EPQ
Extended Project Qualification
If there’s an area of study you really love – whether it’s engineering, languages, sport or art-based - an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) gives you the chance to develop your critical thinking and research skills whilst impressing universities at the same time. It clearly demonstrates passion for a subject that you wish to study at a higher level whilst indicating that you have the ability to work independently and demonstrate academic writing.
What is an EPQ?
It is an independent research task and involves either writing an extended essay of about 5,000 words or creating a product with an accompanying shorter essay of about 1,000 words. This product could be anything from a drone to an app to a music composition. Both options require you to present to your peers and assessors for about 10–15 minutes at the end of your EPQ journey.
You are also expected to reflect and evaluate the process as you go along, completing a logbook, which comprises part of your assessment. You can do an EPQ on any topic. As long as it does not overlap with the content of your A Level studies, and as long as you are able to produce an academic piece of writing about it, you are good to go.
Why complete an EPQ?
It will introduce you to the academic writing and referencing skills that are required when you begin university. In addition it allows you to practice the employability skills of presentation, research and planning. An EPQ is equivalent to half an A Level and is also worth UCAS points. Some universities may even lower their typical offer if you achieve a particular grade in an EPQ.
Next Steps
When you join our Sixth Form, you will be assigned a supervisor, who can support and give guidance to you which includes regular meetings to share ideas and help you progress towards independence. The following links give you more information: