The EPQ Can Help You on Your Way to Higher Education or Employment

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Learn why students looking to impress university admissions officers or employers should consider completing an extended project qualification (EPQ).

[Featured Image] A student studies a book in a library while working on her EPQ.

According to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), tens of thousands of students participate in an EPQ every year, and EPQs are widely valued by many colleges [1]. Each student has a unique set of goals and ambitions, but the EPQ provides qualifications that allow students to pursue nearly any interest or career path they can imagine.

Here are some ways the EPQ could benefit you, whether your goals are higher education or a career. 

Higher education 

The EPQ will prepare you to excel in university-level courses if you pursue higher education. Learning to research a topic independently will give you an edge in a university setting. Plus, you’ll gain skills in honing your research, essay-writing, and presentation skills, which will be important as you work to earn your degree. 

Additionally, the EPQ is a great addition to your UCAS application. Universities often recommend that you highlight your EPQ experience in your personal statement, especially when your project is directly related to your desired field of study. Showcasing your EPQ project communicates your commitment to learning and a deep interest in your chosen topic.

 

Employment

Employers also value research skills and advanced study, so even if you aren’t planning to attend university, an EPQ may still be a good idea. As you work on your project, you will be encouraged to connect with experts on your topic. 

The online platform 'Inspiring the Future' can pair you with professionals who volunteer to mentor students doing extended projects [2]. By participating in the EPQ, you can make meaningful professional connections that will help you launch your career. 

What skills will you gain by doing an EPQ project?

Whether you wish to earn a degree or enter the workforce directly, the EPQ will help you become a more qualified candidate by providing useful skills in nearly any environment. 

Here are a few of the skills you can expect to gain by doing an EPQ: 

  • Self-evaluation

  • Independent learning

  • Communication skills

  • Presentation skills

  • Critical thinking

  • Creativity 

  • Problem-solving

  • Research skills

  • Decision making

How to choose an EPQ topic

Your research topic can be related to areas you already have experience in, but it should allow you to expand your knowledge rather than repeat what you’ve already learned. Though you can study any topic you want without formal limitations, it’s a good idea to ensure your topic is related to your interests. 

First, if you’re naturally interested in a subject, you’re less likely to tire of it before completing your project. Plus, if you want to use your qualifications to boost your chances of getting into university or being hired, your topic should be aligned with the field you want to enter.

If you choose to write a dissertation, your topic may come as a question. The question or study should be analytical in nature, allowing you to explore different sides of an issue. You will need to have arrived at your conclusions based on the research you’ve conducted. For example, if you’re interested in studying psychology at university, your project’s title might be, “Is social media use linked to higher instances of anxiety and depression in teenagers?”

On the other hand, when creating an artefact, your project will be based on something you’ve created rather than a question you’ve answered. 

What are the steps to completing an extended project qualification?

The extended project is a major undertaking, typically requiring at least 120 hours of work. Understanding the steps involved is essential for being organised, prioritising tasks, and being thoughtful about time management as you work towards completing the qualification. 

To complete an EPQ, you must:

  1. Choose a topic and title, and write a proposal that details your aims and how you plan to accomplish them.

  2. Complete the taught element of the project, which consists of roughly 30 to 40 recommended hours of guided learning that will help you understand how to achieve your goals.

  3. Record your progress and minutes from your weekly meetings with your supervisor.

  4. Conduct research and produce your dissertation or artefact.

  5. Present your project outcome to an audience in a way that demonstrates the expertise you’ve developed on your chosen topic. Your presentation will typically run for 10 minutes and include a performance self-evaluation. However, each awarding organisation will have its own presentation and accompanying reports requirements.

How will your project be assessed?

Your supervisor will evaluate your performance throughout your project and provide final assessment marks upon project completion. The number of UCAS tariff points you’ll earn will depend on your grade. An A* is worth 28 points, and an E is worth eight. 

You will be graded on your ability to do the following:

  • Manage a project

  • Use resources

  • Develop and realise a project

  • Review and communicate a project

Next steps 

Since tackling an EPQ is a significant time commitment, it may help to develop your research, learning, and creative thinking skills ahead of time. To prepare for the EPQ, discover courses on Coursera such as Deep Teaching Solution’s Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects or Imperial College London’s Creative Thinking: Techniques and Tools for Success.

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Article sources

1

UCAS. “Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), https://qips.ucas.com/qip/extended-project-qualification-epq.” Accessed 4 June 2024.

Updated on
Written by:
Coursera Staff

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