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• How to Write an EPQ Essay

Writing an EPQ essay can seem like a daunting task, which is why we’ve written this nine-step guide to help make the whole process easier.

In addition to the A-Levels you’re already doing, you can choose to take an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). An EPQ is an independent research project, and it’s extremely beneficial as it counts towards UCAS tariff points.

Consisting of around 5,000 words, an EPQ essay is an in-depth assignment which takes about 120 hours to complete.

That may seem like a lot of extra work to take on alongside your existing studies, however it can be hugely beneficial when applying to get into university.

Choosing to undertake independent research and reading can prove to future educators that you’re willing to take on extra work to really show what you can do academically, as well as demonstrating that you have interests that go beyond the curriculum. An EPQ sits nicely with a summer school course such as a law summer school , business summer school , engineering summer school and medicine summer school . During your course you have the chance to explore and understand your subject further, demonstrating your commitment to your studies, and develop ideas for your EPQ.

How do you write an EPQ essay?

To write an EPQ essay, you need to: come up with a compelling idea that you’re interested in, write down everything you know about the subject to generate further ideas, find the best essay question to use, reference your sources properly, write a sharp introduction and conclusion, get feedback on your essay, and make sure you double-check your work before submitting it.

The key to writing any extended document is planning, which is why we’ve written this nine-step guide to help you write the best EPQ essay.

Read on for our top tips on how to write an extended project essay.

9 steps to write your EPQ essay

1. come up with an idea.

One of the main reasons students fail their EPQ is because they’ve chosen the wrong subject matter. It’s vital that you choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in, otherwise you won’t have any motivation to work on it. Because of the extra workload, many students choose to start their EPQ over the summer holidays, and with all the distractions that summer brings (trips to the beach, sunbathing in the garden or hanging out with friends in the park) there’s even more reason to pick a subject you don’t find boring, or you’ll just look for any excuse to avoid doing it. Before finalising your topic, you might want to discuss your ideas with your supervisor so they can check you’re on the right track.

2. Write down everything you know about the subject.   

Before doing any extra reading, it’s really helpful to write down everything you already know about your chosen subject. This can help to get your thoughts and ideas – which are often jumbled up – out of your head and down onto a piece of paper or computer screen so that you can begin to organise and make sense of them. This is also useful for identifying any gaps in your knowledge. However, if the gaps in your knowledge are vast and your chosen topic isn’t giving you enough inspiration, don’t be afraid to abandon your original idea entirely and come up with something new. It’s better to start again from scratch at this stage, rather than 2,000 words in.

3. Think of a question

Whatever your chosen topic, you’ll need to think of a question to answer. This is an extremely important part of your EPQ and will form the basis of your essay, so it really is worth thinking long and hard about. The way in which you phrase your question or hypothesis will affect the structure and flow of the whole essay. For example, some typical essay question formats include ‘Compare and contrast’, ‘Critically evaluate’ and ‘Analyse and conclude’. The type of question you want to answer will affect whether you need to highlight and critique a number of theories or evaluate how useful a particular concept is. And remember that your extended project essay needs to be approximately 5,000 words long, so you should choose a question that allows for extended research and arguments. It’s also worth bearing in mind that questions without definitive answers are better as there will generally be much more to write about.

4. Research the topic

Next, you should start thinking about the main body of the essay and how you’re going to go about fleshing out your ideas. Ideally, this step should take up half the amount of total time you spend working on your EPQ essay. You should spend a good deal of time reading books, papers and online journals that have been written about your chosen subject. The Internet is an excellent source of information, but anyone can write anything and publish it online, so make sure your sources are credible and recognised by the examining body. Wikipedia, for example, should be avoided as a reliable source of information as anyone can edit the text that’s been written there. While doing your research, you’re going to come across many different opinions and arguments and it’s all going to come from a variety of sources. So now is also a good time to think about how you’re going to organise it all.

5. Remember to reference your sources

As with any piece of academic work, referencing your sources is vital so the examiners can check you’re not plagiarising. It’s also good to demonstrate that your information has come from a range of places so the person marking your essay can see that you’ve researched your topic widely and have considered several different viewpoints. You’ll need to provide a bibliography at the end of your EPQ essay and if you can’t say where your information has come from, you’ll be unable to use it, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of doing this as you go along. Whether you choose to create a spreadsheet on your computer or annotate photocopies and clippings with a pen, it doesn’t matter how you go about doing this as long as you remember to do it. It’ll make your life so much easier in the long-run!

6. Create subsections

Splitting your essay up into sections can help to make sure you’re writing enough and exploring the topic in as much depth as possible. Keep your word count in mind when dividing up your essay and try to split each section equally. But while mini topics are good for breaking the 5,000 words down into more manageable chunks, you have to make sure each one relates back to your original question, otherwise you could risk wasting some of those words on irrelevant information. Don’t sacrifice the important stuff by shoehorning facts and figures into your chosen subsections. It’s worth thinking about the order of these sections too. It’s usually best to write in a ‘news story’ format, with the most important subtitles at the top and the less relevant stuff filtering down to the bottom, however you could consider working chronologically if that works better for your chosen topic.

7. Write an introduction and a conclusion

As strange as it sounds, it can be helpful to write your introduction and conclusion paragraphs once you’ve completed the main body of the essay. This is because your thoughts on the subject matter are more likely to be more organised, therefore it will be easier to summarise the main points clearly and concisely. Your first paragraph should introduce the subject matter, briefly expanding upon your question and how you’re going to go about answering it, while your conclusion should refer back to the title and answer the question you asked at the beginning of your essay. Ensure that both paragraphs are as direct and succinct as possible, in order to show that you have a clear understanding of your topic.

8. Ask for feedback

Whether it’s a friend, a relative or – even better – your course tutor, it’s a good idea to have your work checked over by someone else. Because you’ve spent hour upon hour absorbed in your subject matter, you can lose sight of certain things, so it makes sense to have your EPQ essay looked at from a different viewpoint. A second opinion can ensure that everything you’ve written is concise and accurate and the person checking your work can give you advice on what to leave out or add in; especially if they already have some knowledge on the subject matter.

9. Double-check everything before submitting your work

It’s a good idea to leave it a day or so before coming back to your essay to proofread it so that you’re viewing it with a fresh pair of eyes. We recommend going over it a couple of times – once to check that you’ve covered everything in terms of the subject matter and another for housekeeping. You want to ensure that you don’t lose any marks for basic things like spelling, punctuation and grammar. You should also take this time to make sure footnotes are accurate, as well as checking over any graphs, charts, diagrams and images.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this step-by-step guide and we’re confident that you now have everything you need to go on to successfully write an EPQ essay. Good luck!

How To Write An EPQ Essay (Step-by-Step Guide)

In A-Level by Think Student Editor March 29, 2019 8 Comments

Whatever the reasons were for you choosing to write an EPQ, the grade you get is most definitely important to you. That is why I have written this (hopefully) detailed guide on how to write an EPQ.

