What is an EPQ?
An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent research project that students complete in Sixth Form. It’s a Level 3 qualification that’s equivalent to half an A-Level. Exam board: Pearson (Edexcel)
How does the course work?
EPQ runs from October in Year 12 through the year and wraps up by October half term in Year 13, where students submit their work and give a presentation on their findings.
What does it involve?
- Students choose a topic and conduct their own research
- Students produce a written report, such as an essay or investigation
- Students may also create an artifact, such as a piece of artwork or musical composition
- Students present their work to their peers
- Students keep a reflective log of their project
What’s the purpose?
- The EPQ demonstrates a student’s ability to work independently and think critically
- It helps students develop skills that are useful for university work
- It can help students become more attractive to universities
How is it assessed?
- Students are assigned a supervisor to help with their project
- Teachers assess the project and provide a grade
- An exam board moderates the teachers’ marks (Edexcel)
Students are required to choose a topic area and develop a title which does not currently have a definite answer but may have various alternative views on it/possible answers. The idea is that students research the question fully and structure and write an extended essay (dissertation) which examines the question in depth and comes to an evidence based conclusion.
During their journey they develop many skills such as researching (skim, scan, summarise), critical thinking, evaluation of evidence reliability, independence, time management, referencing and presentation.
The EPQ is great for students who are already very well organised, motivated, passionate about their subjects and keen to develop their skills. It is worth half an A Level (28 UCAS points), so can strengthen applications.