Year 12 – 13
Extended Project Qualification
Key Stage: KS5
Exam Board: AQA
Qualification Gained: Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) – equivalent to half an A-Level
28 UCAS points (Equivalent to an AS Level)
Assessment Breakdown:
- A written assignment or artefact on a topic of the student’s choosing
- A formal presentation which demonstrates the student’s learning journey whilst researching, planning and writing their EPQ
- A reflective log documenting the research and learning process
Together, these components assess students’ ability to plan, research, evaluate, communicate, and reflect.
Entry Requirements: There are no formal entry requirements to undertake the EPQ. Students are considered through a holistic assessment after the first set of Year 12 mock examinations, taking into account academic performance, organisation, motivation, and ability to work independently.
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides students with a unique opportunity to pursue an area of personal interest through independent research, enquiry, and academic exploration. Designed to stretch and challenge students beyond the standard curriculum, the EPQ supports intellectual curiosity, independence, and a deeper engagement with learning.
The EPQ is an independent, research-based qualification that enables students to explore a topic of their choice in depth. Equivalent to half an A Level, it is highly valued by universities and employers for the academic rigour and transferable skills it develops. Students take real ownership of their learning, moving beyond subject specifications to investigate questions that genuinely interest them.
Throughout the project, students complete the full research journey, including:
- Selecting and refining a focused project title
- Formulating a clear research question
- Planning and managing their time effectively
- Conducting detailed research and evaluating sources
- Presenting and reflecting on their findings
Assessment for the EPQ is made up of three components:
- Written report or artefact
- Formal presentation
- Reflective log
Together, these enable students to demonstrate not only their subject knowledge, but also their ability to manage a long-term project, communicate ideas clearly and reflect thoughtfully on their learning journey.
The EPQ develops essential skills for university and future careers, including critical thinking, independent research, academic writing, time management and confident communication. It provides strong evidence of intellectual curiosity and sustained independent study, preparing students well for the demands of higher education.
Course Overview
Year 12 + 13
Students are supported through structured skills sessions, including:
- Introduction to the EPQ course
- Developing proposals and titles
- Introduction to Project Management & Planning
- Using SEO and reliable sources
- Effective note taking
- Introduction to Academic Research
- The ethics of research and critical thinking
- Introduction to plagiarism and how to use AI effectively
- Introduction to Academic Writing: Referencing
- Academic Writing: Bibliography and Appendix
- Academic Writing: Discussing your research
- Academic Writing: Implementing academic writing
- Presentation Skills: Body language and Oracy
- Presentation Skills: Peer-assessment presentation practice
- Critical reflection and self-assessment
This ensures the full taught programme is represented clearly and sequentially on the page.
Skills Gained
Through the EPQ, students develop:
- Independent research and enquiry skills
- Critical thinking and source evaluation
- Time management and organisation
- Academic writing and structured argumentation
- Presentation and communication skills
- Reflection and self-evaluation
These skills are transferable across all subjects and future pathways, strengthening university applications and career readiness.
Partnerships & Enrichment
Students are encouraged to access external research institutions and archives, including:
- The London Library
- The National Archives
Potential Careers
The EPQ provides strong evidence of academic independence and motivation for university applications. It enables students to demonstrate resilience, intellectual curiosity and the ability to manage a substantial independent project — key qualities valued in higher education and professional environments.
Many universities recognise the EPQ within admissions offers or value it as clear evidence of advanced research and academic writing skills. It strengthens personal statements and prepares students for undergraduate study, where independent enquiry, critical evaluation and sustained written work are essential.
