This paper presents a philosophical approach to undergraduate curricula. The approach, informed by research, has been conceptualised as "socially critical vocationalism" (SCV). SCV is neither training nor pure traditional academic provision but an approach to curriculum that is academically defensible, practically relevant and socially responsive and may therefore go some way towards resolving the academic versus vocational tensions in higher education (HE) curriculum debates. The ramifications for the change in emphasis from traditional liberal HE towards more utilitarian, vocational and functional curricula are significant and it is hoped this paper will stimulate and contribute to the debate about this re-orientation of the HE curriculum. The paper offers new insights into curriculum philosophy and argues that SCV could provide a theoretical and evidence-based framework for the development of future HE curricula.