A Level Options: Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

What is the EPQ?

The EPQ is a qualification designed to extend and develop your abilities beyond the A level syllabus. It is worth half an A Level (28 UCAS points).

You have to plan and carry out research to be able to produce a written report of approximately 5,000 words, or in the case of practical projects, an artefact or a production plus a written report of a minimum 1,000 words. You can take inspiration from something touched on in class or something unrelated to your studies (for example you could do an EPQ on a topic within Psychology, Philosophy or Computer Science).

Entry Requirements

Students wishing to do an EPQ will have to go through an application process.

The EPQ is demanding and is only recommended for our most hardworking, organised and able students who want to explore an area that goes beyond their curriculum or an area not covered in their A Level choices.

If a student is already doing A Levels in subjects with coursework (Drama and Theatre, English Literature, Geography or History) they will be already developing the transferable skills gained from doing a piece of independent work so they may not benefit as much from doing the EPQ.

Why study the EPQ?

By doing the EPQ you will:

  • become more critical, reflective and independent learners
  • develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills
  • increase your planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills
  • learn to apply technologies confidently
  • demonstrate creativity, initiative and enterprise

What will I study and learn?

You will have to attend weekly lessons to learn about the skills needed to complete the EPQ. These lessons will cover:

  • how to develop titles, questions and proposals
  • project management skills, including time management, planning techniques, and setting aims and objectives
  • research methods, including research ethics, analysis and evaluation, risk assessment and data collection techniques
  • report writing and presentation skills

You will then have to, with appropriate supervision:

  • 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
  • use of a wide range of relevant resources
  • perform critical analysis and evaluation of resources
  • deliver a presentation to a non specialist audience
  • provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment

Much of the work has to be completed in your own time and will involved around 120 learning hours.

How will I be assessed?

You will have to submit your completed EPQ and provide other evidence too.

The evidence will comprise the following:

  • a completed Production Log and Assessment Record including the Project Proposal Form, Presentation Record and Candidate Record Form
  • a project product including a written report and any other evidence, as appropriate, depending on the topic or subject area chosen

Future opportunities (university admissions)

The EPQ allows you to develop key skills that help prepare you for university life. It is recognised by universities and employers and some universities make lower A Level offers to students undertaking an EPQ.