This blog was originally published in 2021, and has been updated to reflect our latest qualifications.

Nicola Heath, Psychology Subject Advisor, Tom Genillard, Sociology and Criminology Subject Advisor and Lisa Winnington, Subject Support Coordinator

Looking at the numbers of students across the country entered for exams, A Level entries in Law, Psychology and Sociology show that social sciences are still very popular subject choices. A growing area of interest for students is topics relating to crime. Like many people, we thoroughly enjoy watching crime dramas and documentaries and there is a wealth of options out there. It’s no wonder that many of our students also take an interest in these and want to study crime in some way as part of their education and may even consider a future career in the field. 

In this blog we will look at opportunities for teaching crime-related topics and themes in OCR’s social science qualifications, including the refreshed A Level Sociology (H582) and A Level Psychology (H569) qualifications, which are planned for first teach 2026. We’ll also discuss the options for students interested in criminology to pursue these interests at university and beyond.

Please note, our refreshed A Level Sociology and Psychology qualifications have not yet been accredited by Ofqual. Draft specifications and sample assessment materials have been published to enable teachers to have early sight, but changes may be required as part of the accreditation process and the proposed first teach date may change. We can give no assurances the proposed qualification will be accredited for September 2026.

A Level Sociology (H582, first teach 2026)

Component 03 of our refreshed A Level Sociology gives students the option to explore how crime is defined and measured. Students consider whether crime rates reflect the true nature of how much crime there is and whether it has increased through time or in a global context. They will look at who commits crime and who is the most common victim. They will also explore how crime can be reduced and punished. 

Paper 1 – Socialisation, culture and identity: 

• Formal agencies of social control including criminal justice system, police, legal system, courts, prisons and government 

Paper 1 – Youth subcultures (optional topic): 

• Deviant and criminal subcultures including gangs 
• Anti-school subcultures 
• Urban music subcultures 
• Female subcultures 
• The media and youth deviance 
• The role of media in deviancy amplification 

Paper 3 – Crime and deviance (optional topic): 

• How are crime and deviance defined and measured in the UK? 
• What are the patterns and trends in crime? 
• How can crime and deviance be explained? 
• How can crime and deviance be reduced?

A Level Psychology (H569, first teach 2026)

We know how much students are interested in learning about criminal psychology and the processes that occurs from committing a crime through to the punishment and rehabilitation after a trial. 

Criminal Psychology has historically been an overwhelming favourite option, with over 98% of students completing this section in the exams. To reflect the importance and popularity of this option we have made this content compulsory in our newly refreshed A Level Psychology which means it will now form a larger proportion of component 03. 

Students will follow a clear route through criminal psychology with the following topics: 

• Turning to crime. Biological, social and cognitive explanations of criminal behaviour including zero-tolerance policing, 
• Building a case. The collection and processing of forensic evidence including the impact of different biases.
• In the courtroom. How juries can be persuaded by the characteristics of witnesses and defendants as well expert witnesses, inadmissible evidence and pre-trial publicity.
• Managing offenders. Imprisonment, non-custodial punishment and rehabilitation including restorative justice. 

Students will explore a key study for each topic including Raine et al. (1997) exploration of brain abnormalities on criminal behaviour and the well-known ‘Stanford Prison Study’ by Haney, Banks and Zimbardo (1973). This provides students with the necessary understanding how research impacts theory and leads to real world applications.

By choosing this A Level, students gain valuable knowledge and skills that are beneficial for careers in psychology, criminology, law enforcement, and social work, while also fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of human behaviour.

GCSE Psychology (J203)

Our GCSE Psychology has a focus on criminal psychology which offers students a chance to explore the nature of crime and criminal behaviour. The course covers various types of crime and delves into how criminal behaviour is defined by societal norms and cultural influences. Students learn about the measurement of crime through official statistics and self-report methods. Theories like the Social Learning Theory and Eysenck’s Criminal Personality Theory offer insights into why criminal and anti-social behaviours occur, emphasising the roles of observation, imitation, reinforcement, and personality traits such as extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism.

