Context

• The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an Independent study which can be about any area of your choice.  The emphasis in this course is on independent study. You are expected to be self-motivated and to make efforts to solve problems for yourself.

• The EPQ is welcomed by most universities, employers and apprenticeships as it demonstrates your abilities in resilience, time-management and independence.

Exam Board

Edexcel

Assessment

Dissertation (5,000 words) and Presentation

Course Details

You are required, with supervision, to:

• choose an area of interest
• draft a title and aims of the project for formal approval by the centre
• plan, research and carry out the project
• deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience
• provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment.

 

Where next with this course?

• An A* grade for an EPQ carries 50% weighting of a full A Level and can be worth 28 tariff points.
• It gives you a massive advantage when writing your personal statement and can result in a reduced offer from universities.
• Oxford says - "Where applicants have undertaken the Extended Project (EP), the University will not make this a condition for an offer (as the EP is not a compulsory element of post-16 study) but recognises that the EP will provide an applicant with the opportunity to develop research and academic skills relevant for study at Oxford. Candidates are encouraged to draw upon their experience of undertaking the project when writing their personal statement, particularly if the topic is allied to their chosen degree course." 
• Cambridge says - "We welcome the introduction of the Extended Project and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school/college to higher education." 
• University of Bristol - "The University recognises that some A level students may also choose to offer the Extended Project. In such cases, some admissions tutors may make two alternative offers, one of which involves success in the Extended Project (for example, either AAA at A level or AAB at A level plus Extended Project)."