EPQ

Why study for an EPQ?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offers the opportunity to extend your love of learning even further with the chance to study an area of your choice, beyond the scope of your A-Levels. It allows you to prepare yourself for university or your future career, as well as gaining up to a possible 28 UCAS points (A*). It is a Level 3 qualification and constitutes half an A-Level.

What is involved in studying for an EPQ?

Students can tailor their EPQ project to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations, with the agreement of the School. The outcome of the project can be a design, performance, report, dissertation or artefact. HCS students have completed a wide range of EPQs including the creation of an App-based game and organising and running a fashion show. You will need to produce either a research-based report of 5,000 words or a project, product or artefact combined with a written report of at least 1,000 words, in addition to the final presentation.

What support will you receive?

You will receive 30 hours of taught skills which prepares you for the rigorous research and planning you must independently undertake.

A further 90 hours of independent reading, research, planning, creating, report writing and a presentation must then also be completed in order to fulfil the qualification. You will be supported throughout each stage by an EPQ supervisor and centre co-ordinator who are members of our teaching staff.

What an EPQ might lead to

Around 30,000 students take an EPQ each year; recently, nearly one in five successful applicants to Durham had completed the EPQ (2014). It helps students to develop and demonstrate their project management skills and provides opportunities for extended writing, both of which are highly valued for progression to higher education and employment.

Suggested entrance requirement (if applicable)

There are no specific entry requirements, but the process for producing an EPQ is a detailed and lengthy one and as such is not to be undertaken lightly. Students should be enthusiastic, passionate about their subject and willing to work hard.