The Extended Project Qualification, or EPQ for short, is one of the most exciting academic opportunities for sixth formers. It allows students to take charge of their learning, explore a topic they’re passionate about, and develop skills highly valued by universities and employers alike.
November was EPQ presentation time at Highgrove Online School, and every year we’re amazed by the creativity and dedication our students bring to their projects. From exploring linguistic changes in the French language to investigating gene manipulation in personalised precision medicine, these projects demonstrate the brilliance and ambition of young minds.
At Highgrove Education, we’ve designed an online EPQ course that supports students to complete an EPQ from start to finish, helping them achieve an internationally recognised qualification that is highly prized by universities. Here’s what makes the EPQ so special – and why you should consider it.
What is the EPQ?
The EPQ is a Level 3 qualification that allows students to explore a topic of their choice in depth. It culminates in one of four final formats:
- Dissertation: A 5,000-word essay exploring a topic in detail.
- Investigation: A practical, data-driven project, often involving experiments or surveys.
- Artefact: A creative product, such as artwork, a website, or a model, supported by a short reflective essay.
- Performance: A live demonstration or presentation, such as a musical or dramatic piece, with accompanying documentation.
Students independently manage every stage of the project—from choosing a topic to conducting research, creating their final product, and presenting their findings. This autonomy fosters essential skills like critical thinking, time management, and self-motivation.
Importantly, the EPQ is designed to be completed alongside A levels or other pre-university programmes of studies. With careful planning and support, students can fit the project into their schedules without compromising their performance in other subjects.
Tip: Choose a topic you’re passionate about. Whether it’s international law, environmental issues, or artistic expression, enthusiasm is the key to a successful EPQ.
Why Does the EPQ Matter?
- Academic Benefits
The EPQ is highly regarded by universities. It teaches research, analysis, and academic writing skills that are essential for higher education. Some universities even offer reduced entry requirements for students with strong EPQ grades. Achieving an A* in the EPQ can earn up to 28 UCAS points, equivalent to half an A-level.
- Transferable Skills
Completing an EPQ equips students with lifelong skills:
- Research and Analysis: Evaluate sources, draw conclusions, and present arguments effectively.
- Project Management: Plan timelines, track progress, and adapt to challenges.
- Presentation Skills: Present and defend your findings confidently in front of an audience.
- Personal Growth
The genius of the EPQ is its flexibility. By letting students choose their topic, it ensures they’re learning about something they truly care about. This intrinsic motivation often leads to exceptional projects that stand out in university applications and interviews, and can show depth of interest in the academic field you wish to progress to study at university.
EPQ Presentation Example
Meet Ksenia, a 17-year-old student at Highgrove Online School, who embarked on an inspiring journey through the EPQ. Passionate about global issues, Ksenia chose to research international law, producing a thought-provoking project titled How Can the United Nations Evolve to Address Modern Challenges?
In her EPQ, Ksenia explored the complexities of international governance, delving into areas rarely covered in traditional school curriculums. Her research helped her develop critical thinking and academic writing skills, giving her a head start in preparing for university.
In this video, Ksenia shares her experience taking the EPQ in International Law, discussing how the qualification allowed her to explore topics beyond her A-level syllabus.
How Highgrove Supports Your EPQ
At Highgrove Education, we offer pupils a structured online EPQ course designed to guide students through every stage of their project.
- Comprehensive Lessons: The course includes 22 live online lessons with our expert course teachers and 22 self-study sessions, covering everything from research methods to academic writing.
- Project Supervisor Support: Students benefit from fortnightly one-to-one meetings with an experienced supervisor who provides tailored guidance.
- Presentation Opportunities: The course concludes with a presentation where students share their findings with an audience, gaining valuable confidence and communication skills.
- Flexibility: With start dates in January and September, our EPQ course fits around students’ existing schedules. Pupils who need alternative start dates can opt to study the course on a one-to-one basis.
- Affordable Excellence: The course fee starts at £1,980 for group classes, with flexible payment plans available to suit a variety of budgets.
Our programme is open to both full-time Highgrove Education students and external students, making it accessible to learners from a wide range of educational settings.
Want to learn more? Join us for our EPQ Open Evening in January or visit our website events page for details and registration.
Why the EPQ Stands Out
The EPQ is more than a qualification; it’s a great learning experience for students. They gain independence, confidence, and a chance to explore a topic they love. Whether they’re aspiring medics, artists, or future lawyers, the skills they develop during the EPQ prepare them for the challenges of university and beyond.
With upcoming start dates in January and September 2025, now is the perfect time to think about how you could benefit from taking on an EPQ. Start planning your project, explore potential topics, and take the first steps towards a truly rewarding academic experience.