1. Think Of An EPQ Topic That Genuinely Interests You 

It’s important to choose an EPQ you’re interested in, or you may run into some problems . Many students take EPQs each year, and many students fail because they make this mistake.

If you don’t take an EPQ you’re interested in, you’ll have no motivation to work on it . This will be because you start to want to do other things, anything instead of your EPQ.

Think about revision, for example. Is it interesting? Nope. Would you rather be playing videogames, watching Netflix, or literally anything else? Yeah, me too.

If you’re not motivated to write your EPQ essay, then you’ll either not do it or do it badly. If you don’t work hard for it, you won’t get good marks – and therefore there’s less point in even taking it in the first place .

If you find an EPQ topic to write your essay on that genuinely peaks your interest, you’ll find it much easier to get better grades in it.

A more interesting EPQ essay topic will mean that your focus is better . This will result in a better EPQ, meaning more marks when you hand it in.

You’ll also enjoy the EPQ a lot more if you find it interesting . You’ll find the whole experience a lot more fun, and therefore a lot easier too.

To find an EPQ topic that genuinely interests you, you just have to think about what you like. There are lots of different things you can do, but you only get to choose once – so choose carefully.

And if you’re really stuck on ideas, take a look at this list of 600+ EPQ ideas that guarantee an A* . Any of these ideas will be great for your EPQ, so just choose one that interests you and that you’ll actually enjoy.

2. Create A Mind Map Surrounding Your EPQ Topic

A mind map is where you write down everything you know about a topic . In this case, you’d be writing down all the ideas and concepts surrounding your EPQ topic.

That way you can see everything you need to write about in your EPQ essay. You’re essentially making a mood board for whatever EPQ idea you’ve chosen, and it will help you get in the right mindset for the task ahead.

Mind maps are most commonly used to identify gaps in your knowledge . Students tend to use them when revising to work out what they don’t know, whilst also helping them consolidate what they do know.

In terms of your EPQ essay, a mind map will provide a loose structure for you to follow . You’ll come up with lots of different things you can write about, and that will make the essay a lot easier.

In addition to this, whilst creating your mind map you may even decide to change your topic entirely. You might find that the topic you’ve chosen isn’t giving you any idea inspiration, and so you move on to a different topic. 

To make sure you get your mind maps right, you might want to follow this helpful guideline . It’s mainly about studying, but the same things can be said for planning your EPQ essay.

Don’t try rushing in to your EPQ essay without first creating a mind map . Mind maps are more useful than most students think…

Mind maps will help you avoid getting lost in what you’ve written, what you’ve missed, and what you’re planning on doing. You can use your EPQ topic mind maps as a sort of checklist as you write your EPQ essay.

3. Use Your Mind Map To Think Of A Question Related To Your Main EPQ Topic

Many students forget to think about this, but it’s probably the most important part of your EPQ . If you get this bit wrong, you can say goodbye to a good grade in your EPQ.

The question relating to your EPQ topic of choice is what you’ll spend your time working on . The 5000 words you write will be about this question, and so it really needs to be a good one.

If you don’t make it a question that interests you, then you’ll find it harder to write as much about it. Find a question that genuinely peaks your interest (relating to your EPQ of course) and the rest will come naturally.

It’s also important, however, that you choose a question where there’s a lot to write about . If you choose a question with lots to write about, you can use that to your advantage when trying to reach those 5000 words.

However, if you don’t choose a question where there’s a lot to write about, you’ll find that your EPQ is slow and drains you. Not only that, but it’ll probably be worse in terms of grade too.

I’d suggest doing a little background research into your question before you start writing your EPQ essay . Just check that there’s lots to write about and then you can avoid starting something you can’t finish.

As a general rule, you’ll want questions that don’t have definitive answers. If you can find a question that is inconclusive, you’re onto a winner.

If you can’t be bothered to look up EPQ questions, then there’s an alternative . Take a look at this list of 600+ EPQ ideas that guarantee an A* .

4. Write Down Subtitles That Relate To Your Main EPQ Question

Writing down subtitles for your EPQ question means that you’ll have a better idea of what’s actually going into your EPQ essay .

When you create your subtitles for your EPQ essay, you’re essentially writing down all the mini-topics you’ll write about. You split up the massive 5000 word count into smaller, more manageable parts.

I’d suggest making as many subtitles as you can that relate to your main EPQ question. Just go for a massive brainstorm ( potentially using your mind map ) to try and come up with lots of subtitles.

That way you maximize the chances of you making some actually good subtitles. You’ll have lots of options to choose from, and your EPQ will benefit from having such a varied range of points.

You also put yourself in the right mindset for your EPQ essay . You’ll be much more open to different ideas and approaches whilst actually writing the EPQ, and examiners will see this and give you extra credit.

However, you need to make sure that the subtitles you’re writing actually relate to your EPQ question . If they don’t, you could run into some serious problems.

If you choose to work on a subtitle that doesn’t wholly relate to your EPQ question, you risk filling up your word count with irrelevant information. That means less room for the important stuff, and less marks for you.

Make sure you check all your subtitles before you start writing . Work out what the plan is before you start writing, so that you don’t have to rewrite a large portion of your EPQ essay.

So grab a pen and paper, sit down, put on some nice music, and get to writing those subtitles.

5. Triple Check That Every Subtitle Question Actually Relates To The Main EPQ Topic

By this point, you should have around 16 subtitles that you want to include in your EPQ essay . 16 subtitles will give you a nice 300 word per subtitle guide, give or take a few.

Any more subtitles, and you run the risk of overcomplicating your EPQ. Any fewer, and you’ll struggle to reach that gargantuan 5000 word count.

It’s essential that you break down your EPQ essay into smaller modules like this, to make it easier for you in the long term. 16 subtitles will mean the best productivity for you when you actually come to write your EPQ essay .

The next step is to order your subtitles, for easier reading. You’ll want to make the layout of your subtitles as sensible and as easy to follow as possible for your examiner .

If you please your examiner like this, they’ll be more inclined to give you more marks. They mark you on your written communication, and therefore you’ll want to make sure you’re communicating the most effective way.

Try ordering your subtitles by the order of most important to least important . Laying out your subtitles this way will show your examiner that you’ve really thought about your EPQ and understand what they want to see.

Alternatively, you could lay out your subtitles chronologically . What I mean by this is that you start with your question, move onto research, then explanations, and finally a conclusion.

This is probably the best way to lay out your EPQ essay subtitles . It’s the easiest way to follow the process you went through, and examiners like to see EPQ essays that are laid out like this.

It’s how I laid my EPQ essay subtitles out, and I got an A* – so I’d suggest doing the same.

6. Allocate A Word Count To Each Element Of Your EPQ Structure

You’ll want an introductory paragraph to start with, and that should only take about 200-300 words . Don’t go overboard with your introduction, as you should aim to make the bulk of your essay about your EPQ question.

