Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

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KS5: Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Vision Statement

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a Level 3 qualification that provides students with the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of independent research in an area of personal interest. Through planning, researching, and producing a high-level academic report or artefact, students gain valuable skills that prepare them for university, apprenticeships, and the world of work.

The EPQ allows students to pursue a topic beyond their A-Level or vocational studies, encouraging intellectual curiosity, originality, and academic independence. This is an exciting opportunity to achieve highly in a student-led project that is widely valued by universities and employers.

Skills for success

  • Strong literacy, academic writing, and critical analysis skills through extended research.
  • Independent learning and self-management, including planning, organisation, and time-keeping.
  • Research and referencing skills using academic journals, books, reports, and digital sources.
  • Presentation and communication skills through delivering their final project to an audience.
  • Higher-order thinking, including evaluation, synthesis of information, and problem-solving.

Course Outline/Assessment Methods

The EPQ is a Level 3 standalone qualification equivalent to half an A-Level, carrying up to 28 UCAS points (A*).

Students complete one of the following:

  • A 5,000-word research project, or
  • A practical artefact supported by a written research commentary.

Assessment is 100% coursework and includes:

  • A Project Proposal
  • A detailed Production Log
  • A completed Report or Artefact
  • A Presentation to a non-specialist audience

Students are assessed across four areas (AQA 7993):

  • AO1: Managing and planning the project
  • AO2: Using a wide range of research sources
  • AO3: Developing ideas and producing the final outcome
  • AO4: Evaluating the process and project

All work is externally moderated by AQA.

Future Course/ Career Opportunities:

  • Law
  • Psychology
  • Medicine and Healthcare
  • Business and Management
  • Engineering
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
  • Media, Arts and Design
  • Scientific Research

    Many universities make lower grade offers to students achieving high EPQ grades.