EPQ - What is it and will it help me?
Thinking about taking an EPQ in year 12. I'm going to do Maths, Further Maths and Physics, although I'm not sure what I'd base my research on in those areas. I've heard that some do it unaligned with their subjects. I don't know what the course entails and whether it's worth it. Alternatively, I'd do a Gold Arts Award or EPQ in art because I love art, and I'm quite sad I'm not continuing with it for A Level, but this doesn't really match up with me wanting to go to uni for STEM. If anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
Reply 1
I'm taking same subjects as you and did my EPQ around pedagogy (teaching styles) and maths reading/communication. So it doesn't have to be directly related to your subject. I know other students doing physics have gone into detail on parts of physics that are either briefly covered in your course, or not at all.
The important aspect is what grade you get as if you don't get that A/B it's not really helping out to lower grade requirements for the uni you wish to go to. Do it in whatever you find most interesting, and whatever you are most willing to put a lot of effort into.
The important aspect is what grade you get as if you don't get that A/B it's not really helping out to lower grade requirements for the uni you wish to go to. Do it in whatever you find most interesting, and whatever you are most willing to put a lot of effort into.
Reply 2
Original post
by username7273402Thinking about taking an EPQ in year 12. I'm going to do Maths, Further Maths and Physics, although I'm not sure what I'd base my research on in those areas. I've heard that some do it unaligned with their subjects. I don't know what the course entails and whether it's worth it. Alternatively, I'd do a Gold Arts Award or EPQ in art because I love art, and I'm quite sad I'm not continuing with it for A Level, but this doesn't really match up with me wanting to go to uni for STEM. If anyone has any advice, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks!
Hi there,
I did an EPQ alongside my A Levels in Psychology, Maths and English Literature. I based my EPQ around an area in psychology which I found interesting and it did give me something extra to talk about in my personal statement when applying to universities and gave me additional UCAS points. However, I know some people who picked a topic unrelated to what they wanted to study at university and still found it helpful to demonstrate they could complete independent study and write an essay to a high level.
I would recommend studying an EPQ as it helped prepare me for writing longer essays, referencing and independent research which are useful skills for university. However, if you would enjoy studying the Gold Arts Award more and would be more motivated than the Arts Award may be a better choice for you. Have a look through what is required for both to decide what would be best for you as they are both great options.
I hope this helps.
Eloise
Second Year Psychology Student
Reply 3
Hi there,
The EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is equivalent to an AS Level and is typically completed over one year. It involves either writing a university-style research essay or producing a creative artefact, along with a written report.
Doing an EPQ can be really beneficial, especially if you're planning to apply to university. It helps you develop valuable skills like independent research, academic writing, and referencing. Universities often look favourably on the EPQ, and in some cases, it can even lead to reduced entry requirements. The EPQ is graded in the same way as A-Levels, with outcomes ranging from A* to E, and carries UCAS points accordingly.
You don’t have to base your EPQ on one of your A-Level subjects. Many students choose a topic that reflects a personal interest or future career goal. Since you’re taking Maths, Further Maths, and Physics, you might choose a STEM-related topic, but if you’re passionate about art, there’s no reason you couldn’t explore a project in that area. I’d recommend focusing on the subject you plan to study at university or pursue as a career, as this tends to offer the most long-term benefit.
Alternatively, the Gold Arts Award is another excellent qualification, particularly if you’re interested in the creative arts and want to keep developing that side of your interests. It's assessed on a Pass/Fail basis, and while it does carry UCAS points, the EPQ usually offers more if you do well on it.
If you have the opportunity, doing both could be a great way to keep your options open—I completed both the EPQ and Gold Arts Award alongside 3 A-Levels in Year 12 and found them really rewarding and manageable in terms of workload.
Hope that helps!
Megan (LJMU Rep)
The EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is equivalent to an AS Level and is typically completed over one year. It involves either writing a university-style research essay or producing a creative artefact, along with a written report.
Doing an EPQ can be really beneficial, especially if you're planning to apply to university. It helps you develop valuable skills like independent research, academic writing, and referencing. Universities often look favourably on the EPQ, and in some cases, it can even lead to reduced entry requirements. The EPQ is graded in the same way as A-Levels, with outcomes ranging from A* to E, and carries UCAS points accordingly.
You don’t have to base your EPQ on one of your A-Level subjects. Many students choose a topic that reflects a personal interest or future career goal. Since you’re taking Maths, Further Maths, and Physics, you might choose a STEM-related topic, but if you’re passionate about art, there’s no reason you couldn’t explore a project in that area. I’d recommend focusing on the subject you plan to study at university or pursue as a career, as this tends to offer the most long-term benefit.
Alternatively, the Gold Arts Award is another excellent qualification, particularly if you’re interested in the creative arts and want to keep developing that side of your interests. It's assessed on a Pass/Fail basis, and while it does carry UCAS points, the EPQ usually offers more if you do well on it.
If you have the opportunity, doing both could be a great way to keep your options open—I completed both the EPQ and Gold Arts Award alongside 3 A-Levels in Year 12 and found them really rewarding and manageable in terms of workload.
Hope that helps!
Megan (LJMU Rep)
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