Everything You Need to Know About the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

 The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a unique, independent research project that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in depth. It is an additional qualification available to students in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, typically taken alongside A-levels. The EPQ is valued by universities and employers because it develops critical academic and life skills such as research, analysis, time management, and self-motivation.

1. What is the EPQ?

The EPQ is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to half an A-level, carrying UCAS points that can boost university applications. It requires students to research, plan, develop, and present a project on a topic of their choice.

There are four types of EPQ projects:

  1. Dissertation (Research Essay) – A 5,000-word written report on an academic topic.

  2. Investigation or Field Study – A research-based project that includes collecting and analysing data.

  3. Artefact – The creation of a product, piece of art, or a practical item with an accompanying research report.

  4. Performance – A live performance, such as a play, music composition, or event, supported by research and evaluation.

The project is entirely student-driven, with guidance from a supervisor, encouraging independent learning and self-discipline. How to Improve Your Child’s Reading Comprehension.

2. Why Should You Do an EPQ?

There are multiple benefits to completing an EPQ:

a. University Applications & UCAS Points

  • The EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points (A* grade).

  • Many top universities appreciate the EPQ as it demonstrates independent study skills. Some institutions even offer lower A-level grade requirements for students with a high EPQ grade.

b. Develops Essential Skills

  • Research & Critical Thinking: Learning how to find, analyze, and evaluate sources.

  • Time Management & Organisation: Planning and completing a long-term project independently.

  • Presentation Skills: Delivering a final presentation improves public speaking and communication abilities.

  • Essay Writing & Academic Referencing: These skills are useful for university coursework.

c. Boosts Career Prospects

Employers value students with strong research and analytical skills, self-motivation, and the ability to manage independent projects— all of which the EPQ helps develop. Become an Education Franchise Partner with LTSchool.

3. Choosing a Topic for the EPQ

One of the most exciting aspects of the EPQ is the freedom to choose any topic that interests you. Your topic can be:

  • Related to a future university course (e.g., Law, Medicine, Engineering, Psychology).

  • A personal passion or hobby (e.g., space exploration, artificial intelligence, ethical dilemmas in gaming).

  • A real-world issue (e.g., climate change, social justice, political events).

Examples of EPQ Topics:

  • Science: "Can genetic engineering cure hereditary diseases?"

  • History: "To what extent was the Cold War inevitable?"

  • Psychology: "How does social media affect teenage mental health?"

  • Business: "Are cryptocurrencies the future of global finance?"

  • Engineering: "How can renewable energy be made more efficient?"

When choosing a topic, consider:
 ✔ Passion: You should be genuinely interested in researching it.
 ✔ Feasibility: Can you find enough reliable sources and research materials?
 ✔ Relevance: Will it be useful for your future studies or career?

4. Structure of the EPQ

a. Research and Planning

  • Identify the topic and research questions.

  • Gather information from books, journals, and online sources.

  • Learn how to use citations and academic referencing.

b. Project Development

  • Write a dissertation (essay) or work on your artifact/performance.

  • Keep a Project Log to track progress and challenges.

c. Presentation

  • Present findings to an audience (teachers and classmates).

  • Demonstrate how you researched, developed, and overcame difficulties.

d. Reflection and Evaluation

  • Write a self-evaluation on what went well and what could be improved. Let’s connect for Online tutoring UK

5. How is the EPQ Assessed?

The EPQ is assessed by exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC. The grading is based on:

Final grades:

  • A (28 UCAS points)*

  • A (24 UCAS points)

  • B (20 UCAS points)

  • C (16 UCAS points)

  • D (12 UCAS points)

  • E (8 UCAS points)

Assessment Criteria

Weighting (%)

Description

Project Planning & Management

20%

Choosing a clear topic, setting goals, and managing deadlines.

Research & Use of Sources

20%

Gathering information, citing reliable sources, and analysing data.

Project Execution

40%

Quality of the final product (essay, artefact, or performance).

Reflection & Evaluation

20%

Discussing challenges, improvements, and key takeaways.


6. Is the EPQ Worth It?

Pros:

✔ Adds valuable UCAS points.
✔ Impresses universities and employers.
✔ Develops research, writing, and presentation skills.
✔ Allows deep exploration of a subject of interest.

Cons:

  • Requires significant time and effort (typically 90–120 hours).

  • Not always necessary for university admissions.

  • Can be challenging if time management skills are weak.

Who should take the EPQ?

  • Students applying to competitive universities (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group).

  • Those who enjoy independent research and want to build academic skills.

  • Anyone who wants extra UCAS points to meet university offers. Learn to code, read the Future of coding

Final Thoughts

The EPQ is a fantastic opportunity to develop skills that are essential for university and the workplace. Whether you are interested in writing a research paper or creating something unique, it offers a chance to stand out academically. However, it does require commitment and time management, so make sure you are ready for the challenge!

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