Extended Project Qualification

Applications Open: 5th December 2025

Applications Close: 31st January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSE grades of 4 or above of which must include English & Maths. Then individual subject criteria

Science and Maths - require level 7 in subject to study (plus 6 in maths for science subjects)

Most other courses require level 6 to study

The Extended Project Qualification allows you to expand your learning beyond the boundaries of your curriculum study by completing a research project on a topic of your choosing. You might decide to research something you’ve always been interested in; create something you’ve always wanted to attempt or conduct your own investigation into something you’re curious about. Through the EPQ taught element you will develop useful transferable skills that will make you a highly suitable candidate for Higher Education. The fact that it is student led means that the scope of your project is only limited by your own imagination and hard work.

There are 30 taught hours through which you will learn.

• Academic writing skills
• Project Management
• Time Management
• Analyzing Resources
• Note Taking
• Presentation Skills

And any other skills relevant to the project you choose to complete.

You will be assessed on either a 5000-word written essay/ report, or an artefact accompanied by a 1000-word written report.

This will be completed over the course of two years with the guidance of supervised tutorial sessions. You will also need to make a presentation of your project and submit a production log with it.

Students will need to have at least five 9 – 5 grades at GCSE, including grade 5 in English and Maths

Universities do not only acknowledge the EPQ, but many also actively encourage applicants to complete one, provide resources to help students complete it, and you may even get a more favourable university offer because of your EPQ. The EPQ allows you to gain a maximum of 28 UCAS points and you will learn important skills to help you through Sixth Form, Higher Education, and the rest of your working life. You will also gain specialist subject knowledge in the research area of your project that may even help you to decide on your future path.