Level 3

Extended Project

Edexcel

What is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)?

An A level standard qualification (worth up to 28 UCAS points) awarded to those who demonstrate the following skills:

  • Planning and Project Management skills
  • Research and referencing skills
  • Developing a question or an idea in order to produce a response
  • Reviewing and reflecting on the outcome

Benefits of undertaking an EPQ

  • The Russell Group of Universities value the skills gained
  • Reduced/alternative offers from a number of university courses
  • Worth up to 28 UCAS points (half of a full A level)
  • Builds planning, management and presentation skills valued by employers

Course Content

What can be researched and produced?

Students can choose to do one of the following:

  • A dissertation: for example, a study of the advantages and disadvantages of a particular medical treatment or solution to an ethical/political issue
  • An investigation: for example, a hypothesis that uses statistical analysis to investigate the correlation between particular causes and effects
  • A performance or event: for example, research into how to create a dramatic performance or a music event or a charity fundraiser or a sport skills training programme
  • An artefact: for example, research into how to create a robot or a Victorian dress or a business website or a racing bike or a makeup prosthetic

Methods of Teaching

All students are offered the opportunity to undertake an Extended Project.

  • 2 hours per week timetabled with supervisor
  • From mid/late 1st year to early/mid 2nd year
  • One to one advice
  • Subject specialist workshops available
  • EPQ skills workshops available
  • Southampton University visits and support