should I do an EPQ

4

i want to do psychology at university and ive been wondering if i HAVE to do an epq. im considering doing it regardless, but just incase i change my mind is it mandatory? i know if you get a distinction its worth half an alevel of ucas points but im worried that it’ll be a waste if i dont get that distinction.

Reply 1

UoL Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by waterysoupp

i want to do psychology at university and ive been wondering if i HAVE to do an epq. im considering doing it regardless, but just incase i change my mind is it mandatory? i know if you get a distinction its worth half an alevel of ucas points but im worried that it’ll be a waste if i dont get that distinction.

Hello,

An EPQ is not compulsory but I would highly recommend doing an EPQ as it really helps set you up for University and allows you to put your research methods knowledge to practical use.

I for instance did my EPQ on Leadership Psychology.

If you have any further questions please do let me know.

Charlie
Law LLB Student

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

18

Original post

by waterysoupp

i want to do psychology at university and ive been wondering if i HAVE to do an epq. im considering doing it regardless, but just incase i change my mind is it mandatory? i know if you get a distinction its worth half an alevel of ucas points but im worried that it’ll be a waste if i dont get that distinction.

Hi @waterysoupp

You could have a look on the websites for the universities that you are interested in to see whether they consider EPQs. Some universities may give a lower entry requirement if you meet a certain grade in your EPQ.

I completed an EPQ and found that it gave me lots of study skills which have helped me at university. For example, I learnt how to reference whilst writing the essay part of it. It would also a good opportunity to independently research something that I was interested in.

Hope that helps!

Sophie.
BCU Student Rep.

Reply 3

Ella Val

5

Original post

by waterysoupp

i want to do psychology at university and ive been wondering if i HAVE to do an epq. im considering doing it regardless, but just incase i change my mind is it mandatory? i know if you get a distinction its worth half an alevel of ucas points but im worried that it’ll be a waste if i dont get that distinction.

Hi,

I am a Year 13 who has just submitted their EPQ for the January deadline and I am on track to getting an A. I also take A-Level psychology and I'm planning to study study it at Uni. I'm guessing you're in Year 12/first year of A-Levels? Firstly, you definitely DO NOT have to do an EPQ to get into Uni! There are lots of people who choose not to take one or aren't able to and they are still able to get into Uni just fine without it :smile:

If you are in Year 12 you still have time to decide whether you want to take one or not. If you are unsure you could look at universities that you might be interested in going to because that will probably be the best way to decide to take one or not. If you want to go to a Uni that offers UCAS points it can be helpful. Or places like Uni of Southampton and Uni of Sheffield think there is a value in taking an EPQ and they both offered me lower grades with my EPQ.

Southampton- ABB with an A in my EPQ
Sheffield- ABB with a B in my EPQ

However, if you are looking to study psychology at Uni of Nottingham or Bristol they won't offer you anything less just because you do an EPQ. So, before deciding take a look at the kind of Unis you might actually want to go to and then decide if you want to.

Another few pointers about the EPQ is that it is a lot of work and I found a lot of people dropped it as they weren't able to complete it. It was mostly people who took A-Levels where there was a lot of coursework was involved like English or Geography or subjects like maths where it is so difficult that people would rather focus on their actual grades. Another thing to consider is that grades will count more than the EPQ and that is a main area to focus on.

From experience my EPQ did take a lot of my effort as it required me to research sources (credible ones), form an argument and write the actual dissertation, evaluate the process, a literature review of my sources and an activity log of every step and what I did in each block of time I spent on my EPQ. Personally, I think it was worth it as it took some pressure off my exams but it honestly depends. I would do some more research before deciding. Hope all that was useful :smile:

Reply 4

Autumn223

13

Original post

by waterysoupp

i want to do psychology at university and ive been wondering if i HAVE to do an epq. im considering doing it regardless, but just incase i change my mind is it mandatory? i know if you get a distinction its worth half an alevel of ucas points but im worried that it’ll be a waste if i dont get that distinction.

I did a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, and am currently on an MSc course for Forensic Psychology, I did an EPQ, it didn’t get me my place in Uni, I would have got in regardless. But I would still recommend it, it gives you a really good idea what writing essays will be like at University, it allows you to think critically and gather lots of evidence which is required in Psychology degrees.
Its something you can choose what to do too, you get freedom with it, so why not do it?

should I do an EPQ

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated