The EPQ is an independent research project which involves an essay of 5000 words or creating an artefact which might be anything from a piece of art or performance to an app. You can study any subject topic you wish but it's a good idea to choose a topic that you're interested in, or want to know more about. You'll hone the skills needed to become an independent learner, helping you prepare for the demands of further education or employment.
Overview
The intention of EPQ is to equip students with the necessary skills to become independent, critically minded and reflective learners. EPQ will support students across their Level 3 programmes of study by providing the skills to become independent learners; especially with regard to those courses with a strong coursework element. Furthermore, the experience of conducting independent research will help students bridge the gap as they progress from College to University, Apprenticeship or the workplace.
You will become independent in your approach to learning, self-motivated and develop a confidence in your ability to succeed. Holistically, an EPQ will help you develop a sense of curiosity and enrichment for a subject that will help create greater aspiration for higher education and/or career development.
The intention of EPQ is to equip students with the necessary skills to become independent, critically minded and reflective learners. EPQ will support students across their Level 3 programmes of study by providing the skills to become independent learners; especially with regard to those courses with a strong coursework element. Furthermore, the experience of conducting independent research will help students bridge the gap as they progress from College to University, Apprenticeship or the workplace.
You will become independent in your approach to learning, self-motivated and develop a confidence in your ability to succeed. Holistically, an EPQ will help you develop a sense of curiosity and enrichment for a subject that will help create greater aspiration for higher education and/or career development.
Example projects
To give you an idea of the breadth of this qualification, this a selection of projects worked on by our students in a variety of subject areas:
- Biology – An investigation into the impact of climate change on bird migration patterns.
- Physics – An investigation into the physics behind the formation and behaviour of lightning.
- Chemistry – An investigation into the use of chemistry in developing new methods for food production and agriculture.
- Maths – An investigation into the role of probability theory in finance and investment.
- History – An investigation into the reasons why the USA lost the Vietnam War.
- Geography – What is the impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem?
- English Literature – An investigation into the representation of gender and sexuality in contemporary British literature.
- Economics – Does illegal immigration help or hinder the economy in the USA?
- Engineering – AI tools will one day replace engineers - to what extent do you agree?
- Politics – An investigation into the impact of social media on UK elections.
- Law – An investigation into the impact of animal rights law on animal welfare and protection.
- Computer Science – An investigation into the potential of virtual and augmented reality technology.
To give you an idea of the breadth of this qualification, this a selection of projects worked on by our students in a variety of subject areas:
- Biology – An investigation into the impact of climate change on bird migration patterns.
- Physics – An investigation into the physics behind the formation and behaviour of lightning.
- Chemistry – An investigation into the use of chemistry in developing new methods for food production and agriculture.
- Maths – An investigation into the role of probability theory in finance and investment.
- History – An investigation into the reasons why the USA lost the Vietnam War.
- Geography – What is the impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem?
- English Literature – An investigation into the representation of gender and sexuality in contemporary British literature.
- Economics – Does illegal immigration help or hinder the economy in the USA?
- Engineering – AI tools will one day replace engineers - to what extent do you agree?
- Politics – An investigation into the impact of social media on UK elections.
- Law – An investigation into the impact of animal rights law on animal welfare and protection.
- Computer Science – An investigation into the potential of virtual and augmented reality technology.
Methods of Teaching and Learning
We will tell you all about the EPQ in Year 12 so that you can decide whether to pursue this option.
EPQ study starts in the summer term of Year 12, and in Year 13 you'll get a weekly EPQ lesson with a tutor to help you plan your project. In lessons and in your EPQ Teams group, you'll be encouraged to collaborate and problem solve.
We will tell you all about the EPQ in Year 12 so that you can decide whether to pursue this option.
EPQ study starts in the summer term of Year 12, and in Year 13 you'll get a weekly EPQ lesson with a tutor to help you plan your project. In lessons and in your EPQ Teams group, you'll be encouraged to collaborate and problem solve.
Method of Assessment
The exam board is AQA.
The assessment objectives are; Project Management, Use of Resources, Development and Realisation, and Review.
Students submit their completed essay and a production log (a record of their research journey). All students also give a formal presentation on their findings to their peers.
The exam board is AQA.
The assessment objectives are; Project Management, Use of Resources, Development and Realisation, and Review.
Students submit their completed essay and a production log (a record of their research journey). All students also give a formal presentation on their findings to their peers.
Where can this course lead?
Apply for this course
Find out how to apply for (EPQ) Extended Project Qualification (apply in Year 12).
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