Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

This is an exciting qualification whereby students choose an area of interest in order to carry out their own research and develop the skills required for university level study.  Taught sessions will develop the skills needed to successfully complete this project, including time management, report writing, research skills, thinking skills, presentation skills and critical self-reflection.

The EPQ is a process based qualification as students choose the topic plan, execute and report the work.  The students will be required to work with a high degree of independence because the EPQ offers students the opportunities to:

• Choose their own topic area
• Design their project plan against which they will critically reflect their progress
• Develop and improve their own learning and performance as critical, reflective and independent learners
• Develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Extend their research skills
• Develop and apply skills creatively, showing initiative and enterprise
• Develop transferable skills

Extended Project Qualification (AS Level Graded at A* – E)
28 UCAS points for an A*

University admissions tutors look positively upon the qualification, and may use it to differentiate between candidates. Some universities such as the University of Southampton will offer students with an EPQ a lower grade offer than those without.

Taught element (approximately 30 hours)
• Research skills
• Project management skills
• ICT skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Skills of self-reflection

Independent study element (90 hours)
• Research
• Arranging meetings with supervisor
• Managing and reporting on the project   process
• Producing the final product (an essay or artefact) and presentation

Information & support

Examples of projects completed by Brockenhurst students:

– To what extent might the imposed lockdown in England (March 2020-June 2020) affect bird populations in England, and what observations from the lockdown could be useful to preserve populations in the future?
– Would the privatization of the NHS and its services have a positive or negative effect on the NHS staff and service users?
– What is Sharia Law, and should Sharia Courts be permitted under Britain’s Arbitration Act 1996?
– To what extent does Speech and Language Therapy support children on the Autistic Spectrum?
– How do human activities impact bee populations?
– How did women’s fashion change between 1940 – 1990? (artefact)
– Creating a healthy vegan meal plan to ensure sufficient inclusion of B12, calcium and iron which are often overlooked in vegan diets. (artefact)

Minimum entry requirements

This qualification would suit students who are self-motivated, ready to tackle a research project independently and are well-organised.

It would suit students who may need to do a formal university interview, or need an academic personal statement.

Course structure

Lectures, group activities and visits.

What can I do with this qualification?

Why should you complete the EPQ?
The EPQ is highly regarded by universities, and prepares students for higher level study. It will be of particular benefit to students planning to apply for a competitive course, such as Medicine.

University of Southampton policy
Certain courses will count an A grade in the EPQ as part of their entry criteria.

University of Sheffield policy
Undertaking an EPQ in the subject that is related to the course or discipline that you wish to progress into at the University will provide useful additional preparation and may be taken into account by admissions tutors when making decisions between applicants of equal academic standing.

University of Cambridge policy
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.