EPQ Types

I'm currently in y12 and have been introduced to an EPQ, I am certain on doing one for the reduced offers at certain Universities. I'm dead set on doing Computer Science at University and am currently studying A Level Maths, Computer Science and Business. I'm fairly proficient with Python and Java and am confident in my ability to code with the languages, however my writing skills aren't the best (I got a 5-5 in English GCSE). I am looking for a minimum A in the EPQ as that will be enough to lower the offers.

I was wondering if I should do an Dissertation or Artefact, with an Artefact I could code a game and then document the process of creating it and learning the coding for it. For a Dissertation I could write about How AI will change the world for the better or something cool like that, I'm worried that with my English/Writing skills being very average I might struggle with the Dissertation. On the other hand the Artefact will be less writing and more hands on work which will suit me more as I can already code, but I was worrying that an Artefact EPQ is less valued compared to a Dissertation.

I was also wondering if I did do a Artefact would I be marked more on the quality of the code/project I produce or the documentation of it.

Thanks

Reply 1

TSR Jessica

Sorry you've not had any responses about this. :frown:

Are you sure you've posted in the right place? :smile:

Here's a link to our subject forum which should help get you more responses if you post there. :redface:

Reply 2

mesub

Clearing and Applications Advisor, Universities Forum Helper

Original post by skinfade123

I'm currently in y12 and have been introduced to an EPQ, I am certain on doing one for the reduced offers at certain Universities. I'm dead set on doing Computer Science at University and am currently studying A Level Maths, Computer Science and Business. I'm fairly proficient with Python and Java and am confident in my ability to code with the languages, however my writing skills aren't the best (I got a 5-5 in English GCSE). I am looking for a minimum A in the EPQ as that will be enough to lower the offers.
I was wondering if I should do an Dissertation or Artefact, with an Artefact I could code a game and then document the process of creating it and learning the coding for it. For a Dissertation I could write about How AI will change the world for the better or something cool like that, I'm worried that with my English/Writing skills being very average I might struggle with the Dissertation. On the other hand the Artefact will be less writing and more hands on work which will suit me more as I can already code, but I was worrying that an Artefact EPQ is less valued compared to a Dissertation.
I was also wondering if I did do a Artefact would I be marked more on the quality of the code/project I produce or the documentation of it.
Thanks

Both really, but there will be more emphasis on the documentation (like the CS NEA, as you'll soon find out :') ). Make sure that what you code is influcenced by your research.

Reply 3

Tulipbloom

Original post by skinfade123

I'm currently in y12 and have been introduced to an EPQ, I am certain on doing one for the reduced offers at certain Universities. I'm dead set on doing Computer Science at University and am currently studying A Level Maths, Computer Science and Business. I'm fairly proficient with Python and Java and am confident in my ability to code with the languages, however my writing skills aren't the best (I got a 5-5 in English GCSE). I am looking for a minimum A in the EPQ as that will be enough to lower the offers.
I was wondering if I should do an Dissertation or Artefact, with an Artefact I could code a game and then document the process of creating it and learning the coding for it. For a Dissertation I could write about How AI will change the world for the better or something cool like that, I'm worried that with my English/Writing skills being very average I might struggle with the Dissertation. On the other hand the Artefact will be less writing and more hands on work which will suit me more as I can already code, but I was worrying that an Artefact EPQ is less valued compared to a Dissertation.
I was also wondering if I did do a Artefact would I be marked more on the quality of the code/project I produce or the documentation of it.
Thanks

Nope the Artefact is not less valued compared to a dissertation. I came from a school that made the EPQ mandatory and we have seen at least 10 games coded a year all scoring an A*, with some being near perfect (48-49/50). There is a kind of idea going around that essays are more valued but honestly many just find it easier to roll with an essay. 1) Average writing skills = no problem. You research and can put in ideas from sources you use and do in-text citations. I had about 53 of these. I was a mediocre writer at best and have never written a scientific paper prior to the EPQ but managed to snag a perfect score. It's all very analytical.

2) Since you have to do a presentation at the end, it is easier to present key findings if you did an essay as you essentially just summarizing each essay section. This takes about 8-10 minutes/half of your presentation time.

You will be marked more on the documentation of your projection aka your production log.