Study Skills

Course summary

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a free-standing qualification that involves choosing a topic and carrying out some in-depth research into that particular area, then producing a design or performance or report or artifact or dissertation. There is a written component, as a guide a dissertation should be approximately 5,000 words, for all other outcomes the recommendation is 1,500- 2,500 words. After that, you must deliver a small presentation to a group about your topic, lasting from 10 - 15 mins. WHY SHOULD I DO IT? The EPQ allows students to extend their abilities beyond the A-level syllabus and prepare for university or their future careers. The EPQ is about half the size of an A level and gives you the same UCAS points as an AS level (20 for grade E, up to 70 for a grade A*). Many universities welcome the EPQ as evidence of your ability to undertake extensive independent work and so some universities may give you complete the EPQ. "Nearly 1 in 5 successful applicants to Durham had completed the EPQ" - The Sunday Times 16 Feb 2014 It allows you to develop your personal interests on a topic you feel genuinely passionate about. Plus, it helps when applying for university as you are set apart from all the other candidates. It demonstrates your commitment to a subject and allows you to develop the independent research skills needed for undergraduate study. WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP? This course develops your skills in research and analyzing data. It therefore gives a good grounding to pursue any degree course at a university.