The Level 3 Extended Project allows you to study in a field of your choice and thereby tailor your Sixth Form studies to your own interests and talents. You might study a subject you loved at GCSE but can’t continue to A Level, or pursue an A Level subject beyond the curriculum, or try a new subject entirely. Your chosen topic and the skills you develop as you study will prepare you for higher education and / or your future career path.
Courses offered
Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project, with a choice of all four pathways, each of which challenges you to complete a different kind of project:
- Unit P301: Dissertation - this pathway provides you with the opportunity to research, analyse, and evaluate an argument in your chosen field. The completed project will take the form of a 6,000 word dissertation
- Unit P302: Investigation / Field Study - this pathway provides you with the opportunity to collect, analyse, and evaluate data to test a hypothesis. The completed project will take the form of a 5,000 word report.
- Unit P303: Performance - this pathway provides you with the opportunity to stage a performance for an audience, supported by a 3,000 word essay which documents your creative process.
- Unit P304: Artefact - this pathway provides you with the opportunity to make an artefact. The artefact may take many forms, including a design, a working prototype, or a completed product, supported by a 3,000 word essay which documents your creative process.
Syllabus breakdown
The EPQ is completed over one year. It is assessed by a tutor-assessor from within the school and externally moderated by Edexcel. The course is delivered through weekly skills sessions, regular mentor meetings, and dedicated independent study periods. Whichever pathway you choose, you are assessed on your ability to manage, resource, develop and realise, and review your project. As well as completing your project, you will keep an activity log throughout the year and deliver a 10 minute presentation and evaluation of your project at the end of the course.
Subject Key Concepts
#1 Extension #2 Project Management #3 Research
#4 Develop and Realise #5 Review
Please click here for Subject Key Concepts.
Minimum entry requirements
Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language, English Literature or History
Why study for the EPQ
Taking the EPQ allows you to tailor the wider curriculum to your own interests. It helps you to develop essential skills such as research, critical thinking, extended writing, referencing, and time management. These skills will strengthen your A Level studies and aid you in the transition to undergraduate study and professional life. The EPQ carries up to 28 UCAS points (more than an A grade at AS Level) and it is sought after by universities as a way of demonstrating higher level research and independent study skills.
What our students say
“It’s yours to tailor … It gives you a chance to explore a topic that interests you.”
“I have learnt more new skills in this short time than in any two terms of my life before.”
“I have a real sense of achievement now that it’s finished.”
“I would recommend the EPQ as a great way to meet lots of people very quickly. Some of my best friends came from EPQ.”
"EPQ has been a great chance for me to boost my UCAS points; it directly relates to the course and my chosen career in photography. The skills I have gained during this course will certainly help me at university, as well as make my application stand out when I apply.”
Wider opportunities
The qualification is highly recommended by universities as an introduction to undergraduate study.
University of Cambridge:“(we)… would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school to higher education.”
University of Manchester:“The skills… are excellent preparation for university level study.”
University of Southampton:“(we want to)… send out a clear message… that we value the EPQ.”
The grade which you achieve in your EPQ in Year 12 will strengthen your university applications in Year 13, since it is the only public exam which you will sit between GCSEs and A Levels. The qualification carries up to 28 UCAS Tariff points, which some universities count towards a conditional offer. Other universities may reduce their typical A Level offer by a grade or more on the basis of a strong performance in an EPQ.
What can I do next?
The Extended Project Qualification will help you to research and prepare for any degree course or career after Sixth Form. As well as developing independent learning and research skills, it allows you to demonstrate time management and organisational skills throughout the course. All of these attributes are essential for entry into higher education and for working life after university.
