Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Exam board: AQA
Course code: 7993
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/projects/level-three/projects-7993/specification
Entry requirement: No additional requirements
What is the EPQ?
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a majority independent research project on a subject of the student’s choice. The qualification takes a minimum of 120 hours to complete of which 30 hours will be ‘taught skills’. The qualification has been designed to develop skills that will be of benefit not only at university but also in the world of work. The project also gives students an opportunity to research an area of interest outside of their A level studies for one of the last times before they leave education. The EPQ is a level three qualification; equivalent to half an A level and is worth the equivalent UCAS points depending on the grade received.
The Course
Taught Skills: The taught skills lessons will help students with planning, researching, writing, referencing and producing their completed product and final presentation.
Product Realisation: The final product will either be a 5000-word essay or artefact with a 1000 word write up. As the product evolves, a production log is kept to record specific stages of the project, provide details of the research, analysis and reflection completed. Students will be supported in this through regular meetings with their project supervisor.
Presentation: Students end the project by making a presentation to a non-specialist audience, including other students and staff, in which they talk about their final product and reflect upon the journey they have taken as well as answer questions from the audience.
Course Assessment
Manage: Identify, design, plan and carry out a project (10 marks).
Use Resources: Research, critically select, organise and use appropriate information from a wide range of sources and resources (10 marks).
Develop and Realise: Select and use a range of skills to problem solve and to take decisions critically to achieve the planned outcomes (20 marks).
Review: Evaluate all aspects of the project including outcomes in relation to the stated objectives and own learning and performance (10 marks).
Benefits
The extended project can help to support students in their application for universities and can impact or support given offers or invites to interview. The EPQ provides clear evidence that you have interests and abilities which go beyond the A-level curriculum and similarly it demonstrates that students are capable of undertaking the kind of independent reading, research, and essay writing that is the mainstay of most undergraduate degrees.
Research suggests that those students who complete an EPQ are more likely to achieve higher grades at A level as well as in their degrees.
Our Courses
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Core Mathematics
- Economics
- English Literature
- EPQ
- French
- Further Mathematics
- Geography
- German
- Graphic Communication
- History
- Mathematics
- Mathematics (AS Level)
- Music
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Politics
- Product Design
- Psychology
- Religious Studies, Philosophy and Ethics
- Spanish
