What is EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)?
EPQs is a qualification granted to students who have completed a specific type of research project on the topic they are really interested in. This gives students an opportunity to show that they can manage independent research and project management, which is very impressive for universities and employers!
Last year, more than 33,000 students registered for EPQ, covering many different subjects. This project may take 120 hours to complete, and according to your final grade, it may only be worth half an A (up to 70 UCAS points). EPQ can be completed during the summer vacation, so as not to disturb your study plan.
Benefits of EPQ
More and more universities and employers recognize EPQs when evaluating applications, so it can improve your chances of achieving your goals. It helps to cultivate skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, speech and creativity, which are very useful not only for college study, but also for the workplace.
It gives you a chance to explore your passion and become an expert in the field you are really interested in-something you may never have a chance to formally learn. It increases your confidence, knowing that your hard work brings extra qualifications, expertise, skills and experience that you may not have. It will give you some unique topics in the interview, which is very useful when you have nothing to say! If it has something to do with the university course you applied for, so much the better. You can broaden your funding options-the Bright Spark Scholarship at the University of East Anglia requires students to hold a research project qualification certificate, such as EPQ.
What does EPQ include?
You need to choose a specific topic you want to study, and then write a report on this topic (about 5000 words), or make a "product" (such as a website or music recording) and a short report. After that, you will be asked to summarize everything into a short speech and give it to a group of people who are not experts in your field.
In this project, you will demonstrate your ability of searching information, planning projects, academic writing, critical thinking, establishing and supporting arguments, and recording and reflecting on your progress. These are all the skills you need in college, so starting early may be a blessing in disguise!
Help EPQ
You will have a project manager (usually a teacher) to help you complete this process, and you can even use other local educational resources.
Start EPQs
Tell your university or school first, because you need their support to make EPQ-they can help you decide whether it is suitable for you and where to start. Some schools may not have formal programs to support EPQ, but don't worry, because universities admit that not everyone can choose to complete EPQ.
If you really want to explore a specific topic, or you like to develop your skills and knowledge, give it a try. Good luck!