Contribute to the reform of our level 3 qualifications

We are currently reforming our applied qualifications in Criminology, Food Science and Nutrition, and Medical Science.

Aimed at post-16 learners in full-time education, our applied qualifications are designed to develop fundamental knowledge and practical skills through applied learning i.e. through purposeful contexts linked to a sector or subject area.

These new qualifications are being developed to meet the requirements for alternative academic qualifications and will be available for first teaching from September 2025 or 2026, depending on the subject. Read more about each subject and find out how you can get involved below.

{"accordionHeading":"","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"Criminology","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Building on the strength of our existing specification, our reformed qualification in Criminology will provide learners with underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills associated with the study of crime and criminals.\nThe qualification will continue to offer exciting and interesting experiences that focus on applied learning and the development of skills such as critical thinking, analysis and communication through purposeful tasks set in meaningful contexts.\nOur current qualification equips learners with knowledge and understanding of concepts and theories in criminology including different types of crime, the motivations of criminals, the exploration of real-life cases and the criminal justice system, and we anticipate that these themes will continue to feature in the new specification.\nThe reform of our Criminology qualification provides us with an opportunity to update and add areas of new content. It also enables us to address feedback from centres, for example in relation to the manageability of the non-examination assessments.\nThere are different ways you can get involved and inform the reform of this subject. Find out more <a href=\"#get-involved\" data-anchor=\"#get-involved\">below</a>.\nWe understand that there are some concerns regarding the future of Criminology in the post-16 landscape. You can read our latest statement <a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/umbraco/surface/blobstorage/download?nodeId=47625\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Our commitment to Criminology\" data-anchor=\"?nodeId=47625\">here</a>."},{"accordionTitle":"Food Science and Nutrition","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"The UK Nutrition Market is a dynamic and rapidly evolving industry, its growth can be attributed to increasing consumer awareness about health and wellness and a greater emphasis on preventive healthcare, driven by the rising demand for nutrition and dietary supplements along with functional foods and beverages. The market is also seeing a rise in personalised nutrition with consumers seeking dietary advice and products to suit their individual health needs. This trend is likely to spur market innovation and contribute significantly to market growth.(<a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.reportlinker.com/market-report/Healthcare/520077/Nutrition?term=Nutrition%20industry&matchtype=p&loc_interest=188&loc_physical=42038&utm_source=microsoft_ads&utm_medium=paid_ads&utm_campaign=ppc&utm_content=transactionnel-ms&utm_group=standard&hsa_acc=F1331PFH&hsa_cam=419064383&hsa_grp=1291926567350797&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=o&hsa_tgt=kwd-80745641363713:loc-188&hsa_kw=Nutrition%20industry&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&msclkid=67a1954856a012caf434f041ebed07a6&utm_term=Nutrition%20industry\" target=\"_blank\" data-anchor=\"?term=Nutrition%20industry&matchtype=p&loc_interest=188&loc_physical=42038&utm_source=microsoft_ads&utm_medium=paid_ads&utm_campaign=ppc&utm_content=transactionnel-ms&utm_group=standard&hsa_acc=F1331PFH&hsa_cam=419064383&hsa_grp=1291926567350797&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=o&hsa_tgt=kwd-80745641363713:loc-188&hsa_kw=Nutrition%20industry&hsa_mt=p&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&msclkid=67a1954856a012caf434f041ebed07a6&utm_term=Nutrition%20industry\">Nutrition Industry 2023 (reportlinker.com)</a>)\nBuilding on the strength of our existing specification, our reformed qualification in Food Science and Nutrition will provide learners with underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills associated with this sector.\nOur current qualification provides learners with fundamental understanding of the science of food safety, nutrition and nutritional needs in a wide range of contexts and develops understanding of the science of food safety and hygiene. Learners can select from optional units to focus their learning on an area of their choice, and we anticipate that this flexibility will continue in the new qualification.\nThe reform of our Food Science and Nutrition qualification provides us with an opportunity to update and add areas of new content, and address feedback from centres, for example in relation to the structure of the qualification, approach to assessment and grading.\nThere are different ways you can get involved and inform the reform of this subject. Find out more <a href=\"#get-involved\" data-anchor=\"#get-involved\">below</a>."},{"accordionTitle":"Medical Science","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"Our revised qualification in Medical Science has been submitted to DfE and Ofqual for approval for first teaching from September 2025.\nWe’re currently awaiting feedback on our proposals and expect to be able to update you further early in the new year.\n<a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https://www.wjec.co.uk/home/subscribe-for-updates/\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Subscribe for updates\">Sign up</a> for our subject update to be kept informed of developments."}]}

Get involved

You can get involved in the reform of our Criminology, Food Science and Nutrition, and Health and Social Care qualifications in several ways:

{"accordionHeading":"","accordionItems":[{"accordionTitle":"Qualification Development Advisory Groups","accordionTitleSecondary":null,"accordionImage":"","accordionContent":"We are looking for individuals to join our Qualification Development Advisory Groups to advise, inform and challenge us as we move through the qualification development process.\nOur Qualification Development Advisory Groups:\n<ul>\n<li>inform the outline qualification design, including the qualification structure and approaches to assessment</li>\n<li>test our proposals, by being a critical but supportive friend to ensure that the qualification will meet stakeholder expectations</li>\n<li>contribute with a solutions mindset.</li>\n</ul>\nOur first Qualification Development Advisory Groups will be held in late October/early November (date to be confirmed). These meetings will provide an opportunity to inform new content and innovative approaches to assessment for the new qualifications.\n<a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"/media/pwnm0l2v/member-of-the-qualification-development-advisory-group-advert_e.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Member Of The Qualification Development Advisory Group Advert E\">> Find out more</a>"}]}

Respond to our consultations

We’ll be consulting on our qualification proposals later in the autumn term. Sign up for our subject updates to be notified of when a subject consultation goes live.