Basically, the AQA Bacc is an optional addition to your A levels. You can pick any topic that inspires you and do a timed project on it. Yes, it will definately improve your chances of getting a place at university. For example, my friend was about to get turned down at Oxford as they had another applicant who had the same grades. Upon mentioning that she did the AQA Bacc and got an A, they accepted her straight away, no joke! So it is definately, without a doubt a valued addition to your UCAS application. I have also heard that it is equivalent to half an A level (which is an A/S level), therefore if you get an A, that means you got another extra 60 UCAS points, for doing something you absolutely enjoy (researching and making a project on almost anything!!)...... Hope that helps and untangles your confusion, Good Luck :-)