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If you’re the parent of a child in Sixth Form or College, you may have heard talk of the EPQ. But what is an EPQ, and why should your child consider doing one?
In short, the EPQ is an independent project that allows students to plan and conduct research on a topic of their choice. It is generally taken in Year 12 or Year 13, alongside other A Levels, and provides students with the opportunity to develop crucial skills applicable to university and beyond.
In this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know about the EPQ so you can best support your child if they’re considering taking one.
What is an EPQ?
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a Level 3 standalone qualification that your child can take alongside their A Level, BTEC, or T Level courses. It is worth up to 28 UCAS points, which is equivalent to half an A Level. The EPQ offers students the chance to explore a topic that interests them and to plan, conduct, and deliver an independent project.
What does an EPQ involve?
So, what does the EPQ actually involve? Here’s a brief outline of the key stages:
1. Choose a topic
Students must decide on their chosen topic. Topic areas are generally selected by the end of Year 12, with the help of an assigned supervisor. This will allow them to get a head start on research over the summer, if they wish.
The topic of choice can be on pretty much anything, from an investigation into the ethical issues surrounding the use of stem cells, to the design and production of bespoke kitchen cabinets! The only condition is that their chosen topic is not directly covered by their other A Level courses.
2. Choose a project type
Students must decide on the form their project will take. This could be a piece of writing, such as a report or dissertation, typically around 5,000 words. Alternatively, they may opt for a practical project, with the final piece taking the form of a design, artefact or performance, alongside a short 1,000-word report.
This enables them to play to their strengths and do something they enjoy. If your child is a budding fashion designer, perhaps they may choose to design and create a sustainable handbag. If science is more their thing, they may prefer to conduct a field experiment and to analyse, write-up, and evaluate their results.
3. Complete a production log
No matter what form your child’s project takes, they’ll need to complete a production log. This is similar to a diary that details the entirety of their EPQ journey, from their initial project ideas to their subsequent project proposal, as well as continuous self-reflection and evaluation of their project.
4. Presentation
The final component of the EPQ is a short ten-minute presentation about their project to a small group of non-specialists (often a teacher and a few classmates). This is generally followed by a five- to ten-minute question and answer session.
Overall, students are expected to spend around 120 hours on their EPQ. It’s a lot of work, but they’ll receive lots of support and guidance along the way from their assigned supervisor.
How is the EPQ assessed?
The EPQ is marked internally by teaching staff but moderated externally by the examination board. Although marking schemes will vary across exam boards, students are typically assessed against four main objectives:
- Project planning and time management skills
- Using resources, research skills, and data analysis
- Developing an idea and achieving planned outcomes
- Self-evaluation and presentation skills
What key skills does the EPQ develop?
Taking the EPQ will provide your child with the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills, applicable to both higher education and the workplace. According to AQA, the EPQ enables students to:
- Become more critical, reflective, and independent learners
- Develop and apply decision-making and problem-solving skills
- Increase their planning, research, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and presentation skills
- Develop creativity, initiative, and enterprise
What are the benefits of doing an EPQ?
In addition to the development of key transferable skills, doing an EPQ offers a range of benefits.
1. Preparation for university
The EPQ is excellent preparation for the more self-directed learning expected of students at university. They’ll have to be highly self-motivated, organised, and good at managing their time − all skills that the EPQ helps to develop. Unlike a traditional A Level, the lack of a set syllabus and directed timetable will require them to become more independent and take initiative.
2. Reduced entry requirements
Universities recognise the benefits of doing the EPQ and, depending on the university and course your child is applying to, applicants who take the EPQ may be offered lower entry requirements. For example, the standard offer for a course may be ABB, but if your child takes the EPQ, some universities may give a second offer of BBB plus an A in the EPQ.
3. UCAS application
If your child is applying to a highly competitive university with low admission rates, it’s likely that many other applicants will have similar predicted grades to them. Taking the EPQ will help their UCAS application stand out and will give them a lot to talk about in their personal statement and interview.
If they undertake an EPQ relevant to their chosen course, it demonstrates commitment to their subject and shows admission tutors that their interest goes beyond the A Level curriculum. Even if their EPQ topic isn’t directly related to the course they’re applying for, it will still provide clear evidence that they have the critical thinking and independent research skills that universities are looking for.