I’ve already mentioned it, but you want to write about 300 words per subtitle . This is the perfect amount of words to write if you want the EPQ essay to go as smoothly as possible.

16 subtitles at 300 words each will put you at just under 5000 words – 4800, to be exact. That will leave you just enough room to add a short introduction too.

You can go for less subtitles, but that means a higher word count for each individual subtitle . If you make your word count per subtitle too high, then you’ll struggle when it comes to actually writing your EPQ essay.

You could also try more subtitles if you want, but that then means you’d write less per subtitle . That means there’s less room for all your explanation, and less marks when you hand it in.

I’d recommend keeping your subtitle count between 14 and 18 . That way you give yourself the best chances of your EPQ being easier to write.

You also make it easier for you to enjoy, too. Making your EPQ essay subtitles this long means you’ll find it easier and less monotonous, and therefore you’ll enjoy it more.

The word count of each element in your EPQ essay has an impact on your productivity and focus, too . Generally, the shorter the piece of writing you have to do, the more productive you’ll be.

Setting yourself short-term goals like this will help you stay focused and make your EPQ that little bit better. It’s worth setting effective word counts for your EPQ essay elements for those extra marks .

7. Research, Research ( And A Little Bit More Research )

Research should make up about 40%-50% of your total EPQ essay . That’s a lot of research, and you can see from this figure that quality research is crucial to your success.

The reason research takes up so much space is because you need to explore all opportunities within your question. Research will help you develop ideas and improve your knowledge of the subject, helping you to better answer your EPQ essay question.

And besides, who doesn’t want help reaching the massive 5000 word count?

There are many ways to research, with the most common being the internet, and books . Both ways of researching are valid and useful, but you still need to be careful.

Especially with the internet, you may come across facts and information that isn’t entirely accurate. This is because anybody can access anything, and usually the information you see online is edited by people who aren’t professionals.

Try to stay away from websites like Wikipedia, where anybody can change the information you see . There are much better alternatives out there, like Google Scholar for example.

Whereas with books, they have to go through a long-winded process to ensure they’re accurate . Books tend to be slightly more reliable than the internet, especially if they have an ‘exam-board approved’ label on them.

I’d also recommend keeping track of all the sources of your information, as you’ll have to write a bibliography at the end of your EPQ .

What that basically means is that you have to reference each individual source of information after you’ve written your EPQ essay. That’s just so examiners can check to see if you’re plagiarising any content, in case you were wondering.

8. Check That Your EPQ Structure Still Makes Sense

You should have around 16 subtitles ready to go, in chronological order or order of importance . I’d suggest chronological order, but that’s up to you.

You should also have space to add an introduction and conclusion paragraphs . They shouldn’t take up too much space, but still leave some room for you to add them in.

You’ll actually want to wait until the end of your EPQ essay to write either of these paragraphs, so it might help to add placeholders until you get to writing them.

Around 7 of your subtitles should be based on research . You’ll want to leave yourself a nice amount of in-depth research, whilst also allowing room for all that explanation.

If you don’t give the right proportions for your research and explanation subtitles, your EPQ can become lopsided. Examiners will easily spot this and take away precious marks.

You’ll want your conclusion to be longer than your introduction, as you’re essentially summing up all that you’ve written . Your conclusion should be about the same size as your subtitles, but maybe just a little bit bigger.

If all else fails, just read through your structure and think about it from an examiners’ point of view. Does it all make sense? Are the subtitles in a sensible order? Have you left space for your introduction and conclusion paragraphs?

If you reckon you’ve got all these elements in the right order and the right sizes, you should be good to go. Just keep a clear focus on your EPQ essay question, and you can’t go wrong.

9 . Write Down The Answers To Each Of Your Subtitles

Start with your subtitles to get the main bulk of your EPQ essay underway . The quicker you get your subtitles done, the sooner you can finish your EPQ.

Starting your subtitles first is a good idea, as they make up most of your EPQ. You’ll want to get them done first, and then you have time after that to work on the finer details.

As I’ve said, your subtitles should be around 300 words long . This will allow you just enough space to answer the subtitle, without repeating yourself or going overboard.

If you go too far over 300 words, you risk either repeating yourself or just extending your points so much that your words become empty. Empty words = no marks, which is what you definitely don’t want.

If you don’t write 300 words, the points you make are likely to be underdeveloped. This means you can’t get into the top band of marks no matter how good what you’re saying is – there’s just simply not enough of it.

Of course, if you think you can express yourself in more or less than 300 words, go for it . Everybody’s different, and some people have better writing skills than others.

The amount of words you write per subtitle can also depend on how many subtitles you have . If you have less subtitles, you write more words per subtitle, and vice versa – simple maths.

Try to explore every possibility within your subtitle. The more routes you go down and the further the detail you go into, the more marks you’ll get from the examiner.

10 . Write The Introduction And Conclusion Paragraphs

Your introduction paragraph needs to be slightly shorter than your average subtitle paragraph . Usually about 200-300 words, the introduction will basically talk about what’s to come in your EPQ essay.

If you make your introduction too long, you waste space that you might need for your research/explanations. You also take up space that could be used for your conclusion, which is very important.

It’s a good idea to write your introduction paragraph after you’ve written all of your subtitles . It may sound odd, but there’s method to the madness.

If you write your introductory paragraph last, it’ll be a lot more accurate than if you’d have done it at the start. You’ll know exactly what’s in your EPQ, and therefore your introduction can accurately ‘introduce’ your essay .

Your conclusion paragraph should be slightly longer than your average subtitle, and definitely longer than your introduction . I’d say about 400 words, your conclusion should sum up everything you’ve talked about in your EPQ essay.

Your conclusion should essentially answer the question you asked at the start of your EPQ essay. You should aim to include everything you talked about in your other subtitles (that’s why it’s a little bit longer).

You’ll obviously want to write your conclusion paragraph after everything else, or you’ll have nothing to conclude. Once you get on to your conclusion, you’re on the home stretch.

11. Get Someone To Proof Read It To Make Sure There Are No Errors

Proof reading your EPQ essay is so, so, SO important to your success . If you don’t proof read your EPQ essay, you may miss some pretty crucial mistakes…

I’m not just talking about the spelling mistakes you may have made (although you might want to fix those too). I mean the mistakes where you contradict yourself, go off topic, or even just get your facts wrong.

I’m sure I don’t need to explain it, but these mistakes will cost you dearly when your EPQ gets examined . Sometimes just a few marks can be the difference between an A and an A*, so you need to maximize your chances of success.

A good way to ensure your EPQ essay is perfect is to get someone else to look through it. Having a second opinion ensures that everything you’ve written is accurate and concise, and it’s better than just checking through it yourself.

If you rely on your own methods of checking through your work, you’re more likely to miss mistakes . Having a fresh perspective on your work broadens the chances of catching every mistake you make.

It doesn’t matter who you get to check your work . You can ask friends, family, or even your teachers/tutor – just get it proof read before you send it off to be marked .

