The AQA Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a unique opportunity for students to step outside the standard curriculum and take full control of their learning. It is highly valued by universities for developing the independent research skills required for higher education.
The primary aim of the EPQ is to transform students into independent, reflective, and critical thinkers. By moving away from the traditional teacher-led classroom, the course empowers students to:
- Explore a Passion: Investigate a topic that falls outside their A-level specifications.
- Bridge the Gap: Develop the “soft skills”—such as project management, time management, and decision-making—that are essential for university and the workplace.
- Demonstrate Initiative: Showcase their ability to design, research, and complete a complex project from scratch.
The EPQ is not a traditional “taught” subject. Instead, students work with a supervisor who provides guidance while the student drives the project forward. The course is divided into four key stages:
1. The Project Proposal
Students select a topic and define a specific research question. This can take one of two forms:
- A Dissertation: A 5,000-word formal research report.
- An Artefact: The creation of a physical object, event, or digital product (e.g., a short film, a piece of code, or a charity event) accompanied by a 1,000-word report.
2. The Production Log
This is a “working diary” of the entire process. AQA places a high value on how a student overcomes challenges and manages their time, rather than just the final result.
3. Research and Realisation
Students conduct extensive primary and secondary research, evaluating the reliability of their sources and synthesizing information to form a coherent argument or product.
4. The Presentation
To conclude the project, students deliver a 10–15 minute presentation to a non-specialist audience, reflecting on their findings and the lessons learned throughout the process.
The EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points (equivalent to half an A-level) and is marked based on four criteria:
| Objective | Focus | Weighting |
| AO1: Manage | Planning, project management, and timekeeping. | 20% |
| AO2: Use Resources | Research skills, data collection, and source evaluation. | 20% |
| AO3: Develop & Realise | The quality of the final dissertation or artefact. | 40% |
| AO4: Review | Critical self-reflection and the final presentation. | 20% |
It allows students to stand out in their UCAS personal statements, often leading to reduced grade offers from top-tier universities.
Who to contact if you want further information
Miss K Green – k.green1@abbotbeyneschool.co.uk
and/or
Mr L Pollitt – l.pollitt@abbotbeyneschool.co.uk