The Extended Project Qualification

1. The Extended Project Qualification

2. The Extended Project Qualification: What is it? A fast-growing Level 3 qualification Worth an additional 70 UCAS points, Graded A* to E Outcomes may be dissertation, investigation, performance or artefact with final oral presentation Aids the development of many key skills such as independent learning, research and critical thinking which are valued by both employers and universities. An opportunity to show academic commitment to your chosen subject and also to explore a topic you enjoy for its own sake

3. What do universities think of the EPQ? From the Cambridge University website: “We welcome the introduction of the Extended Project and would encourage you to undertake one as it will help you develop independent study and research skills and ease the transition from school/college to higher education…” www.study.cam.ac.uk/undergraduate/apply/requirements/#extended

4. What do universities think of the EPQ? “The Extended Project is widely welcomed in principle and in prospect. A large majority of departmental admissions tutors expect to recognise it as a positive attribute when selecting among applicants with similar levels of achievement (both high fliers and those at the borderline). Tutors also welcome its potential to enhance study skills, to align with undergraduate modes of study and to provide additional diagnostic evidence when selecting among applicants” (1994 Group Research Report, Jan 08, p.29) University of Bath; Birkbeck, University of London; Durham University; University of East Anglia; University of Essex; University of Exeter; Goldsmiths, University of London; Royal Holloway, University of London; Lancaster University; University of Leicester; Loughborough University; Queen Mary, University of London; University of Reading; University of St Andrews; School of Oriental and African Studies; University of Surrey; University of Sussex; University of Warwick; University of York

5. What do you do? • For a topic of your choice you will create a project by a process of • Managing objectives • Using resources • Developing and evaluating the outcome • The topic can either complement your current studies or be based • on future interests

6. Sample Project titles Level 3 Extended Project Dissertation and Investigation Is wi-fi safe? Should we allow genetic screening to produce designer babies? How can sports fitness improve through football? Should ‘size-zero’ models be banned? Should anyone be allowed to become a foster parent? Does the theory of evolution disprove the existence of God? Can intelligence be defined?

7. Sample Project titles Level 3 Extended Project Performance and Artefact What role does comedy have in serious culture? Is music effective as a tool for motivating workers? How can we make classical texts popular to new audiences? Portrait and personality – make a series of 2D or 3D images based on the theme of portraiture Illustration – make illustrations for either a poem or a children’s story of your choice Recycled – design and make a collection of sophisticated jewellery or body adornment from unconventional recycled materials

8. What you will have to produce A written report (including evidence of research carried out, analysis and evaluation) Sketchbook or design sheets (for Artefact unit) Project proposal form and activity Log Evidence of performance (for Performance unit) Evidence of oral presentation

9. The benefits of doing an EPQ: a student’s view “Doing the Extended Project gave me the necessary skills for researching topics and producing extended essays and dissertations.  In addition, it has given me much more confidence when doing presentations and when I am involved in discussions groups and in tutorials.  I have appreciated that points of view should be based upon evidence rather than unsubstantiated ideas. The skills given to me by the Extended Project are of great benefit to me given the nature of some of the modules in my degree.  I am really pleased that I had the opportunity to practise these skills before I came to university.“

10. The benefits of doing an EPQ: A parent comments.. “My son got a place at university to read Economics. He was interviewed on the phone by the Admissions Tutor for Economics - who was very positive about the fact that he had good A-levels. However the tutor was also very enthusiastic about the Extended Project and it was clear he held this in high regard. My son was able to chat, with ease and expertise, about this piece of 'research' - and to demonstrate a valuable skills set beyond the confines of A-level.”

11. The Extended Project Qualification