The Extended Project Qualification is an independent project which starts in November in Year 12 and runs until Christmas in Year 13. During this time you will attend lessons which teach you independent research skills, project management and communication skills. You will also be allocated a teacher, who will supervise you through the project. The EPQ can be on any topic you want, as long as it does not directly clash with something already on the specification of one of your A Levels or BTECs. Therefore the EPQ provides a unique opportunity for you to choose to study something of interest to yourself, that can be relevant to your future studies and equip you with independent skills.

What is needed to study the EPQ?

Any Level 3 student can undertake the EPQ. However, a successful EPQ candidate will be someone who is motivated to study a topic in greater depth than any of their other courses, able to work effectively independently and is willing to develop new skills and approaches to their learning.

What does the course involve?

There are taught lessons, where you will be taught vital skills for your project, including project management, research skills and academic referencing.

There are then two options for what you produce with your EPQ:

1. A 5,000 word written report on a topic of your choosing
2. An ‘artefact’ with a minimum of a 1,000 word written report explaining your research and method of production

Both options also include the completion of a production log reflecting on the whole of the EPQ process and an end of project presentation. These are compulsory elements.

How is the EPQ assessed?

The completed project, production log and presentation is marked as a whole internally before marks are sent to the exam board for verification. Grades A*-E are available. The EPQ is worth half an A Level (attracting UCAS points – e.g. a Grade A = 24 points).

What will I be able to do with an EPQ?

To universities, the EPQ demonstrates the necessary academic skills, project management and sustained interest in a topic required by undergraduates, which is why students with an EPQ are more likely to complete their university courses. Many universities will make offers with lower A Level grades to students with a relevant EPQ. For students not wishing to go to university the EPQ offers an opportunity to develop other skills and interests which could be of use after leaving school, for example previous projects by KES students have involved setting up a record label, curating an art exhibition and developing iron working skills. The skills you choose to develop will depend on what your own interests and plans are for your future.