Can I do an EPQ at home?

So I’m in year 12 currently but I decided not to do an EPQ because I didn’t feel I would be able to handle it alongside my a levels. However, I’ve since changed my mind as I’m managing pretty well and I also have specific topics I’m super interested in which coincide with my interests.
I’m not sure that my school would allow me to do an EPQ in year 13, but I really want to do one. Is there any way that I could do one outside of school that isn’t thousands of pounds? I don’t mind paying for it but tbh my parents can’t spend a lot on it sadly.

Reply 1

hicweondksc

11

Original post by liliiiuuah

So I’m in year 12 currently but I decided not to do an EPQ because I didn’t feel I would be able to handle it alongside my a levels. However, I’ve since changed my mind as I’m managing pretty well and I also have specific topics I’m super interested in which coincide with my interests.
I’m not sure that my school would allow me to do an EPQ in year 13, but I really want to do one. Is there any way that I could do one outside of school that isn’t thousands of pounds? I don’t mind paying for it but tbh my parents can’t spend a lot on it sadly.

Try contacting the different exam boards on how to do an EPQ as a private candidate. OCR don't allow you to do an EPQ privately but other exam boards might. The cost is no where near thousands, it's probably around £50.

Reply 2

liliiiuuah

OP

9

Original post by hicweondksc

Try contacting the different exam boards on how to do an EPQ as a private candidate. OCR don't allow you to do an EPQ privately but other exam boards might. The cost is no where near thousands, it's probably around £50.

I’m seeing that I can do it on the university of bath website ? When I attended one EPQ class at my school they were also doing it on there, so if I bought the course which is like £60 - could I do it through that?

Reply 3

IMR!

3

Original post by liliiiuuah

So I’m in year 12 currently but I decided not to do an EPQ because I didn’t feel I would be able to handle it alongside my a levels. However, I’ve since changed my mind as I’m managing pretty well and I also have specific topics I’m super interested in which coincide with my interests.
I’m not sure that my school would allow me to do an EPQ in year 13, but I really want to do one. Is there any way that I could do one outside of school that isn’t thousands of pounds? I don’t mind paying for it but tbh my parents can’t spend a lot on it sadly.

I myself am doing the EPQ, and changed my topic a couple of weeks ago - effectively starting again, and I was just told that I'll need to work to catch up over the summer. While starting an EPQ in Year 13 is not common, it's easily manageable.

If you are doing well in your A-levels, your college might let you take the EPQ in Year 13. However, the average cost to take it privately is £50-60 apparently (Google). I would advise getting ahead by researching over the summer, which will set you in good stead before next year.

I know for sure AQA do not take private candidates (page 14 of their specification)
https://filestore.aqa.org.uk/subjects/AQA-W-7993-SP-19.PDF

Your best bet is to speak with your tutor. There may be grants you can apply for, but I can’t see how you could do it independently as you need a supervisor who teaches you skills and provides feedback at several different stages of the project.

Regardless though, any research you do will be good for your personal statement, so explore your interests anyway.

Best wishes

Reply 4

hicweondksc

11

Original post by liliiiuuah

I’m seeing that I can do it on the university of bath website ? When I attended one EPQ class at my school they were also doing it on there, so if I bought the course which is like £60 - could I do it through that?

That will teach you how to do an EPQ but you will need to register with an exam board to get marked and get the official qualification.

Reply 5

McGinger

20

You cannot do an EPQ without supervision and mentoring by a teacher - thats the whole point of the course.

Reply 6

McGinger

20

Original post by liliiiuuah

I’m seeing that I can do it on the university of bath website ? When I attended one EPQ class at my school they were also doing it on there, so if I bought the course which is like £60 - could I do it through that?

Bath does NOT offer EPQs - it just runs an online Mooc about doing an EPQ.

Reply 7

Adam_jar

7

Original post by liliiiuuah

So I’m in year 12 currently but I decided not to do an EPQ because I didn’t feel I would be able to handle it alongside my a levels. However, I’ve since changed my mind as I’m managing pretty well and I also have specific topics I’m super interested in which coincide with my interests.
I’m not sure that my school would allow me to do an EPQ in year 13, but I really want to do one. Is there any way that I could do one outside of school that isn’t thousands of pounds? I don’t mind paying for it but tbh my parents can’t spend a lot on it sadly.

That's awesome you're considering an EPQ now. If your school doesn't offer it in Year 13, you might want to check out local colleges or even online platforms that provide EPQ support. Some universities also have outreach programs for high school students that could include EPQ guidance.

Reply 8

McGinger

20

Original post by Adam_jar

That's awesome you're considering an EPQ now. If your school doesn't offer it in Year 13, you might want to check out local colleges or even online platforms that provide EPQ support. Some universities also have outreach programs for high school students that could include EPQ guidance.

No University provides facilities for taking an EPQ.
We have better things to do.

Can I do an EPQ at home?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you