A-Level Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Sixth Form Extended Project Qualification
The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) fosters student-led, inspired critical thinking and self-guided learning. It gives students the chance to enrich their academic experience by conducting independent research to explore any topic of their choice, in depth, culminating in an extended piece or writing or the creation of an artifact and a presentation of findings. The EPQ is as invaluable in helping a student stand out in the highly competitive university application process, as it is useful in demonstrating independent study habits.
Why Study EPQ?
Develop more advanced skills than those gained in academic A Levels, including time management, research methods, report writing and presentation.
Gain extra UCAS (university entry) points (EPQ is worth half an A Level) and many Employers and Universities favour EPQ in the selection process with some making lower overall offers or allowing a good pass in the EPQ to compensate for a missed A Level grade.
Choose a topic that explores career options such as Law, Criminology, Veterinarian & Medical to provide excellent content to make personal statements stand out and a good basis for interview discussion, especially for those aiming for Oxford or Cambridge Universities.
Follow a passion or subject interest outside of a rigid A Level specification.
Support available at St Bede’s College
Dedicated weekly teaching time to acquire vital university level skills such as Harvard referencing, structuring academic reports, ethics and research methods.
A visit to be taught how to use Manchester University’s library and membership to access their study spaces and extensive research archives
Mentorship from experienced supervisors from across the College covering all academic areas and some of the most generous supervision ratios in the country.
Research support from our experienced librarian
Course requirements and assessment information
The course requires commitment to carry out independent research and attend both weekly taught sessions to acquire research skills and weekly meetings with an assigned supervisor. The outputs from the course include
a project log reflecting on research methods and skills acquisition
a presentation of research findings to a non specialist audience
a 5,000 word written research report, or
an ‘artefact’ (a creation such as a coded app, a painting or a play) plus a 1,000 word written reflection.
The EPQ is assessed and marked internally and moderated externally. The marks are awarded as follows:
20% AO1 – Planning, Project and Time Management, working with a supervisor
20% AO2 – Research – the quality and breadth of research undertaken
40% AO3 – Analysis and Evaluation – the delivery and quality of the submission
20% AO4 – Critical Reflection of personal learning and growth
Examples of research projects studied at St Bede’s recently:
Evaluate whether the current state of the UK education system prevents poorer students from escaping poverty
‘How effective music is in improving the motor impairments of patients with Parkinson’s disease?’
Is there a possibility for Organic Photovoltaics to match or replace Silicon Variants?
“To what extent can patient DNA analysis replace the GP?”
How long will ornithological wing features remain relevant in civil and military aircraft?
‘How significantly is the work of Wes Anderson influenced by the French New Wave?’