What is an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)?
The EPQ is a standalone project that allows students to study a topic of their choice in depth. It is a post-16 qualification that carries the same UCAS points as an AS Level. The EPQ is undertaken in addition to a student’s regular post-16 program of study and helps demonstrate skills such as project management, communication, problem solving and critical thinking. While students can focus their project on any topic, tutors will provide guidance to ensure projects are at an appropriate level for Level 3 study.
Choosing a Topic
Choosing an interesting topic that motivates you is crucial for the success of your EPQ. Some things to consider when deciding on a topic include:
Your interests, hobbies, future career goals or passions. Choosing something you find genuinely interesting will make the long process much more enjoyable.
Originality. Come up with your own question to investigate rather than one that has been extensively researched already. Being original scores higher marks.
Feasibility. Consider if your topic can be reasonably investigated within the timeframe and with resources available. Narrow broad topics to something bite-sized.
Relevance. Choose something with elements that are applicable to your further study or future career to help demonstrate relevance on university/job applications.
Ethics and safety. Topics involving human or animal testing require ethics approval. Topics dealing with substances should not put your safety at risk.
Balance. Juggling a topic that is complex enough to warrant extended investigation but not overly ambitious is important for success.
Planning Your Project
Once you have your topic, effective project planning is vital. Meet regularly with your supervisor to:
Refine your research question – a specific question to investigate rather than just a broad topic area.
Create a timeline with key milestones and deadlines for research, drafting sections, external feedback and final submission.
Define the scope and boundaries of your project – what will and won’t be included.
Consider your methodology – how will you collect and analyze information e.g. interviews, surveys, experiments. Inform your supervisor of any health and safety or ethics requirements.
Draft an outline of project sections – introduction, literature review, methodology, results/findings, conclusion, bibliography.
Identify necessary resources and start your literature search early using credible academic sources. Your supervisor can assist in navigating library databases.
Research, Analysis and Writing Your Project
The bulk of the EPQ workload lies in the research and writing. Here are some tips:
Take thorough notes from all sources with full citations ready for your bibliography.
Synthesize key themes and debates from your reading in your own words in the literature review section.
Analyze critically – discuss strengths and weaknesses of evidence rather than just reporting findings.
For empirical projects, use appropriate methods to collect useful primary data e.g. well-designed surveys or controlled experiments.
Analyze collected data using relevant techniques for your topic such as statistical tests. Present results clearly using charts, graphs or tables.
Draw well-evidenced conclusions by referring back to your research question and findings. Discuss limitations and make recommendations.
Draft, get feedback, and refine your writing multiple times from your supervisor, peers or academic support center before final submission.
Present your findings either through a written dissertation or alternative format such as a video, poster or oral presentation depending on your center’s specific requirements.
Assessment Criteria
EPQ projects are assessed against four main criteria:
Managing – Shows effective planning, time management and use of resources. Risk assessments are included where relevant.
Developing – A well-defined question is addressed through a comprehensive literature review and collection of primary research as necessary.
Analysing – Data/evidence is critically analysed, leading to well-evidenced conclusions/outcomes.
Evaluating – Learning from the process is reflected on and an evaluation of the productivity of methods, resources and outcomes is made including limitations. Project is also coherently presented.
By following an organized, logical approach you can create an Extended Project that demonstrates a high level of skills and independent learning, recognized by universities and future employers alike. With adequate planning and the support of your supervisor, the EPQ provides an exciting opportunity to deeply explore a unique topic of your choice.