Study Skills

Course summary

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an optional course that is taught and completed alongside a student’s A-level or BTEC qualifications. It provides students with the opportunity to explore and expand upon an area or topic of personal interest that goes beyond their syllabuses and relates to their chosen university degree or career pathway. Students plan, research and write an academic essay on their chosen topic, whilst developing a wide range of personal and academic skills, including: planning and management of a project, decision making and problem solving, presentation skills and communication The EPQ allows students to develop their project management and academic writing skills, which are valued by higher education providers and employers. The EPQ focuses on students learning and honing a wide range of academic and personal skills, including: organisation and time-management, decision making, creative thinking and problem solving, researching and sourcing information, analysing and evaluating data and information, learning how to cite and reference research, how to build an argument, and how to deliver a presentation. The EPQ gives students the opportunity to explore an area of personal fascination, which will help them to positively stand out when applying to universities, apprenticeships or employers for any subject or career. This is to the extent that the EPQ is worth UCAS points (the equivalent of half an A-level) which students can use for when they are applying to universities.