The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
About the EPQ:
The EPQ is the aiming higher A-Level qualification highly regarded by universities.
Worth half an A-Level it also has the possibility of an A* grading that AS qualifications don't carry.
For students it is the opportunity to conduct research into a subject of personal interest.
The final product that students create based on their research journey is either a 5000 word essay, or an artefact with a report consisting of a minimum of 1000 words.
Worth half an A-Level it also has the possibility of an A* grading that AS qualifications don't carry.
For students it is the opportunity to conduct research into a subject of personal interest.
The final product that students create based on their research journey is either a 5000 word essay, or an artefact with a report consisting of a minimum of 1000 words.
Finding Sources:
During Coronavirus Lockdowns it may appear difficult to carry out the necessary research as libraries, universities, museums and galleries are closed, however, plenty of research sources useful to an EPQ project can still be found:
JSTOR - This is a digital library covering around 2000 journals (that's all their current and back copies) as well as books. Check whether your school or college has a subsription t allow you to use this valuable resource.
Reith Lectures - The BBC's annual lecture series where a leading figure of the day gives a series of lectures on contemporary issues. As these began in 1948 there are plenty to check to see if your topic area has been covered. Find out more on the BBC at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9
'In Our Time' - Another BBC gold mine that could prove useful, in each radio episode Melvyn Bragg considers an academic topic with a panel of experts. Science, art, history, literature it is all here - just a quick look had recent episodes on Alan Turing, Eclipses and The Zong Massacre (related to Slavery). There are around 800+ episodes to search via https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qykl/episodes/player
TED Talks - 0ver 3600 inspirational talks that can be viewed for free online, search the talks via www.ted.com/talks
And that's before a Google Search.
JSTOR - This is a digital library covering around 2000 journals (that's all their current and back copies) as well as books. Check whether your school or college has a subsription t allow you to use this valuable resource.
Reith Lectures - The BBC's annual lecture series where a leading figure of the day gives a series of lectures on contemporary issues. As these began in 1948 there are plenty to check to see if your topic area has been covered. Find out more on the BBC at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00729d9
'In Our Time' - Another BBC gold mine that could prove useful, in each radio episode Melvyn Bragg considers an academic topic with a panel of experts. Science, art, history, literature it is all here - just a quick look had recent episodes on Alan Turing, Eclipses and The Zong Massacre (related to Slavery). There are around 800+ episodes to search via https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qykl/episodes/player
TED Talks - 0ver 3600 inspirational talks that can be viewed for free online, search the talks via www.ted.com/talks
And that's before a Google Search.
Online EPQ Guides by Universities:
Several Universities have developed Free online courses that are useful guides to completing an EPQ, anyone can do these courses online. Make sure you take notes as you go through the videos and tasks, so that you can refer back to them at a later date.
Bath University - Future Learn course - 'How to Succeed in Your EPQ' - 3 weeks, 3 hours each week - Free
www.futurelearn.com/courses/epq-success
Southampton University - Future Learn course - 'Developing Your Research Project' - 8 weeks, 1 hour each week - Free
www.futurelearn.com/courses/research-project
Bath University - Future Learn course - 'How to Succeed in Your EPQ' - 3 weeks, 3 hours each week - Free
www.futurelearn.com/courses/epq-success
Southampton University - Future Learn course - 'Developing Your Research Project' - 8 weeks, 1 hour each week - Free
www.futurelearn.com/courses/research-project
Why do Universities like the EPQ?
Experience has shown us that students doing the EPQ can find that Universities lower their required grades to get onto the course they have applied for if they get a certain grade in their EPQ - so they don't have to get as high grades as others might in their other main A-Levels.
This tells us that Universities rate the EPQ, the reason being is that Universities know that students who have completed an EPQ are capable of being independent self-motivated students who already have the necessary skills to complete university style research.
Universities know that the successful EPQ student can cope with the academic demands of university courses, and they have to do little to train such students - they are the candidates that Universities like, already University ready!
Experience has shown us that students doing the EPQ can find that Universities lower their required grades to get onto the course they have applied for if they get a certain grade in their EPQ - so they don't have to get as high grades as others might in their other main A-Levels.
This tells us that Universities rate the EPQ, the reason being is that Universities know that students who have completed an EPQ are capable of being independent self-motivated students who already have the necessary skills to complete university style research.
Universities know that the successful EPQ student can cope with the academic demands of university courses, and they have to do little to train such students - they are the candidates that Universities like, already University ready!
Comments by Past EPQ students:
'I knew I could do university research and present it, the EPQ gave me the skills and the confidence to succeed at such activities.' Triple A* A-Level student, who gained an A in their EPQ on facing University assessment activities.
'I knew I could do university research and present it, the EPQ gave me the skills and the confidence to succeed at such activities.' Triple A* A-Level student, who gained an A in their EPQ on facing University assessment activities.
---Please pop back soon as more and more is being added about the EPQ in future.---