If you need to check through it for spelling mistakes or wording issues, there’s a handy little trick I used for my EPQ essay. Paste your entire essay into google translate, and have it read out to you .

That way you can listen and check for anything that’s not quite right, and sort it out in time for your EPQ essay to be examined.

Thanks so much for the help !

This is so, so helpful, thanks so much!

How many resources should I have for my EPQ?

20-25 should be the right number

Hi, thanks for the cool tips! I will definitely keep it for myself

Hello, thanks for the cool advice, but the most difficult thing for me is 1 point – to think through the topic itself. Therefore, already at the first stage, I give up and turn to the college essay writing service. This service helped me more than once or twice. My friends also use it. Also, it is difficult for me to create a mental map, which is in point 2. Therefore, I would rather spend my writing time on purposes that are useful to me.

This is so useful! I have been working on my EPQ over the past few weeks and have had a few big quandries about how I should go about forming an answer to my question and this has made it much clearer. Thank you!

Primrose Kitten

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Level 3 Extended Project Qualification

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See your students flourish with an EPQ

Community link: Warwick University [warwick.ac.uk]

Discover the resources and support available to support your EPQ qualification at Warwick University Library.

Published 22 Sep 2021

Teaching guide: the project presentation for Project Qualifications

Published 22 Sep 2021 | PDF | 106 KB

Teaching guide: work with third parties on Project Qualifications

Published 22 Sep 2021 | PDF | 506 KB

Teaching guide: ethics and safeguarding in Project Qualifications

Published 22 Sep 2021 | PDF | 152 KB

Teaching guide: the project product for Project Qualifications

Published 22 Sep 2021 | PDF | 210 KB

Teaching guide: the taught Element of Project Qualifications

Published 22 Sep 2021 | PDF | 255 KB

Teaching guide: the project process and production log for Project Qualifications

Published 22 Sep 2021 | PDF | 208 KB

Community link: Oxford University [libguides.bodleian.ox.ac.uk]

A set of guides about research skills, referencing, academic writing, how to use public libraries and where to find free research resources.

Published 3 Aug 2021

Community link: Newcastle University study skills [sixthformstudyskills.ncl.ac.uk]

An interactive guide about study skills designed for sixth Form students, along with links to further support and workshops.

Community link: Durham University [dur.ac.uk]

The support guides will help students to focus on different aspects of research, essay planning and presenting.

Community link: University of Birmingham skills4uni [skills4uni.bham.ac.uk]

Interactive course teaching students the skills they need to support their projects and studies and how to study successfully in higher education.

Community link: University of Southampton [southampton.ac.uk]

Students can access free workshops, resources and support if they're undertaking the EPQ or any other project-based qualification.

Community link: University of Essex [essex.ac.uk]

Students can learn more about the key skills they need for writing their first research project, or book a support session for more advice.

Community link: Newcastle University Library [ncl.ac.uk]

Library outreach activities including research workshops for EPQ and library skills resources for sixth formers.

Community link: The British Library online resources [bl.uk]

Get ideas for project research from the British Library's articles on unique collection and expert commentary.

Community link: Wellcome Trust ethical guidance [wellcome.ac.uk]

Students can find out more about what to consider ethically, when carrying out a research project.

Community link: London School of Economics [lse.ac.uk]

Join an introductory session at LSE library where you'll discuss topic searches, evaluation of material, referencing and academic writing.

Community link: Cardiff University [cardiff.ac.uk]

Learn how to find information online, assess the quality of sources and critically read sources.

Community link: University of Bristol Library [bristol.ac.uk]

Useful links to free online scholary publications for research.

Community link: University of Sheffield discover programme [sheffield.ac.uk]

Year 12 and 13 students can book a place on a study skills workshop where they will learn more about EPQ.

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A-level AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

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Extended Project Qualification

On the left hand side or below you will find links to exemplar A* and A grade projects.  Each project contains: Production Log, Essay OR evidence of product & 1000 word report, Presentation Slides and Record of Marking.

Projects are listed under different subject areas, although some projects may include more than one subject area. Miscellaneous are projects which do not fit under any specific subject - many of them are products that have been built.

Please sign in your TTS google account to access the projects.

Alternatively, you can search the essays in Infiniti Library Database and click the web links provided to access them.

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How to Write an A+ Extended Project Qualification Essay

Table of contents

As you start your college assignments, you will come across an independent research project that is lengthy, intensive, and takes around 120 hours to complete the assignment entirely – this is the Extended Project Qualification Essay (EPQ).

An EPQ assignment helps in developing and broadening creative thinking and analytical problem-solving skills, as well as being beneficial for getting students into their desired colleges for other further education.

Well, everything has its first time, and if you’re wondering how to approach the EPQ essay, this article will help you get started.

9-Step Guide to Write a Perfect EPQ Essay

The EPQ essay plays a significant role in building academic confidence, enhancing creative writing skills , and demonstrating your passion for a particular subject or topic.

<<Check EPQ Sample>>

While working on this EPQ essay, students learn how to manage their time, meet deadlines, work on constructive feedback, learn independently, and conduct thorough research.

Here’s how you can write an A+ extended project qualification essay in 9 steps.

1. Brainstorm topic ideas

The first thing to do before you start writing your EPQ essay is to find an engaging topic that interests you. Look for ideas and brainstorm subject matter essay topics that are significant to you and intrigue your mind.

Many students make the mistake of choosing boring topics they are not interested in. This eventually leads them to draft up an average, low-quality assignment.

Choosing an appropriate topic that genuinely interests you will help you stay focused and motivate you to work hard and efficiently on your EPQ assignment.

You would also understand your subject matter better and learn more – which would result in making this assignment a high-scoring, fun, and engaging experience.

2. Jot down your ideas

Before you start researching your topic and learning brand new information, use your prior knowledge and write down everything – thoughts, ideas, facts, statistics – you know about your topic and subject matter.

This will help you understand the pieces of information you already have and can thus assist in organizing them for easier understanding and reference. You will also be able to identify if there are any fixable gaps in your knowledge, as this will be held as the foundation of how you will proceed to the next steps for researching your topic.

If you find that you aren’t inspired, you do not have a lot of information on your topic or there are massive gaps in your knowledge, it is better to eradicate the entire idea and start afresh than to submit a half-measured, uninteresting essay.

3. Create mind maps to define the subject matter

Whether your EPQ question is from a Maths, Physics, Biology, Psychology, etc. background, you are required to create a question or a prompt through which you can write your essay.

An Extended Project Qualification essay is mostly a 5000-word essay – and drafting an interesting, engaging, and inspiring essay without a question or a prompt is almost impossible.

Many students fail to do well and get a good grade on this particular essay assignment because they give the topic and content of the essay more important than the essay prompt .

Create a mind map and fill in any idea or thought that comes to you related to your topic. Through this mind map, you can remove ideas that don't pertain to the subject and segregate interesting points to craft your essay question that genuinely piques your interest.

