The Extended Project is an independent piece of work produced in the form of a dissertation. Students select a topic of personal interest which they then investigate to an advanced level. They receive some instruction and guidance throughout the year however most of the project is self-guided. This makes it both a challenge to complete and very highly rewarded by universities. By the end of the course, students are able to demonstrate the following highly regarded skills: • Independently planning, managing and delivering a high level project within strict timescales. • Developing and improving their own learning and performance as critical and reflective thinkers. • Applying decision making and problem solving skills. • Advancing as e-confident learners and using information technology to conduct research. • Increased confidence in oral and written communication The in depth exploration of a topic will involve a taught element in the classroom led by a project supervisor, and a practical element managed independently by the student. Once students have been taught skills to conduct their project, they will embark on the following: • Preparing a formal project proposal. • Conducting independent research of existing literature through books, journals, articles etc. • Analysing and evaluating a variety of arguments. • Preparing and delivering a reflective presentation at the end of the project.