Extended Project Qualification
At Copleston, we are pleased to be able to offer the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which can be a valuable addition to university applications as well as a way to engage with research on a particular topic of interest, learning important skills for university or careers.
What is the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)?
The EPQ is an opportunity to independently research a topic of your choice, produce an extended piece of work that presents their findings.
Completion of the EPQ begins directly after autumn half term and Commences at the end of year 12. An EPQ can take the form of:
- An artefact e.g., artwork or a piece of music
- A production e.g., a dance or fashion show
- A 5,000-word essay or report.
Students can also choose to work on a group project – e.g., creating a short film or play
The first two and final option must be accompanied by a 1,000-word written report.
The majority of the marks are awarded for the process demonstrated in students’ production logs, rather than the outcome, so the way in which the student approaches their topic is very important.
Many choose to undertake research in a subject area that they are studying at A level or thinking about pursuing as a degree course. Others choose entirely different topics to follow a particular interest or be able to demonstrate a particular range of skills.
The EPQ is approximately the equivalent of an AS level, but an A* grade can be achieved (28 UCAS points).
Completing the project will allow students to:
- Develop and apply decision making, problem-solving skills, initiative and enterprise
- Enhance your planning, research, critical thinking, analytical, synthesis, evaluation and presentation skills
- Cambridge university found that those taking EPQ achieve better results on average in their A levels than those not doing so
The EPQ will prove invaluable on your CV as:
- You will know one topic in detail for university applications and interviews.
- Universities often look favourably on those with a relevant EPQ, taking it as an indicator of a deep interest in the subject.
- Completion of the EPQ provides a focus for personal statements.
- EPQ’s do not form part of university offers but an A*/A in EPQ may lead to any offer they make being lower.
Every year, Copleston students cover a wide range of inspiring topics, pushing beyond the boundaries of the areas taught at Copleston at A Level. This year is no exception.
Here are some of the previous EPQ topics developed:
- Can I produce an item of clothing that emulates the style of R.Shemiste.
- Is it possible to create a persistent competitive arena game targeted towards children/young adults.
- How does exposure to rural landscapes benefit the wellbeing of university students.
- Exploring the design and creation of small-scale hydrogen combustion jet engine
- Should medication be the only treatment for mental health disorders.
- How has the role of a midwife changed from the 1950's to present day
- Assessing all world cups from the 1990s onwards, how does hosting the FIFA world cup impact the socioeconomic state of the country.
- How does the G20 benefit the UK.
- Explaining the social and technical influences on the architecture of the Dancing House by modelling a replica.
- To what extent is the biological male brain different to the biological female brain and does this have a significant impact on our characteristics.
Selection for the EPQ
Application for the EPQ is open for all students. Students will be accepted based on their applications alongside progress and engagement in all other areas of sixth form studies.
The application window the EPQ opens in October and closes in November.