These benefits also extend to apprenticeship and job applications!
4. Rewarding experience
Academic benefits aside, completing the EPQ can be a truly rewarding experience. It can provide an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a topic or project they truly enjoy. You never know, your child might just discover a real passion that they want to pursue beyond school.
The EPQ is an exciting opportunity for students to explore their interests, develop transferable skills, and stand out to universities and prospective employers.
Navigating the EPQ can be a daunting, but rewarding experience. We hope that this guide has given you a better understanding of the ins and outs of the EPQ process, so that you can offer informed guidance and support to your child.
FAQs
What qualification is an EPQ?
An EPQ is a Level 3 qualification equivalent to half an A Level.
How many UCAS points is an EPQ worth?
An EPQ carries up to 28 UCAS points, depending on the grade your child achieves:
- A* is worth 28 UCAS points
- A is worth 24 UCAS points
- B is worth 20 UCAS points
- C is worth 16 UCAS points
- D is worth 12 UCAS points
- E is worth 8 UCAS points
How many words is an EPQ?
The length of an EPQ varies depending on the type of project undertaken. If your child opts for a written report or investigation, it should be around 5,000 words in length. If they choose to do a practical project, their final design, artefact or performance must be accompanied by a shorter 1,000 word written report. In both cases, the written component must be sufficiently detailed to demonstrate the research, planning, and reflection undertaken throughout the project.
How long does an EPQ take?
Completing an EPQ typically takes around 120 hours of work, spread over six to nine months. This duration covers all aspects of the project, including research, planning, execution, and presentation. Students usually start their EPQ in Year 12 or the beginning of Year 13, allowing them to balance it alongside their other A Level studies. The time commitment varies depending on the project’s complexity and the student’s pace.
Who marks the EPQ?
The EPQ is marked initially by the student’s assigned supervisor or a teacher at their school or college. After the internal assessment, the marks are submitted to an external examination board for moderation. This ensures consistency and fairness across all EPQ submissions by making adjustments if necessary.
When are EPQ results released?
EPQ results are typically released in August, coinciding with A Level results day. However, since the EPQ is initially assessed by the student’s supervisor or teacher, your child may have a good idea of their mark before the official results are published.
How many students take the EPQ?
In 2023, around 38,500 students took the EPQ. This number is expected to grow steadily as more students recognise the value of the EPQ in enhancing their university applications and developing key academic and research skills.
Is it easy to get an A or A* in the EPQ?
Achieving an A or A* in the EPQ is not easy and requires a significant amount of hard work and dedication. According to AQA, in June 2023 around 18% of students achieved an A* and 43% achieved an A in the EPQ. With the right commitment and approach to the project, achieving a high grade is certainly possible!
Which universities like the EPQ?
Nearly all universities will recognise the EPQ as a valuable experience that develops critical research, planning, and presentation skills. While some universities may offer dual entry offers or reduced entry requirements for students who have completed an EPQ, this is not universal. For detailed information, it’s best to check the specific guidance on university websites or contact their admissions staff directly. Even if a university doesn’t offer dual entry options, they will still acknowledge the dedication and skills demonstrated by completing an EPQ.
How do you register for an EPQ?
To apply for an EPQ, check if your child’s Sixth Form or College offers the qualification. If they do, your child can register through their school and will be assigned a supervisor to support them throughout the project.
If their current institution doesn’t offer the EPQ, your child may be able to enrol at another school or college approved by the EPQ exam board. It is important to note that there may be a registration fee and additional charges for the support the new institution provides.
Can you take the EPQ if you’re studying four A Levels?
Whether or not your child can take the EPQ alongside four other A Levels will depend on their school or college. It certainly can be done, but it’s important that your child recognises the sheer amount of work that will be involved. Sitting four A Levels is already more than enough to get into a good university, so they shouldn’t feel pressured to take on the EPQ as well.
If your child is adamant on pursuing the EPQ, it’s always worth discussing it with their school. You could also enquire as to whether any adjustments could be made, with regard to timetables and deadlines, in order to make their workload more manageable.
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