If you're a Level 3 student, the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a great opportunity to develop your knowledge in a subject area that interests you. Unlike a traditional assignment, you'll undertake a self-guided research project in a topic of your choice. Once completed, you'll be awarded UCAS points that count towards your overall UCAS tariff score.
• Tailor your project to a topic that you're passionate about
• Gain an additional qualification equivalent to half an A-Level
• Develop your self-directed study and independent research skills
• Prepare for the type of assessment you'll encounter during degree-level study
The project is an independent research task and involves you 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 designing a drone to an app to a music composition. Both options require you to present to our employer board partners for about 10–15 minutes at the end of your EPQ journey about your final product. You are also expected to reflect and evaluate the process as you go along, completing a logbook, which comprises part of your assessment. So if you wish to learn about something you otherwise would not have a chance to in your lessons, and to learn more about how you work when faced with an independent research task, then yes! However, you do need to ask yourself if you are able to cope with the extra workload. If you are already doing four A levels it is suggested not to do one.
The Extended Project is entirely flexible in approach as each learner is able to tailor their project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations.
This qualification prescribes a clear structure comprising of two main parts that are closely intertwined.
A taught element that includes:
This will support the learner to:
Learners will produce a portfolio that contains supporting evidence for each of the four assessment objectives, which must include at least one piece of extended written evidence, as well as evidence supporting: project managment, research and development of the project, the final outcome(s) and on-going reviews of the project.
Learners are required to produce a presentation at the end of their project.
The total number of marks for this qualification is 60 marks.
Many people pursue an EPQ because they have a genuine passion and interest in the topic they are researching. These students are more likely to persevere with the task and spend the necessary amount of time on it, increasing their chances of achieving a high grade. Success requires a lot of commitment and motivation
University of Manchester
"The skills students develop through the Extended Project are directly relevant to and useful for university-level students. Students can refer to the Extended Project in their UCAS personal statement and at interview to demonstrate some of the qualities that universities are looking for."
University of Cambridge
"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."
University of Sheffield
"We encourage students to complete the EPQ where possible, as we vaule the development of skills in independent study and research that it can offer."
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