However, it is also a best practice to choose a prompt that has a variety of information, references, statistics, and arguments to it.

This will make it easier to do your research on this topic. Make sure to choose a question that doesn't have a conclusive answer so that you can do extra added research on it and learn more about this subject.

Here’s a video by Justin Sung on using mind maps correctly.

4. Research the topic

Now is the time to focus on the body of the EPQ essay. Try to flesh out all the information you can find about your topic, thus filling the gaps you found in your prior knowledge.

At this time, make it a point to adhere to your chosen title for the essay, the essay question, and the structure you’ve used to lay down your arguments. Check for reliable sources of information such as books, articles, online journals, and more through the internet.

Keep a note of all the references and sources you’ve used to scourge up quality information for your essay assignment. Eventually, this list of sources would be a good way to organize your reference page or bibliography.

5. Structure and organize your essay

As you’ve gathered all the relevant information about your EPQ essay topic, it is time to organize your essay to have better readability, flow, and transitions through different arguments and paragraphs.

The structure needs to provide a robust framework for your essay content and exactly express what and how you want your essay to be delivered. It also helps you stay focused on the essay prompt and the kind of research you need to do to answer it.

Keep in mind to include some essential portions in your essay structure, such as the chronological list of subtitles for subsections and a placeholder to add in the introduction and conclusion paragraphs.

6. Create subtitles for your subsections

Split your essay body into subsections to make it easier to follow a structure and keep space for adding in any new related information. Creating subsections will also help you identify any missing facts and if you’ve explored the topic in detail.

Divide the 5000-word essay into equal and manageable portions with subtitles, and make sure to keep each subsection 100% related to your essay question. These subtitles are mini-topics that will help you get a better idea of what you want to say in your essay.

To create these subsections, you could choose to divide them chronologically or even in a most-important-subsection to least-important-subsection format.

7. Allocate a word count for each subsection

It's not an easy feat to write a 5000-word essay, which is why allocating a specific word count limit to each subsection would help complete the entire essay in a much smoother way.

You must divide your subsections into 16 subtitles, with about 300 words for each subtitle. This will help you reach 4800 words, leaving 200 words for any added paragraphs, points, or arguments. You can choose to keep the number of subtitles between 14 to 18 and allocate the word count to each of them accordingly.

Writing short, manageable portions for your EPQ essay makes the experience more productive, focused, effective, and less monotonous.

8. Write the introduction and conclusion paragraphs

Once you’ve completed writing down the answers to your subtitles, the next step is to write your introduction and conclusion paragraphs.

Your introduction paragraph needs to be shorter than your subtitled subsection. It should encapsulate what your readers should expect out of your essay and a summary of what you want to express, including your main thesis statement.

Whereas your conclusion paragraph should be longer than the subtitled subsections as well as the introduction paragraph. The conclusion should essentially be able to answer the essay prompt which was asked at the beginning of the essay, and aim to include essential points from each subtitled subsection for clarity of understanding.

As a best practice, it is recommended to build your introduction and conclusion paragraphs once you’ve completed writing your main body, as you will have all your arguments and points in place and have a better grasp of how you answered your EPQ essay question.

9. Review and ask for feedback

Lastly, whether it's a friend, parent, or peer, you should get your EPQ essay reviewed and proofread by someone else to receive a fresh perspective and a different opinion on your content and framework before submitting your final draft.

Neglecting to proofread your work would invite unnecessary errors, grammatical issues, and spelling mistakes. Reviewing and proofreading your essay could help identify and fix wrong academic vocabulary , vague arguments, incomplete sentence structures, accuracy, contradictions, incorrect facts, and more.

For students aiming at standout grades, an A+ Extended Project Qualification Essay can be the game-changer. While it requires a high degree of knowledge-sourcing, meticulous application, and strong conviction to write an impressive piece, the above suggestions will go a long way in easing the path.

From the time you zero down on a riveting topic to the final moment you press the submit button, this should be your handy to-do reckoner for surefire success.

We at Writers Per Hour can help you write a stellar EPQ essay. Our professional essay writers are subject matter experts in their respective fields and hail from leading universities across the US, UK, and Australia.

All you have to do is fill out the order form, give us your requirements, and we’ll assign the best writer for the task. With our safe payment methods and transparent policies, we’re an essay writing service you can truly trust.

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EPQ Guide: Home

• The Inquiry Process
• Developing a line of inquiry
• Finding and selecting sources
• Working with ideas
• Expressing your ideas

Why choose an EPQ?

At the very least you will learn valuable inquiry skills that will help you at university and beyond.

At best, an EPQ can be a revealing journey of self-discovery that may be the start of a life-long inquiry journey, and the beginning of a deeper relationship with a particular subject or topic.

What would I need to produce?

• Your completed Production Log
• If your project is solely a research-based written report of any kind (e.g. a science investigation or an essay) it should be approximately 5,000 words long
• You might produce an artefact, such as a piece of art or portfolio, a design product, a website, or a presentation or performance. If your product is an artefact, it must be accompanied by a research based written report of a minimum of 1,000 words. For artefacts, you may include photos or other media showing various stages of the production process as well as the final product. You do not need to submit a large artefact as evidence - photographs or other media are fine.

• Your presentation must be delivered live to a non-specialist audience and might use flipcharts or posters, presentation tools such as PowerPoint or Prezi or short video clips. The evidence for your presentation will  include a record in your Production Log of questions your supervisor asked and how you responded.
• If your product was itself a presentation then you still need to deliver another presentation about the process of producing it!

Most students produce an EPQ on their own. It is permitted to work in a group (e.g. to produce a group performance) but every student must produce a separate Production Log and research report, and make their individual role in the group clear.

How do I use this guide?

• Once you have explored this Home tab, start by reading through the Inquiry Process tab
• Then use the Planning tab to help you to decide on a subject and topic, and plan your project
• You might then want to start at the end, and visit the Reflecting tab to think about setting up an Inquiry Journal to chart your journey. Reflection is important throughout the inquiry process, not just at the end, and the EPQ process requires you to provide evidence of this reflection at every stage.
• The Developing a line of inquiry tab will help you in the early stages of your investigation, as you are narrowing down your inquiry
• The Finding and selecting sources tab will help you as you gather and work with sources to support your inquiry
• The Working with ideas tab will help you as you make notes from those sources and start to pull all the different ideas you have encountered together into new ideas of your own
• The Expressing your ideas tab will help you as you plan your report and presentation

Who can help me?

• Mr Foster, Head of Student Research, who is in charge of the EPQ and delivers the taught component of the course
• Your supervisor (this may also be Mr Foster), who will support you throughout your EPQ, helping you to plan a realistic project and to overcome challenges you meet on the way. Your supervisor will also fill in sections of your Production Log and assess your project.
• The Library staff , who are inquiry experts and can help you to locate and work with the research materials you need
• If your supervisor is not an specialist in your subject, you may also need the support of a subject expert , who may be another member of teaching staff but may equally be someone outside school who has specialist knowledge of your area. Please consult your supervisor and/or Mr Foster before making contact with a subject expert from outside school.

