Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a research based project students are able to undertake in Year 12. Students will develop a wide range of skills including research, academic writing and project management.
We run the AQA qualification.
Students completing the EPQ will undertake the following:
- Choose an area of interest
- Draft a title and aims of the project for formal approval by the centre
- Plan, research and carry out the project
- Deliver a presentation to a non specialist audience
- Provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment
Throughout the year students will partake in the taught skills programme, where crucial skills relating to completing a Level 3 research project will be taught. Additionally, they will work with their project supervisor who will coach them to the successful completion of the project.
At the end of the project, students will produce either:
- A 5000 word dissertation
- An artefact, with a 1000 word (minimum) accompanying report
Students are expected to complete 90 hours of study outside of lessons in order to complete the EPQ. Students must have very strong organisational and time management skills in order to complete the qualification successfully.
“The EPQ has allowed me to research an area of interest, which I would never have a reason to research in the depth I have. It has helped me develop my time management, analytical and citation skills. It was also very satisfying to see my final product take shape.”
Here are some past topics that students have picked to research:
Why do the EPQ?
- It demonstrates to universities that you are able to plan, research, write, and present an academic study.
- Gives you something to write about on a personal statement that sets you apart from other students.
- Gives you an answer to the interview question ‘give me a time when you have had something to overcome?’.
- Many universities include it in their offers, and may make lower grade offers if your EPQ is closely aligned with the area of study you wish to pursue.
Here’s what universities think about the EPQ:
The University of Southampton was the first to introduce an alternative offer scheme for applicants who excel in the EPQ…This additional offer reflects our confidence in the EPQ as an excellent preparation for the kinds of independent study necessary for students to succeed at a research intensive university such as Southampton. The University of Southampton
An EPQ can benefit your application as applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the standard offer for their course, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ. Birmingham University
We welcome the Extended Project and would encourage applicants to undertake one as it will help to develop independent study and research skills valuable for higher education. Cambridge University
“I was able to complete research on a topic which I wanted to understand better and find more knowledge on. This was rewarding”
Mr Woodwards | EPQ Coordinator