Level 3 Criminology: what does the future hold?
05 May 2026
Tom Genillard, Cambridge OCR Sociology and Criminology subject advisor
In a recent announcement from the Department for Education (DfE) the first V Level subjects were confirmed. What does it tell us about the future of criminology?
The short answer is not very much. But this lack of news isn’t unexpected when analysing what the DfE have set out in their recent transition plan for the reformed 16-19 qualifications.
In this blog I’ll explain where we are now and examine the likely future pathways for criminology.
The changing landscape for the subject
Back in 2023 when Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) were proposed, it looked like criminology had an uncertain future as a Level 3 qualification, partly due to its alignment with existing subjects such as sociology and social policy. As a result, Cambridge OCR developed a Policing and Criminal Justice AAQ that would aim to fill the sizeable gap that any defunded criminology course would present.
However, the DfE has since committed to simplifying the crowded vocational qualification landscape. Although some Cambridge Advanced Nationals - Alternative Academic Qualifications (AAQs) have begun with great success, they may only have a short-term future.
Although it seems unlikely that Criminology will ever be an A Level after if it was queried and subsequently answered by the Minister of State from the DfE, it’s clear from our interactions with many higher education providers, teachers and criminology practitioners over the last two years, that the subject is able to differentiate from established subjects like sociology and psychology in content and progression routes.
We know the current criminology applied general qualification (ACQ) will eventually be defunded and replaced by the V Level pathway, though we don’t have confirmation when that will be just yet.
A new V Level in Criminology?
As mentioned recently in FE Week, the original post-16 White Paper floated the idea of 23 possible V Level subjects including Animation, Music Performance and most importantly for the huge network of teachers I’ve met over the last few years, Criminology.
The current reform timetable can be seen on our timeline infographic, but some subjects that will come later were not included on the original list. Headlines suggested the timetable listed the 18 new V Levels set to launch and that would be it. The good news is that’s not the full story….
Importantly, that White Paper outlined V Level routes, not subjects. It also makes two key points: the DfE wants only one V Level per subject, but a route can contain multiple subjects.
So where does that leave Criminology? While nothing has been officially confirmed, Criminology is widely expected to sit within the Protective Services route, which is due to launch in 2029/30. V Levels of course need to link to occupational standards and whilst criminology as a subject doesn’t have these, protective services certainly does.
As David Summers, one of our stakeholder relationship managers for Cambridge OCR, says in his recent blog post, ‘V Levels must now be allowed to find their place in the Level 3 landscape and be given time to settle and become a valuable option for students as they look to progress their studies and, ultimately, develop the knowledge and skills for further study, great jobs and great careers’.
When will we know for sure?
The DfE will release the new qualifications by route which aims to provide clarity of progression and make implementation more manageable. This will be known as a ‘route-by-route basis’.
The list of qualification types for each route is indicative and subject to further testing. More detail about qualifications and planned timelines will be set out in the Implementation Plan which will be available in June.
More detail and clarity can also be seen from the DfE’s response to the Post-16 level 3 and below pathways consultation.
If this V Level is first taught in 2029, we will have plenty of time to get top quality resources, professional development and support ready way ahead of September 2029 for the large group of external stakeholders we have engaged with including teachers, school leaders, content creators, textbook authors and subject organisations.
What’s next?
Ofqual has released an open consultation on V Level proposals (published on 23 April 2026), including suggestions on weightings of examined and non-examined assessments, proposed regulatory approach, conditions, requirements and further guidance.
There is also a consultation on V Level subject content for Tranche 1 subjects, now live.
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 also 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.
Work is ongoing with our other social science subject redevelopments, and our refreshed Sociology AS and A Level course will soon be submitted to Ofqual for accreditation.
Our brand-new Psychology A Level has now been accredited for first teach September 2027. We are really excited about launching this updated qualification, designed with teachers in mind. The key highlights are reduced content, straightforward assessment and unique topics within mental health, environmental and sport and exercise psychology. We know how much students enjoy learning about criminal psychology, so we have made this a compulsory topic area. Visit our dedicated webpage to find out more about our refreshed A Level Psychology (H569) and download our specification and sample assessment materials.
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 emails 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.
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