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 1^st year to early/mid 2^nd year
• One to one advice
• Subject specialist workshops available
• EPQ skills workshops available
• Southampton University visits and support