Study Skills

Course summary

Ever wished you could set your own research question and focus on what you think is great? The EPQ allows you to do exactly that as it is an accredited course, worth up to 28 UCAS points that is highly valued by many universities. It is an extended exercise using in-depth research and analysis based around a topic of your choosing. The project has a large focus on independent learning and will result in you producing either a dissertation or an artefact (e.g. piece of art, computer game or realized design). Students are allocated a supervisor who oversees the project and meets with you for one hour a week. The project is graded A*-U. Any topic can be chosen as the focus of the project as long as it does not repeat any aspect of A Level subject syllabi. You can choose a subject that relates to a university course or career path you are interested in, and acquire useful knowledge that could help in interview and applications later down the line. As well as you gaining very useful HE study skills, some universities (eg. Bath, Southampton, Lancaster, Liverpool etc) give an alternative offer which is one A Level grade lower plus a grade A in the EPQ, for example the offer would be A*AA or AAA plus A in the EPQ. You will produce your own project based upon research, critical thinking and hone your skills in time management, essay writing or creating your own artefact.