The EPQ is a standalone qualification with significant UCAS value. It is highly respected by universities because it helps to develop independent learning skills. The EPQ is a research-based qualification based on a self-selected project and is an ideal way for students to study something they are interested in but is not part of their main curriculum. Alternatively their topic might be an area that will contribute to their university course or a future career. It is important that students choose topics that they are interested in and curious about so they are motivated to complete it. For example, an aspiring medic could write a research article analysing the difficulties associated with management of the NHS. This could help students substantiate evidence for their desire to study a specific degree course.
Assessment can be either by a written report of 5,000 words (around 10 typed pages) or by creating a “product”, this could be hosting an event or making a physical item, or “artefact”, such as a piece of art accompanied by a 1,000 word report. The latter is very useful if a student is applying to study a course with a vocational or practical element as the “product” could be something that is used in a portfolio to demonstrate a certain skill. Every student also has to write a production log, which outlines the plans for their project and advice and support from their mentors (every student has a specific mentor assigned to them). Students also have to reflect on each stage and consider possible ways to improve. The third and final component of the EPQ is an oral presentation, which involves answering questions from an invited audience. The whole process from start to finish takes about 120 hours.
An EPQ provides further academic stretch and challenge alongside A Level studies and helps to evidence a genuine interest in a specific area. It can also enable a student to continue an interest in a subject they have had to give up as part of their formal Sixth Form programme. An EPQ also carries UCAS points and is valued at 50% of a full A Level in the UCAS tariff.
Completing an EPQ helps students develop a number of different skills all of which are vital for university. It requires excellent organisational skills: planning the project and making sure each stage is completed on time is essential to creating a high-quality end product and attracting the highest assessment marks. Students also develop good time-management skills because it is not part of the normal school curriculum and needs to be accommodated in their study programme by assigning time to complete the project each week, while juggling the demands of A Levels.
Students, above all, are required to be independently motivated. The marking criteria penalises students who are not. EPQ mentors are not permitted to interfere with a students’ progress, especially in terms of meeting deadlines or completion of the project itself.
Universities have always recognised the benefits of students completing an EPQ and, more recently, they have started to affect University offers. For example, Birmingham and Bristol University have stated that applicants may be given alternative offers one of which takes in account success in the EPQ. Whilst G5 universities including the University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics, University of Oxford, University College London will not consider EPQ as any part of a formal conditional offer for any courses Oxford University states on its website; “working on an EPQ encourages students to develop research and academic skills relevant to undergraduate study. Therefore, we would recommend anyone completing an EPQ to draw on these skills when writing your UCAS personal statement. Whether you undertake a formal EPQ or not, you will be a more convincing applicant if you can demonstrate breadth of reading and independent research into your chosen subject; if you have pursued study beyond that required by your school syllabus”.
Completing an EPQ tells universities that you hold a wider skill set than other students and evidences that you will be suited to university life which consists of substantially more workload than in Sixth Form. If called for interview answering questions on your EPQ allows you to take from a position of knowledge. By describing your motivation, approach and reflection for your EPQ, you can show the interviewer on why you demonstrate the qualities that the degree and university will be looking for.
For more information about the EPQ at Leweston contact our Registrar, June Smith on 01963 211015 or admissions@leweston.dorset.sch.uk