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EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)

The basic principles underlying EPQ are firstly that the focus of a project should be chosen by the student; secondly, that it is the responsibility of the student to undertake the research needed to complete the project; and thirdly, that the student should complete a production log recording the process by which the project was realised.

Taught elements of the course include: planning, research skills, risk assessment, analysis and evaluation of sources, plagiarism, referencing and presentation skills.
The EPQ can take the form of a dissertation, an artefact, a performance or an investigation. All projects will involve the learner producing a written report, completion of a logbook as well as a presentation of the student’s EPQ journey.

The EPQ enhances the study skills of students and provides students with the experience of independent learning which is characteristic of university study. Gaining the EPQ qualification therefore is not only useful for the personal development of students, but also because it is highly valued by universities as evidence of the ability of students to engage in research, independent learning, and extended writing to explore an issue in some depth. In this way, the EPQ can help students gain a competitive edge when applying to university.