AQA Guide to completing the Production Log introduction

The presentation above contains slides from the AQA presentation  Teaching slides: how to complete the production log  (available from the AQA EPQ Teaching and Learning Resources website ).  These slides are Copyright © 2020 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

A downloadable copy of the Production Log can be found here , on the Home tab of this guide.

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• Last Updated: Feb 27, 2023 2:28 PM
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My Experience Completing An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Posted in: Extended Project Qualification

What is an Extended Project Qualification and why did I do one?

An EPQ is a chance for A level students to complete a project in an area of their interest. This could be an essay, a presentation, a report or investigation, and even an artefact. The best part about it is that the possibilities are nearly endless and you can show off your interest in a particular topic that isn't covered by your A levels. One of my main motivations for completing an EPQ was that I wanted to complete a Sociological piece of research before studying Sociology at university, as my school didn't offer it at A level. I saw it as an opportunity to show my passion for social issues and to follow my independent interests at the same time.

What was my experience with completing the EPQ?

Of course, the EPQ is an extra undertaking at an already busy time in your life as an A level student. I completed mine in Year 13, so I was already feeling the pressure of all my other subjects. Having said that, it was a really refreshing experience. As I was already writing enough essays in History, I decided to make a presentation in a lecture-style format. This helped me get into the university frame of mind as I was researching pressing social issues, much like I was about to be doing in my degree.

Growing pains

When I first began thinking about my presentation and what I wanted to investigate, I found it quite difficult to narrow it down. However, after a couple of meetings with my supervisor followed by some more independent research, I managed to find a topic that would suit the time I had and the resources available to me. After this, I had to find a particular question I was trying to answer and again, my supervisor helped push me in the right direction. I had to learn to come up with my own research questions.

Getting started

After I was all set, I began to plan the skeleton of my presentation. I used my free time between classes to research and further explore the topic. This involved being selective with the information I found, as I couldn't include all of it! This could be tricky because I was so eager to learn more, but I just had to ask myself whether it was directly relevant to my project.

Throughout the EPQ, there are regular check-ins with a supervisor and paperwork that must be filled in. This is all to make sure that you are meeting deadlines and goals that you and your supervisor have discussed. I found that it was a good middle between being told what to do by teachers and finding out how I work best. The paperwork is a significant part of the project, so make sure it's up to date!

Reaching the end

Once I had finished my project, I had to give a small presentation explaining it. This was fairly nerve-wracking, but I felt confident in my knowledge and ability to answer any questions asked. It went really well, and all I had to do next was submit the project and the paperwork. It was a huge relief, but I also felt proud that I'd done an independent piece of work.

The benefits of an EPQ and my top tips

I found the EPQ to be a very positive experience, and here are some of the reasons why:

• It's independent - it gives you a chance to step outside the curriculum of your A level subjects. It could be something totally different (like mine!) or just another aspect of something you've already touched on
• It equips you with skills - from independent research and referencing to time management, the EPQ is a great way to get a head start on these skills before coming to university
• Universities value it - universities tend to appreciate the fact that you've taken the initiative to do an independent project. Some of them, like Bath, can give alternative offers for entry into courses provided you do well enough in your EPQ
• It's satisfying - while it is an extra responsibility, completing a significant project is very rewarding

Top tips to help you with the EPQ:

• Make sure you choose something you actually want to do, as you will be spending a lot of time on it
• If you're researching, make a note of everything you read and where it came from. This can save you a lot of hassle in the future
• Speak to your supervisor or mentor if you need more help or support. That's what they're there for!
• Try to manage your time as best as you can. Timetable in slots to work on your project and give yourself realistic deadlines and goals
• ...and of course, don't forget the paperwork!

If you're interested in undertaking an EPQ, talk to your school or college to see if they offer it to you.

The University of Bath is offering a (free!) FutureLearn course on the EPQ which can help guide both students and teachers through the process.

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Why I loved taking my EPQ

An EPQ: a (very) long independent research project which is worth 50% of an A-Level (up to 28 UCAS points) which, upon completion, gives you another qualification under your belt. But, is it worth it? To put it simply: there...

Considering an EPQ? Some reasons to say yes

Watch then read on ... What is an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)? An EPQ is a student-led project where you research an area of your choice. The project can take two forms: A 5000-word report on your chosen topic Producing...

400+ EPQ Ideas and Examples for All Subjects (2024)

Dr Rahil Sachak-Patwa

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a unique opportunity for students to explore a topic of their choosing and develop research and independent study skills. Offered to students in their final year of A-Levels , the EPQ is a valuable addition to any student's academic portfolio, as it provides an opportunity to demonstrate skills in critical thinking, research, and project management that are highly valued by universities and employers alike.

Arguably the best part about the EPQ is that you get to select your own ideas for your project. And the worst part? You have to select your own ideas for your project. For most people, their EPQs are the first time they get to explore their chosen area of interest in depth. Save for some requirements, you can technically take this project in any direction you fancy. But this level of freedom can be daunting, especially when you have to choose a project idea and title.

What makes for a good title? Are there any limitations? How can you make your project stand out? Let’s find out how to get an A* in your EPQ in 2024!

How to Choose A Good EPQ Idea

The EPQ assessment criteria are a good reference point to embark on your EPQ journey. Across these four assessment objective areas, you’re able to get a feel for what sort of thing the examiners are looking for.

Touching on each of these, a student that wants an A* in EPQ would need to:

• AO1 - Understand how to plan out a project thoroughly and then execute that plan.
• AO2 - Navigate their own research, as well as understand how to break down other academic pieces to extract information that supports their project.
• AO3 - Solve problems using skills like planning, logic, researching, or new technologies that they encounter during their EPQ project. This is the area where students get the most marks, meaning great EPQ ideas should always have a level of development and progression to them. How are you getting from points A-B?
• AO4 - Within the EPQ essay, students need to be able to accurately review their entire project, outlining the curves in the road and any blocks that they overcame to get to their final destination.

Across these assessment areas, EPQ students will have their ideas tested and explored. The brilliance of a great EPQ idea is that students can explore a topic that they find interesting, all while strengthening their university application.

Source - EPQ Assessment Criteria

However, the rubric isn’t enough to tell you whether your idea is any good to begin with. Instead, here are some key pointers you can use to guarantee an A*.

The best EPQ ideas share the following criteria:

• Relevant Ideas
• Narrow Scope
• Interdisciplinary
• Push boundaries

Let’s break these down further.

Make It Relevant

A good EPQ research project is one that is relevant to the context of the modern world. Now, this doesn’t mean that you can’t orient your project around historical events. On the contrary, referring to the past is a great way of substantiating your project. The key, however, is to link it to issues of contemporary relevance. For example, you can use historical plagues to analyse the long-term effects of COVID-19.