The practical applications of criminal psychology are equally interesting. Students examine the changing nature of punishment, the role of rehabilitation and the effects of punishment in reducing criminal behaviour. Research studies, such as those by Cooper and Mackie on video games and aggression, and Heaven on delinquency and personality traits, provide evidence to support theoretical concepts.

A Level Law (H418)

Criminal law and the English legal system are both included in our A Level Law. Students will look at defining a crime and the aims, purpose and principles of criminal law, before looking at a selection of crimes – including fatal and non-fatal crimes against the person. Part of the exam involves looking at scenarios and applying the law to the people involved, so students really have the chance to be analytical and show off their understanding of the law.

Planned Cambridge Advanced National in Policing and Criminal Justice (AAQ)

This is expected to be a fully designed criminology-based course that incorporates and links in with applied science, law, policing, psychology and sociology. We are awaiting the outcome of the government curriculum and assessment review at the end of 2025. Find out more on our AAQs.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If your students have a real interest in researching crime related themes, they could make this an EPQ investigation. Students could look at causes or impacts of crime or look at new crimes that are being committed such as cybercrime. There is a full range and variety of crime related themes they could investigate but they must make sure not they do not use content they have already covered in their other A Levels.

What career pathways are linked to studying crime?

One of the most obvious and specific career pathways for any student interested in working in the field of criminal justice is to train to be a lawyer. This would require studying a law degree initially and then undertaking further study and placements to practice law fully. 

Students interested in studying crime but who want a different career path often consider criminology and forensic psychology. Criminology is a branch of sociology that looks at and analyses how victims and society are affected by crime as a whole. Forensic psychology tends to focus more on the individual motives behind criminal activity and involves working more in the courtroom and directly with offenders and witnesses. Both degrees will have elements of psychology, sociology, and anthropology and aim to use a scientific approach to better understand crime and criminal behaviour. 

Due to its growing popularity, there’s lots of advice available about becoming a criminologist and where a criminology degree can take students. Criminologists work with many organisations and can specialise in particular areas of crime or justice. Students looking to become forensic psychologists would also be required to undertake a master’s course to be fully qualified. However, completion of an undergraduate degree in criminology or forensic psychology will allow students to pursue careers in the prison and probation services, join the police, work for the Ministry of Justice, engage with charities, and more. 

Other career pathways include: 

• Law enforcement. Roles such as police officers, detectives, and immigration officers, which involve upholding the law, preventing crime, and protecting communities. 
• The prison and probation service. Positions in the supervision, rehabilitation, and management of individuals in prisons or on probation. 
• Forensic science and investigation. Careers focused on analysing evidence, understanding crime scenes, and solving cases. 
• Victim advocacy. Supporting and advocating for victims of crime, ensuring they receive the necessary services and support.
• Policy making and research. Working in governmental or non-governmental organisations to develop and implement policies related to crime and justice. 

These diverse career paths highlight the broad range of opportunities available to students who study crime in sociology, psychology, or law.

Stay connected

If you have any further questions about crime themes in our social science qualifications, email us at psychology@ocr.org.uk, sociology@ocr.org.uk or law@ocr.org.uk. You can also call us on 01223 553998 or message us on X (formerly Twitter) @ocrexams.

You can also sign up to subject updates and receive email information about resources and support.

If you are considering teaching any of our qualifications, use the expression of interest form to let us know, so that we can help you with more information.

About the authors

Nicola joined OCR in 2022 as the Subject Advisor for Psychology. Prior to joining OCR, she taught psychology for over 10 years and has had various other responsibilities in that time, including being Head of Year and Subject Leader for PSHE. Nicola has a personal interest in mental health and wellbeing and enjoys reading, baking and spending time outdoors to relax. 

Tom is overseeing Sociology as well as the exciting Policing and Criminal Justice AAQ development. 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. In his spare time, he enjoys playing sport, watching crime documentaries and playing with his two sons. 

Lisa is a Subject Support Co-ordinator and has worked for Cambridge University Press & Assessment in various roles since 2000, most recently in Compliance. Lisa is responsible for a range of subjects including law, citizenship and the EPQ. In her spare time, you’ll find her studying to be a Naturopathic Nutritionist, running or spending time with the family puppy.