What is the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone qualification that gives sixth-form students the opportunity to carry out an extended piece of independent work on a topic of their choosing. It's increasingly popular in English schools and valued by many universities - but is it the right choice for your child? This guide explains what the EPQ involves, how it's graded, and what universities actually think of it.

What is the EPQ?

The EPQ is a Level 3 qualification, the same level as an A-Level, but equivalent to half an A-Level in terms of size and UCAS tariff points. It's offered by several exam boards, including AQA (the most common), Pearson Edexcel, and OCR.

The qualification requires students to:

1. Choose a topic or question that interests them (it doesn't have to relate to their A-Level subjects)
2. Plan and manage a project over an extended period (typically several months)
3. Carry out research using a range of sources
4. Produce a final product
5. Deliver a presentation about their project
6. Maintain a production log documenting their process throughout

The emphasis is on the process as much as the product. The EPQ is designed to develop independent research, critical thinking, and project management skills - all of which are directly relevant to university-level study.

The four EPQ formats

Students can choose from four types of project:

1. Dissertation

A written report of approximately 5,000 words investigating a question or hypothesis. This is the most common format and is similar in structure to a university essay, with an introduction, methodology, analysis, and conclusion. Examples might include exploring the ethics of genetic engineering, analysing the causes of a historical event, or examining the effectiveness of a particular public health policy.

2. Investigation or field study

A research project involving primary data collection - surveys, experiments, fieldwork, or data analysis. This is accompanied by a written report, though it may be shorter than a dissertation because the data collection itself forms a significant part of the work. A student interested in environmental science might conduct a local biodiversity survey, for instance.

3. Artefact

The creation of a physical or digital product - such as a piece of engineering, a work of art, a computer programme, a short film, or a designed object. This must be accompanied by a written report (typically 1,000–2,000 words) explaining the research, design process, and evaluation.

4. Performance

A live performance - a piece of music, a dramatic performance, a choreographed dance, or similar. Again, this must be accompanied by a written report documenting the research, preparation, and evaluation of the performance.

Regardless of format, all EPQ projects require a substantial research element and a reflective production log.

How is the EPQ assessed?

The EPQ is assessed across four objectives, each carrying equal weight:

• AO1: Manage - identifying, designing, planning, and completing the project, applying organisational skills and strategies to meet stated objectives
• AO2: Use resources - researching, critically selecting, organising, and using information from a range of sources, analysing data where appropriate
• AO3: Develop and realise - selecting and using a range of skills to produce a quality outcome, including the final product and presentation
• AO4: Review - evaluating the outcome and the process, including their own learning and performance

The project is initially assessed by the student's supervisor (a teacher at their school) and then moderated by the exam board. The presentation is assessed by a panel at the school and typically lasts 10–15 minutes plus questions.

Grades follow the A-Level pattern: A*, A, B, C, D, E, with a U (unclassified) for work that doesn't meet the minimum standard.

UCAS tariff points

The EPQ carries the following UCAS tariff points:

• A* - 28 points
• A - 24 points
• B - 20 points
• C - 16 points
• D - 12 points
• E - 8 points

For comparison, an A* at A-Level is worth 56 points, so the EPQ is worth exactly half. These points count towards the UCAS tariff total, which can be important for courses that make tariff-based offers.

How universities view the EPQ

University attitudes to the EPQ vary, but the trend is broadly positive:

• Some universities make reduced offers - a number of Russell Group universities will make an offer one grade lower for applicants with an EPQ. For example, an offer of ABB might become ABC if the student achieves an A in their EPQ. This is not universal - always check individual course requirements.
• Personal statement material - an EPQ on a topic related to the intended degree course provides strong evidence of genuine interest and independent thinking. It gives students something substantive to write and talk about.
• Interview discussion - for courses that interview (medicine, Oxbridge, etc.), an EPQ provides a natural conversation topic and demonstrates intellectual curiosity.
• Preparation for university study - admissions tutors consistently say that the research, referencing, and self-management skills developed through the EPQ are directly relevant to the transition from A-Level to degree-level study.

It's worth noting that for the most competitive courses (medicine, Oxbridge), the EPQ is viewed as a useful supplement but is very unlikely to compensate for lower-than-required A-Level grades. The core A-Level offer still comes first.

When do students do the EPQ?

Most students begin their EPQ in Year 12 and complete it by the end of Year 12 or early in Year 13. This timing has several advantages:

• The EPQ is submitted before A-Level exam preparation intensifies
• The grade is available in time to be included in university applications
• Students can reference their EPQ in their personal statement and at interview

Some schools start the EPQ later, with submission in Year 13. This can work, but there's a risk of it clashing with A-Level revision and coursework deadlines.

Choosing a topic

The topic is entirely the student's choice, which is both the EPQ's greatest strength and its biggest challenge. Good topics tend to be:

• Genuinely interesting to the student - they'll be working on it for months, so real curiosity is essential
• Sufficiently focused - "The history of medicine" is far too broad; "The impact of the 1854 Broad Street cholera outbreak on public health policy in London" is manageable
• Researchable - there need to be accessible sources available. A topic that requires access to restricted archives or specialist equipment may not be practical.
• Related to future study (ideally) - while not a requirement, choosing a topic linked to an intended degree course strengthens the university application

The supervising teacher will help refine the topic during the initial planning phase.

The role of the supervisor

Each EPQ student is assigned a supervisor - a teacher who meets with them regularly to discuss progress, offer guidance, and keep the project on track. The supervisor does not direct the project or contribute to the research; their role is to support the student in managing the process independently.

The quality of supervision can vary between schools. When considering whether your child's school offers the EPQ, it's worth asking how much supervised time is allocated, how often students meet their supervisor, and whether the school has experience of running EPQ projects successfully.

Is the EPQ worth doing?

This depends on the individual student. The EPQ is a strong choice for students who:

• Are self-motivated and comfortable working independently
• Have a genuine interest they want to explore in depth
• Are applying to competitive universities and want to strengthen their application
• Would benefit from the reduced offer that some universities make for EPQ holders
• Are taking three A-Levels rather than four and want to add breadth to their qualifications

It may be less suitable for students who:

• Are already struggling with the workload of three A-Levels
• Find it difficult to work independently without regular deadlines
• Are applying to courses or universities that don't recognise the EPQ

For context on how the EPQ fits alongside other Level 3 qualifications, see our guides to what A-Levels are and the International Baccalaureate.

Key takeaways

• The EPQ is a Level 3 qualification worth half an A-Level, carrying up to 28 UCAS tariff points
• Students choose from four formats: dissertation, investigation, artefact, or performance
• It's assessed on project management, research skills, quality of outcome, and self-evaluation
• Many universities value it highly, and some make reduced grade offers for EPQ holders
• It develops independent research and critical thinking skills that directly prepare students for university
• It works best for self-motivated students who have the capacity alongside their A-Levels