Understanding how your topic has an impact on the modern world, or could have a direct effect on the future, is a great way of including this level of relevancy. If you’re doing a history EPQ, you don’t want to only focus on what happened, you want to explain why this matters.

You should carry this idea throughout the whole of your EPQ, ensuring that your project is relevant and ticks all the assessment objective boxes.

Narrow It Down

Some research projects are so extensive in their scope that making them relevant to the modern context isn’t enough. Instead, you have to narrow your EPQ research down to a specific country, city, or even a community. Remember: you can’t possibly tackle all issues in all countries across all members of society. Otherwise, your research becomes too generalising and consequently loses its merit.

There’s a subtle balance between breadth and depth when it comes to choosing an EPQ idea. On one hand, you want to pick something that’s broad enough that you have lots to talk about. Yet, go too broad and you’ll have too much to say in too few words, leading to a shallow analysis. We suggest that you pick an idea that has a narrow focus but one that you can talk about from multiple perspectives.

Try to balance breadth and depth within your EPQ project.

Adopt An Interdisciplinary Approach

You’ll notice that most of the ideas listed in this post are interdisciplinary. In other words, they borrow from various disciplines and subjects. This leads on directly from having a good balance of breadth and depth. Instead of just focusing on one small detail, noticing how topics transect different subjects is a vital part of the EPQ.

Of course, you’d be hard-pressed to find a topic that has absolutely nothing to do with any other subject than itself. Even when focusing on a scientific question, the interdisciplinary links across sciences, health studies, and medicine, allow students to broaden their approach.

Always try and choose an EPQ idea that has interdisciplinary studies at its center. There are always common links across subjects, you just have to find them.

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Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

While you should stick to your interests, by and large, a good EPQ is one where you learn something new or develop a new skill. The only way to do so is by stepping outside your comfort zone and pursuing topics that are somewhat unfamiliar to you. If you’re still unsure about where or how to begin, enlisting the help of A-Level EPQ tutors is a good first step.

Working with an A-Level tutor for your EPQ can help boost your final grade as you’ll have a person to discuss your ideas with at every step of your project. Even when finding an initial idea, having someone to bounce thoughts off is vital when finding the right topic for you.

List of the Best EPQ Ideas

Now that we’ve covered the foundations of what makes a good idea, let’s give you some inspiration. We’ll move through different subjects, giving a list of ideas that you could use for your project.

In this article, we’ll touch on the following subjects for EPQ Ideas:

• A-Level Biology
• A-Level Physics
• A-Level Chemistry
• A-Level Maths
• A-Level History
• A-Level Geography
• A-Level English
• A-Level Economics
• A-Level Engineering
• A-Level Politics
• A-Level Sociology
• A-Level Psychology
• A-Level Law
• A-Level Computer Science
• A-Level Medicine

EPQ Ideas For Biology

Explore these EPQ ideas, endorsed by experienced A-Level Biology tutors :

1 - Are there any long-term psychological effects that may be had by a recipient of another person’s organ? 2 - How do diseases develop mutants? 3 - At what point after conception does life actually begin? 4 - Nature vs nurture causes of body dysmorphia 5 - To what extent do menstrual pains and other period symptoms count as legitimate medical handicaps? 6 - The cause and effect of misdiagnosis/late diagnosis of autism in women 7 - How does smoking marijuana from a young age affect brain development? 8 - A comparison of sex and gender dynamics between humans and other species 9 - What solutions does medical biotechnology present for the COVID-19 pandemic? 10 - How does obesity differ in distinct populations around the world? 11 - The effects of plastic pollution on marine biodiversity 12 - Analysing the role of the microbiome in human health and disease 13 - Investigating the impact of climate change on bird migration patterns 14 - How do different types of exercise affect the human body? 15 - A study of the genetics and environmental factors of addiction 16 - Investigating the role of epigenetics in cancer development 17 - Analysing the effects of air pollution on respiratory health 18 - A study of the evolutionary origins of language in humans 19 - Investigating the effectiveness of different types of birth control methods 20 - Examining the ethical implications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production 21 - Analysing the impact of sleep deprivation on cognitive function 22 - Investigating the relationship between stress and physical health 23 - A study of the genetics and environmental factors of Alzheimer's disease 24 - Examining the effects of different diets on gut microbiota 25 - Investigating the role of the immune system in autoimmune diseases 26 - Analysing the impact of deforestation on wildlife populations 27 - A study of the molecular mechanisms of addiction 28 - Investigating the effects of environmental toxins on reproductive health 29 - Examining the relationship between gut microbiota and mental health disorders 30 - Analysing the effectiveness of various cancer treatments.

EPQ Ideas For Physics

Discover EPQ topics suggested by professional A-Level Physics tutors :

1 - How early contributions by physicists belonging to a marginalised community (women, PoC, etc.) have been dismissed. 2 - Design and build a functional robot with a particular purpose 3 - Can physics and religion ever go hand in hand? 4 - In an unimaginably colossal cosmos, is life on other planets really that unlikely? 5 - An analysis of the scientific accuracy of select scenes from Interstellar (or any physics-based movie, TV show, cartoon, etc.) 6 - The death of the sun and its potential effects on the solar system 7 - The reasons behind the failure of supersonic travel 8 - Build your own camera lens from scratch 9 - Will lithium-ion batteries dominate the world in the next 30 years? 10 - Is switching to clean energy feasible for developing countries? 11 - Investigating the feasibility of using nuclear fusion as a future energy source 12 - Exploring the physics behind black holes and their effects on space-time 13 - Examining the possibility of time travel and the physics involved 14 - Designing and testing a new type of wind turbine for more efficient energy generation 15 - Investigating the physics behind the behaviour of quantum particles 16 - Building and testing a model rocket to explore the principles of rocket science 17 - Analysing the physics of sound and music production 18 - Investigating the physics behind the formation and behaviour of lightning 19 - The potential applications and limitations of nanotechnology in the field of medicine 20 - Examining the physics behind the development and potential uses of augmented reality technology 21 - Investigating the physics behind the phenomenon of superconductivity and its practical applications 22 - Designing and building a solar-powered vehicle for sustainable transportation 23 - Exploring the physics of magnetism and its applications in technology 24 - Investigating the physics behind the development and potential uses of quantum computers 25 - Analysing the physics of the human body and its potential applications in medicine 26 - Investigating the physics behind the development and potential uses of artificial intelligence 27 - Exploring the physics of space travel and its potential for future human exploration 28 - Investigating the physics behind the development and potential uses of 3D printing technology 29 - The physics behind the behaviour of waves in the ocean and its applications in marine engineering 30 - Examining the physics behind the development and potential uses of drones in various industries.

