Extended Project Qualification (AQA)

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at Level 3 is a stand-alone qualification, equivalent to half an A level in terms of UCAS points. The EPQ is available to anyone in sixth form, and is chosen in September once students have settled into their main options. An EPQ is intended to broaden your study in sixth form, and improve your independent study skills. It is the ideal preparation for University, and can be on any topic at all, as long as there is a suitable research base.

The  project can be an extended essay (5,000 words) or research study, an artefact or model, an  electronic submission (e.g. video, animation, presentation), or a performance – backed up by a research report. As well as the report and/or artefact students must make a presentation at the end of the project, describing the process they went through, and they also complete a production log documenting the decisions made as they go.

As well as providing many essential study skills, student often choose topics which link directly to their future study or career paths, and these have in many cases led to improved or reduced offers for University courses, or allowed students to consider subjects they may not have otherwise been able to specialise in through their A level or vocational courses.