Study Skills

Course summary

EPQ stands for extended project qualification. It is an optional qualification which we offer during the late spring term of year 12. The qualification takes approximately 9 months to complete. We follow the AQA specification for the extended project qualification. The project is marked holistically, taking into account four assessment objectives. Evidence comes from the final report, a presentation and logbook. Both the artefact and extended report options require you to present your project to your peers and EPQ staff at the end of your EPQ journey which contributes to your final mark. Students are also expected to reflect and document their progress during their project by completing a logbook. The EPQ requires a large commitment of time during A level study. Independent work comprises approximately 120 hours of study in student’s own time; therefore, students need to be dedicated to the course. An EPQ is equivalent to half an A level, and is worth more than an AS. With an EPQ you are able to achieve an A* grade, unlike with an AS level, so it can be worth more UCAS points. These may be taken into account by universities when they make students an offer. Universities see an EPQ as a desirable qualification as the skills developed during the course put students in an excellent position for further study. Students will learn how to write a bibliography, how to find and reference journal articles, evaluate research sources and manage their time effectively; all essential skills for undergraduate study. There are no entry requirements for the EPQ but students must have an excellent standard of reading and writing.