The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a highly regarded qualification that allows students to explore a topic of personal interest, develop independent research skills, and earn additional UCAS points. An EPQ is a standalone AS level qualification. This is a qualification that starts in the October of Year 12 and runs for one year. It is designed as a “stretch and challenge” opportunity to investigate a topic beyond the normal confines of A-Levels and can attract the only A* at AS Level. EPQs offer a range of benefits for students, especially those preparing for university or looking to develop independent learning skills.

 

 Academic Benefits

• UCAS Points: An EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points (equivalent to half an A-level), which can help boost university applications.
• University Admissions: Many universities value EPQs highly. Some may even lower their entry requirements if you have a strong EPQ related to your chosen course.
• Research Skills: You learn how to conduct independent research, evaluate sources, and present findings—skills that are essential for higher education.

 

Personal Development

• Critical Thinking: You develop the ability to think deeply, question assumptions, and form reasoned arguments.
• Time Management: Managing a long-term project teaches you how to plan, set goals, and meet deadlines.
• Confidence: Presenting your project can boost your communication skills and self-assurance.

 

Career Readiness

• Transferable Skills: Skills like problem-solving, independent learning, and project management are valuable in any career.
• Portfolio Building: Your EPQ can be a great addition to your CV or portfolio, especially if it aligns with your career interests.

 

Exploration of Interests

• Freedom of Choice: You can choose any topic that interests you—whether academic, creative, or vocational—which makes the project personally meaningful.
• Preparation for Future Study: If you’re considering a specific university course, you can tailor your EPQ to explore that subject in depth.

 

EPQ Structure

• Students will attend two taught sessions per fortnight in designated computer rooms.
• Are assigned a dedicated project supervisor who mentors them through the process.
• They are expected to complete 90 hours of independent work, which includes supervisor meetings.

 

WHAT SORT OF PROJECTS CAN BE DONE? 

There must be a “product”, which could be an extended essay on any topic (5,000 words). Alternatively, the product could be an “artefact”, e.g. a piece of art, a model or a film. Both types of projects must be presented to an audience. At The Corsham School we organise a marketplace-style presentation day. Above all, the project should be based on an area of personal interest that you are keen to find out more about. 

 

SHOULD MY PROJECT BE ON A TOPIC RELATED TO MY CHOICE OF DEGREE SUBJECT OR ONE OF MY A LEVELS?

Hopefully you are very interested in the subject that you are applying to study at university, so it would not be unusual for you to want to research a topic related to your degree choice, but this is not a requirement. The project is more about the process than the outcome, and it is perfectly reasonable to have interests beyond your academic subjects.

In recent years, students have completed EPQs on the following topics:

• How can sleep affect academic performance?
• How and why are female figures represented in accounts of the Trojan War vilified?
• Do psychological factors contribute to statistical misconceptions?
• Artefact: What development processes are involved in designing an illustrated and functional novel for children??
• Artefact: What makes a good horror movie? This involved researching an answer to the question and then creating a movie trailer to demonstrate the findings.