Study the Extended Project (EPQ)
at Ryburn Sixth

What is the Extended Project?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a level 3 qualification which involves students choosing a topic, carrying out research, and producing a report, which can be a dissertation, or another form such as a website, video or even a physical object, referred to as an artefact.

There is a taught element to the course, which teaches you how to research and approach your project. But the larger part of the course is down to you; independently researching and preparing your project. You’re supported by a supervisor, who checks in on your progress through the project.

If this sounds a little like university, you’d be right. The best way to develop the skills you need to succeed in further education and professional employment is through using them, and the best way to do that is through the EPQ. You’ll develop essential skills such as time management, research, planning, problem-solving and presentation.

It’s incredibly valuable if you decide to apply to university, especially if you choose a topic that is relevant to the subject you want to study. Some universities may even reduce entry requirements. The EPQ and the skills you develop will put you one step ahead.

“EPQs, which are worth half an A level, are increasingly popular with top universities. Bristol, Manchester, Southampton and Leeds are among a growing number prepared to lower their A-level grade requirements if applicants get an A or A* for their EPQ.”
— The Times, 3 January 2019

What qualification will I get?

WJEC Level 3 Extended Project is currently graded A* to E and worth up to half an A level. An A* in the EPQ is worth 70 UCAS points, an A 60, B 50, C 40, D 30 and an E 20.

Your project is assessed in four areas: how well you manage your project, how you use resources, how well you develop and realise your work, and how you review and communicate.

How is the course structured?

Graphic blocks
PROJECT TITLE APPROVAL
PROJECT TITLE APPROVAL

You will go through the process of choosing a title which will satisfy your interests and the needs of the extended project assessment requirements.

This title will be at the core of the whole project, and will normally pose a question which you will set out to answer.

INITIAL INTERVIEW
INITIAL INTERVIEW

You will put together a plan for your project, including a task list, a timeline and some milestones which you aim to achieve.

We will provide you with some taught sessions to develop these skills, and you will do much of the planning in your own time.

MID-PROJECT REVIEW
MID-PROJECT REVIEW

You will carry out the research phase of your plan, including a preliminary analysis of the research. You will present your research to your supervisor.

We will provide you with taught sessions to develop your research skills.

FINAL INTERVIEW
FINAL INTERVIEW

You will apply your research to make an artefact or write a dissertation.

We will provide you with advice and guidance.

You will need to work almost completely independently to put your project into practice.

PRESENTATION
PRESENTATION

You will present your artefact, or your key findings from your dissertation, to an audience.

You will also include a reflection on the process of going through the project.

This will form part of the assessment.

Should I do an artefact or a dissertation?

ARTEFACT

  • Book

  • Music Album

  • Web page

  • Video documentary

  • Concert

  • Theatre production

  • Item of clothing

  • Piece of furniture

  • etc

You will need to show how your research went into your final outcome.

You will need to research your topic and how to make, present and organise your artefact.

DISSERTATION

  • An academic piece of writing exploring your area of research and coming to a conclusion which answers the question posed in the title.

You will need to present your research in an academic style.

You will focus on the content of the topic you are researching.

 
Jess headshot
“I’d recommend the Extended Project to anyone who wants to push themselves. You can choose basically any topic that interests you, ideally something that links to what you want to do at university or in your career. I’m researching the impact of early intervention on autistic children.

It’s challenging because you have to be so independent and organised, but that’s why it develops such useful skills for the future.”
— Jess, Year 12

Case studies

The topics chosen for the Extended Project are as individual and wide ranging as our students. Here’s Elisha and Calum describing their respective topics: restorative justice and black holes.

find out more:

If you’d like to talk to us about whether the Extended Project is right for you, please contact Mr Fantom. You can also read this guide for more information on what the Extended Project involves.