Qualifications needed: Positive learning behaviours across all subjects in Year 12, evidenced by data from Assessment Point 1. Students write a letter of application, proposing a broad area of study, after Christmas in Year 12.
Course content: The EPQ is an opportunity for students to produce an extended piece of work of their own choice, with guidance from staff, which is assessed at school and then moderated by the exam board. This could be in the subject area the student wishes to study at university but that is not part of their school curriculum (e.g. Medicine), or simply an area of personal interest unrelated to their other studies. An EPQ is a unique and exciting opportunity for students to manage their own learning. It is worth the same UCAS points as half an A Level. In addition, an increasing number of universities, including King’s College, Southampton, Bath, Leeds, Sheffield, Birmingham and Liverpool, may make a reduced offer to include the EPQ, for example in addition to the published AAB entry requirements offer, they may offer ABB + A in EPQ.
The project can be:
The student keeps a project log and presents the completed project to other students and staff, evaluating the process and responding to a Q&A session with a non-expert audience.
The assessment is as follows: 20% managing project, 20% using secondary resources, 40% developing and realising the essay/artefact, and 20% ‘review, reflect and present’ project.
Some example project titles include:
[Updated 2023/24]
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. (Cambridge University)