Extended Project Qualification
AS AQA 7993
This option will be offered again at the end of Year 12 for those who want to take the qualification in Year 13 instead
AS AQA 7993
This option will be offered again at the end of Year 12 for those who want to take the qualification in Year 13 instead
It provides an opportunity for students to extend their abilities beyond the A Level syllabus, stand out and prepare for university or their future career. Students perform individual research and write a 5,000 word essay on a topic which interests them; often a topic related to your proposed course of study at university, or produce an artefact accompanied by a 3000 word report.
Students with combinations of subjects including large coursework elements should consider this option in Year 12 instead of Year 13.
Some universities include the EPQ in their grade requirements by giving a reduced grade offer if students perform well in the EPQ.
“We welcome the introduction of the Extended Project and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school/college to higher education.” University of Bristol.
"The skills that students develop through the Extended Project are excellent preparation for university-level study." University of Manchester
"Working on an EPQ encourages students to develop research and academic skills relevant to undergraduate study. Therefore, we would recommend anyone completing an EPQ to draw on these skills when writing your UCAS personal statement." Oxford University
Topics covered this year include:
There are no additional costs
Students choose a topic to investigate, complete a production log to document the project process, plan, research and carry out their project and prepare and present a 10 minute talk on their findings followed by a 10 minute question and answer session. Throughout the process, students are supported by a supervisor. There are taught skills lessons on planning, project management, research methods, and academic writing and referencing.
The completed project is internally marked and externally moderated.
You can take this in Year 12 as your Extension Study option and you will then have developed skills you can mention in university applications. You will also have your grade before you apply to university or for employment opportunities. However, if you take it in Year 13 you will have developed more maturity and sophistication in your writing and study habits and you can take a different Extension Study in Year 12.
2 taught hours per week in addition to a minimum of 2 hours private study time.