What is an EPQ and why might you want to do one?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a level 3 (A-level standard) qualification offered by AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC.

It's the equivalent of half an A-level.

It involves researching a chosen topic and then creating either a 5,000 word report or an 'artefact' with a 1,000 word report. But...this final product is not the only thing you'll be marked on.

You'll also need to submit evidence of all the planning you've done - and this is a part of the EPQ that attracts a lot of marks. Finally, you'll deliver a 10-15 minute presentation to a group of non-specialists about your topic.

For a start, you'll probably find it interesting. The EPQ allows you to focus on a topic you care about and dig deeper into it.

You'll end up with another qualification, of course (more on that below) but many people find there's more to it than that. The skills you'll develop – project planning, decision making, record keeping, evaluation and presenting – can be hugely helpful in most jobs and uni courses.

Plus, it helps your uni application. You'll be able to demonstrate commitment to a subject, as well as showing how you have developed the independent research skills needed for undergraduate study.

Another (big) reason why people consider taking an EPQ is because you can sometimes get a lower offer for getting into university.

Some universities will make a 'dual offer' for those doing the EPQ. This generally takes the form of 'if you get at least an A in your EPQ, your entry requirements are one grade lower'.

Clinical courses aren't normally included - so it's not a way to get a lower offer to study medicine or dentistry (although an EPQ could still help your application more generally). The policy will vary by university, so check each one's website to find out more. Here are a couple of examples.

The EPQ follows standard A-level grading: the top grade is A*, the lowest is E.

If you don't get at least an E, you won't be awarded with the qualification.

Since the EPQ is worth half an A-level, each grade is worth an equivalent amount of Ucas points. 

It can be on anything you want (within reason). In fact, you'll want to make sure your topic is not something that's already covered thoroughly in your A-level specifications. This needs to be a piece of work that is unique from your other studies.

Choose something that intrigues you or a theme that is shared in more than one of your subjects – but don't duplicate what you've done at A-level.

Start thinking about your passions, environment and organisations you're involved in – maybe you have strong views about human rights or animal welfare?

You might want to look ahead at the university course/s you're planning to take – perhaps you can find a relevant topic from that course content.

You'll need to do in-depth research and gather contrasting views on the subject to show your analysis and evaluation skills.

The final product of an EPQ can vary from a formal academic dissertation to a recording of a song.

Here are some examples of work from previous students:

• a dissertation that analyses an academic debate or issue
• a report of your own primary research
• a short story or (very short) book
• a performance (dance or drama)
• a website or program
• a piece of art
• a short film or media clip
• a model or something you've made

You'll also need to keep records of how you approached the project – this will include problems you experienced and how you overcame them as well as how you planned the project and managed your time.

And at the end you'll need to give a presentation about your project to a small audience.

The exam boards all differ on how EPQs should be presented, so check the specification or ask your teacher.

As a general guideline, you're expected to spend around 120 hours on your EPQ – many students start working on their EPQ during the summer of year 12.

If you decide to do an EPQ, you'll find our EPQ discussion forum helpful as well as this guide on getting started.