Extended
Project Qualification
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an extensive, independent research project usually undertaken in Sixth Form. It allows students to study a topic area which extends their learning in their chosen area of study, as a standalone qualification and is an excellent preparatory qualification for A levels and undergraduate study.
The Extended Project Qualification
With university places at a premium following the end of Covid restrictions, A level students are finding greater competition for university places from those that deferred entry to university when lectures were online.
Students must now look for additional ways to stand out from the competition, now that A*A*A* may not be enough. One of the ways this can be achieved is through undertaking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), an enquiry based qualification that practises and develops vital skills for university.
The (EPQ) allows students to study a topic area which extends their learning in their chosen area of study, as a standalone qualification but one where a high grade impresses university admissions as it shows that students will do well at university. Elea High believes the EPQ to be a vital component of a Sixth Form education and would urge all A level students who wish to gain a university place to choose the EPQ.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The aim of the EPQ is to
- Select a topic/area of interest for an in-depth study and students will discuss with their tutor the title and scope of their project.
- Identify a draft objective for a project in the form of a question, hypothesis, problem, challenge, outline of performance or issue to be investigated and provide a rationale for their choice.
- Provide a plan for how they will deliver their intended outcome and conduct research as required by the project brief.
- Share the outcome of the project, including an evaluation of the outcome of their own learning and performance.
Students will be required to:
- Develop and improve their learning and performance as critical, reflective and independent learners.
- Develop their decision-making and problem solving skills.
- Extend their planning, research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills.
- Use their learning experiences to support their aspirations for higher education and/or career development.
The benefits of undertaking the EPQ
- It provides students with a formal ‘Level 3’ qualification which is equivalent to 50% of an A Level and attracts UCAS points.
- Many universities and employers look very favourably upon EPQs when assessing applications.
- EPQs develop skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, presentation skills and creativity.
- It helps students prepare for independent research and project management; features valued at universities and within the world of work.
- It could help students to gain funding as some universities offer scholarships to students who hold a research project qualification.
- Research has found that students who undertook an EPQ found it easier to bridge the gap between Sixth Form and university.
When will the teaching take place?
There are two submission dates per year meaning that students can start an EPQ in September of April for a May or January submission. There’s also an Express route which enables dedicated students to complete their EPQ in 14 weeks.
What is the process?
Students will be assigned a Tutor Assessor who will teach and guide students to help them get started, assisting with planning, undertaking research, developing presentation skills and ensuring they stay on track with their project.
The topic would be agreed between the student and the Tutor Assessor. The following are examples of project types for each unit:
Unit 1: Dissertation
A theoretical written project on any topic presenting an argument, e.g. research into a biological, historical or environmental issue.
Unit 2: Investigation/Field Study
Unit 3: Performance
Development of practical skills resulting in a performance, e.g. performing music, drama, sport.
Unit 4: Artefact
For example, creating a painting or sculpture, designing a piece of furniture or a garment, creating a website, solving an engineering / construction problem, producing a piece of graphic design.
Assessments, which lead to the award of a student’s final grade, will be undertaken by the Tutor Assessor. Exam boards will moderate marks to ensure Tutors are grading correctly.
EPQs are currently graded A* to E and they are worth up to half an A level, as well as accruing UCAS points.
The following is a general guide to the grading breakdown:
-
20% – Project planning and time management:
How you use the time and resources available. -
20% – Using resources and research skills:
How you collect and use information. -
40% – Developing an idea and producing an outcome:
How you plan and create the project outcome. -
20% – Evaluation and presentation:
Your reflection on the project process and communication of the project to others
Am I a suitable candidate to undertake an EPQ?
An EPQ is an extensive project and will stretch and challenge you. To be successful you need to:
- Have a keen interest in the chosen research topic. You will need to be able to employ skills of in-depth research and analysis.
- Have excellent organisational skills. You will need to be able to stick to an agreed planning schedule. Typically, you would be looking at spending a minimum of three hours per week over a period of 34 weeks, or ten hours a week over the fourteen week duration of an EPQ Express, with supplementary time during the holidays to finalise the project for submission.
- Have excellent time management skills to meet agreed deadlines., research, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills.
- Be self-motivated and able to undertake independent research work.
If you feel you would like to undertake the EPQ but are struggling to think of a topic for your research, by identifying the area of study that interests you (e.g. history, medicine, English, art, psychology), your Tutor Assessor can assist you with ideas for a research project/question. In order to explore EPQ ideas you can visit www.thinkstudent.co.uk/epq-ideas/ . It is advisable that you choose a topic/research question that really interests you as you will be spending a considerable amount of time researching your chosen area of study.
