We will also show you EPQ A-grade examples so you can plan your own work with the same thoughtfulness, and we’ll help you to build an EPQ Year 12 timeline so it doesn’t interfere with your A-Level studies.
What is the Extended Project Qualification?
With university placements so competitive, especially for Oxbridge admissions, Lionheart Education helps students in Years 12 and 13 make their application stand out and highlight their enthusiasm for learning. The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an independent research project offered by multiple exam boards, including AQA Level 3 Extended Project, OCR Extended Project, and Pearson Edexcel Extended Project.
The EPQ can be made up of a long dissertation written by the student totalling 5,000 words, or an artefact such as a musical composition or short film, supported by a research-based report. The student will present their work and answer a range of questions in a viva, a presentation that explains why the topic was chosen, what research was conducted, and what was learned from the EPQ. An EPQ that has been carefully put together can earn up to 28 additional points for the applicant on the UCAS Tariff, so EPQ UCAS points help you edge past the competition.
With so much effort that goes into an EPQ alongside studying for A-Levels, a Lionheart Education EPQ tutor can help to make the process smoother. From assistance with topic selection and project management to academic writing tips and guidance on presenting your EPQ effectively in a viva, EPQ tuition doesn’t do the work for the student but allows them to turn their personal interests into a strong academic piece of work.
Why UK universities value the EPQ
Many students and parents wonder whether an EPQ is worth doing because it takes time out of a student’s schedule to complete and must be done in tandem with A-Level studies and revision.
The short answer is yes. Universities know that this qualification takes time, and it shows ambition that the student has chosen to pursue it independently and intellectually. The very fact they have completed it shows an additional layer of academic discipline.
If you’re applying to one of the Russell Group universities, Oxford undergraduate admissions or Cambridge undergraduate admissions, then an EPQ is highly recognised and helps your application stand out in addition to our extracurricular activities and predicted grades.
What’s more, there are so many topics to choose from that can highlight your personal interests, and our tutors for EPQ can help you select the right one based on your A-Level subjects and what you plan to study at university. You can build a product prototype for a design course, create a piece of artwork for a modern art degree, or even run a charity campaign in an area that you’re passionate about. For those opting for the traditional 5,000-word dissertation, our EPQ tutors in London give you the perfect framework and tools to excel.
Thinking about EPQ topic ideas and examples
One of the hardest parts of an EPQ is choosing the right topic, as the rest of the research and work will follow from it. A strong topic needs to be focused rather than broad, and not something already similar to A-Level coursework they are completing. It should highlight the student’s passion, as this will shine through to the admissions officers at the university and the viva assessor. Our tutors help with topic formulation after a discussion with the student and their own research, to present the topic and the student in the best light.
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STEM topics
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Humanities topics
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Art and artefacts
EPQ marking criteria explained
One of the areas where an EPQ tutor really comes in handy is the marking scheme for the Extended Project, as students have something to aim towards rather than just hoping for the best. Tutors can provide preliminary EPQ scores based on different exam boards’ scoring criteria and offer crucial feedback on how to improve the score. Here’s a quick insight into what assessors are looking for with an EPQ:
|
Assessment objective |
What it means |
Why it matters |
| AO1 Manage | Topic selection and planning out the project | Higher marks are awarded to projects with clear aims rather than just interesting |
| AO2 Use resources | Researching the information and evaluating its usefulness | Students need to use critical judgement when selecting sources to support their work |
| AO3 Develop and realise | Creating the dissertation and handling problems along the way | Shows the students’ ability to compile research in a way that is academic and meaningful |
| AO4 Review | Reflecting on how the project went and what conclusions were reached | The student needs to show what they have learned from the EPQ, not just what they did |
Lionheart Education tutors teach students to understand what kind of evidence the examiner is looking for at each stage and how to tick the boxes in the most effective way, so learning actually takes place, not just a polished project. Our tutors are there for students every step of the way, from EPQ research and viva presentation help to an EPQ dissertation tutor who can provide the right kind of guidance for a structured approach.
Frequently asked questions
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How is an EPQ valued by universities?
Not all universities require an EPQ, but it can help in a number of ways to secure your placement. It shows that you are capable of independent research and have an extra-curricular interest in the subject, especially where it links naturally to your A-Levels and the undergraduate course you’re applying to. It’s also ideal to discuss in interviews.
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What does a Lionheart Education EPQ tutor do?
Our tutors aim to provide the structure and support students need to work independently on their EPQ and do not seek to take ownership of the work. Assistance comes in the form of title suggestions, directing the student to the appropriate literature, helping plan the sections of the dissertation, evaluating sources, offering draft suggestions, and building confidence for the viva presentation.
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What makes a strong EPQ topic?
The best ideas for an Extended Project Qualification keep the topic focused and highly researchable, but you should also seek to produce an argument that you can support. It needs to be narrow enough to fit within the word count, but not so thin that it can be completed in just a couple thousand words. Our EPQ tutors work closely with students to create the best topic titles that define the project.
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How long do you need an EPQ tutor for?
Creating an EPQ equivalent to half an A-Level requires the student’s ongoing effort for a few months, and EPQ tuition to support it can be anywhere from 10 to 30 hours, spread over Years 12 and 13. We are here to provide extensive or more focused support for students who are already highly independent but would benefit from an extra pair of eyes on this key piece of work.
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