Study Skills

Course summary

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone qualification designed to extend and develop students' skills in independent research and project management. More than 35,000 students completed a Level 3 EPQ in 2015. The EPQ is awarded UCAS points worth half an A Level and is recognised by universities and employers; some leading universities, such as Southampton University and Bristol University, make alternative offers to students undertaking an EPQ. The Extended Project will develop and extend from one or more study areas and/or from an area of personal interest or activity outside of the main programme of study. It will be based on a topic chosen by the student and agreed as appropriate by the Centre. It is the only AS in which students can be awarded an A*. Project supervisors will meet with students weekly to review progress, provide guidance, deliver the taught skills element and facilitate discussion. However, students will not be “taught” on this course and their draft work will not be formally marked – though they will receive guidance on how best to develop their ideas and improve their outcomes. Students can choose any topic of study providing that it is academically rigorous and does not constitute dual accreditation in that it must serve as an extension to the taught curriculum in studied subjects. However, students are free to choose a topic of focus outside of their academic curriculum studies.