Our Subject
What is EPQ?
EPQ gives you the opportunity to take part in a university style research project where you choose the topic.
There are a choice of two pathways options for your project:
- Pathway 1 – 5000 word academic report
- Pathway 2 – Create an artefact. The artefact could be designing a guide, teaching a lesson, creating a painting, charity walk, performance, write a song, its entirely up to you
All students who take EPQ also have to complete a production log and a presentation.
By taking part in the qualification you gain Vital skills for university and employment including:
- How to research and evaluate sources.
- Work independently.
- Manage time affectively.
- How to reference sources.
- Presentation skills and many more.
Our links with HE
What do the universities think?
EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points. That’s half an A level and many universities now offer reduced entry. Some students are now even being offered grants towards living costs.
EPQ is a good way to show universities and employers how passionate you are to follow a chosen career path. The projects chosen are a regular talking point in university interviews.
What the universities say:
Manchester University states: The skills that students develop through the Extended Project are excellent preparation for university-level study.
The University of Birmingham recognises that an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) encourages independent learning and helps prepare students for higher education.
University of Leeds: We appreciate that it provides the opportunity for you to develop important research and academic skills. We encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement.
At the University of Sheffield, we value the development of skills in independent study and research that the EPQ can offer so we encourage students to complete one where possible.