification. Previously, he was a teacher for 11 years which included various roles in teaching and middle management leading to his last role, as Head of Social Sciences. He is a trustee for the Sociological Review Foundation, who are keen to engage, support and work with A Level teachers and students. In his spare time, he enjoys playing sport, watching crime documentaries and playing with his two sons.
Vicky is Deputy Head of School for Humanities and Social Sciences at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and leads the Department of Criminology and Policing. Vicky is also a Senior Lecturer specialising in prisons and penology, having previously been at the Prisons Research Centre, Institute of Criminology, Cambridge University. She is passionate about helping young people achieve their potential and is Deputy Director of the ARU in the Community: A Trusted Adult Scheme (TAS) Project, a diversion and intervention project which works with vulnerable and at risk young people in Cambridge and surrounding areas.
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