Extended Project Qualification

Extended Project Qualification

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.


Course Structure

What is the commitment?

By taking part in EPQ you are required to attend 1 lesson per week for 1.5 hours. The course is completed by the end of March 2021, so will not impact on your exams. You will however, need to be organised and work well independently. It is essential you spend additional time outside of lesson to complete research and other tasks that you have set yourself.

Our commitment to you is you have dedicated staff to support you throughout the course. You will be assigned your own supervisor and have access to a variety of support materials to help you with your projects and subject drop-in throughout the week.


Inspiration

Why take EPQ?

EPQ is recognised by universities and gives students a practice run at what it is like to complete a university style project but can be used towards any career path. Research shows that students who take EPQ are less likely to drop out in the first year and more likely to achieve a first class degree.

EPQ is 100% coursework so there are no exams and is a great way to gain extra UCAS points.

The qualification was designed by universities to help equip students with essential skills to be successful at higher education.

Skip to content