Study Skills

Course summary

It gives you the opportunity to explore and research a topic of your choice, which is separate from your A level subjects. A journey of discovery, you will follow a university format of lectures, seminars and tutorials, supported by a dedicated supervisor who mentors you through your EPQ journey. Giving you the chance to develop valuable academic skills ranging from ‘how to conduct research’ to ‘how to plan and write an academic report’, the EPQ gives you the opportunity to enrich and extend your knowledge and understanding in an area you are passionate about. It prepares you for the academic rigour of university and helps you develop independent study skills. Some students select a topic which relates to the subject area or career path they plan to pursue beyond Sixth Form. The EPQ gives you an opportunity to demonstrate your academic skills, your intellectual curiosity and interest and passion for that topic. Of those who take the EPQ, many students discuss it in their UCAS Personal Statement. The AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a nationally recognised Level 3 award. It comes with UCAS points which are equivalent to half of an A Level. Universities recognise its value, and for students achieving a grade A or above in the EPQ, it can lead to improved UCAS offers, sometimes lowered by one grade or more.