EPQ Ideas For Chemistry

Review these EPQ ideas, curated by expert A-Level Chemistry tutors for in-depth study:

1 - Investigating the chemistry of drug development in the pharmaceutical industry 2 - A guide on how to read and understand the listed ingredients at the back of self-grooming products. 3 - The extraction of limonene from citrus 4 - Will humans ever stop producing plastic? 5 - Is the use of chemical and mechanical pesticides ethical? 6 - The safety of aspartame in food and drink 7 - Can the chemistry of the atmosphere ever truly be replicated? 8 - Can you use hydrogen as a fuel in cars? 9 - The current limitations behind building a supercell 10 - Can an understanding of chemistry help us in anti-ageing? 11 - The environmental impact of the production and disposal of batteries 12 - Investigating the chemistry behind the production and effects of air pollution 13 - The role of chemistry in developing new materials for the aerospace industry 14 - Investigating the use of enzymes in industrial processes 15 - The chemistry behind food preservation and storage 16 - Developing a new method for synthesising a specific compound of interest 17 - The chemistry behind the production and effects of cosmetics and personal care products 18 - Investigating the chemistry behind the development and production of synthetic drugs 19 - The use of chemistry in forensic science and criminal investigations 20 - The chemistry behind the behaviour and effects of neurotransmitters in the brain 21 - Investigating the chemistry behind the development and production of bioplastics 22 - The use of chemistry in developing new methods for water purification and desalination 23 - Investigating the chemistry behind the development and production of new medications for chronic diseases 24 - The chemistry behind the behaviour and effects of hormones in the human body 25 - Investigating the use of nanoparticles in targeted drug delivery 26 - The chemistry behind the development and production of renewable energy sources 27 - Investigating the use of chemistry in developing new methods for recycling and waste management 28 - The chemistry behind the behaviour and effects of toxins in the environment 29 - Investigating the use of chemistry in developing new methods for food production and agriculture 30 - The chemistry behind the development and production of new materials for energy storage and conversion.

EPQ Ideas For Maths

Professional A-Level Maths tutors recommended the following EPQ ideas:

1 - To what extent does music borrow from mathematics? 2 - A way (physical model, stimulation, etc.) to visualise dimensions beyond 3-D 3 - Is maths necessary for cognitive development in young children? 4 - The many real-life applications of the binomial theorem 5 - How seemingly simple mathematical ideas revolutionised the world when they were first discovered/invented? 6 - The importance of arithmetic in modern-day cryptography 7 - Can you make a universal equation for measuring beauty? 8 - The significance of infinity in mathematics 9 - Was mathematics discovered or invented? 10 - The application of statistical analysis in modern healthcare 11 - The mathematics behind encryption and data security 12 - Investigating the role of mathematics in artificial intelligence and machine learning 13 - The use of mathematical modelling in predicting natural disasters and mitigating their impact 14 - Investigating the mathematical principles behind cryptography and data privacy 15 - The history and significance of the Fibonacci sequence in mathematics and nature 16 - Developing and testing a new mathematical theorem or formula 17 - Investigating the role of probability theory in finance and investment 18 - The use of mathematical modelling in the development of new drugs and therapies 19 - Investigating the mathematics behind the design and construction of bridges and other structures 20 - The role of mathematics in game theory and decision-making 21 - Investigating the use of machine learning in image and voice recognition 22 - The mathematics behind the development and use of GPS technology 23 - Investigating the mathematical principles behind artificial neural networks 24 - The use of mathematics in optimising supply chains and logistics 25 - Investigating the mathematics behind the development and use of blockchain technology 26 - The mathematics behind the behaviour and dynamics of fluid flow 27 - Investigating the use of mathematical models in predicting and mitigating the spread of diseases 28 - The role of mathematics in quantum mechanics and the behaviour of particles 29 - Investigating the mathematical principles behind the design and operation of electric circuits 30 - The use of mathematical modelling in analysing climate change and its impact on the environment.

EPQ Ideas For History

Consider these EPQ ideas, guided by A-Level History tutors :

1 - The significance of education in British colonial expansion. 2 - Pandemics throughout human history and their effects on societies in various stages of development. 3 - The profound impact of the Black Death on England 4 - How did the USA play a role in WWI? 5 - How did Victorian England deal with child poverty 6 - An exploration of child labor across Europe 7 - What was the economic impact of the black Monday stock market crash? 8 - How have Women’s rights developed since the early 1900s? 9 - How truthful can sources in ancient history truly be? 10 - Explore the notion of female friendship in Victorian England 11 - The role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War II 12 - Investigating the influence of religion on medieval society and politics 13 - The impact of the Industrial Revolution on working-class communities in Britain 14 - The role of the British Empire in the transatlantic slave trade 15 - The significance of the Magna Carta in the development of democratic governance 16 - The history and impact of the suffragette movement in the UK 17 - Investigating the causes and impact of the French Revolution 18 - The impact of colonialism on the development of African nations 19 - The history and impact of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States 20 - Investigating the role of propaganda and media in shaping public opinion during the Cold War 21 - The role of religion in shaping the politics and society of ancient Rome 22 - Investigating the causes and impact of the First World War 23 - The impact of the Reformation on religious and political life in Europe 24 - The history and impact of the Vietnam War 25 - Investigating the causes and impact of the Second World War 26 - The significance of the Roman Empire in the development of Western civilisation 27 - Investigating the history and impact of the Indian Independence Movement 28 - The role of women in the development of science and technology throughout history 29 - Investigating the causes and impact of the Cold War 30 - The history and impact of the Civil Rights Movement in the UK.

EPQ Ideas For Geography

Explore EPQ ideas shared by expert A-Level Geography tutors and examiners:

1 - What is the impact of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem? 2 - The role of water management in sustainable development. 3 - What is the impact of urbanisation on natural landscapes? 4 - The potential of renewable energy in reducing carbon emissions. 5 - What is the relationship between land use change and biodiversity loss? 6 - The impact of plastic pollution on marine life. 7 - How can we mitigate the impact of natural disasters on vulnerable communities? 8 - The role of soil erosion in desertification. 9 - What is the impact of deforestation on local and global climate? 10 - The effectiveness of wildlife conservation programs. 11 - The potential of vertical farming in sustainable agriculture. 12 - How can we improve access to clean water in developing countries? 13 - The impact of tourism on local communities and natural landscapes. 14 - What is the role of geospatial technology in environmental conservation? 15 - The impact of sea level rise on coastal communities. 16 - The potential of green infrastructure in urban planning. 17 - How can we reduce air pollution in urban areas? 18 - The role of indigenous knowledge in natural resource management. 19 - What is the impact of soil degradation on agricultural productivity? 20 - The effectiveness of waste management programs. 21 - How can we promote sustainable transportation in urban areas? 22 - The impact of population growth on resource depletion. 23 - The potential of carbon capture technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 24 - What is the impact of human activities on ocean acidification? 25 - The role of environmental policies in promoting sustainable development. 26 - The impact of land subsidence on urban infrastructure. 27 - How can we promote sustainable forestry practices? 28 - The potential of bioremediation in environmental cleanup. 29 - What is the impact of water scarcity on social and economic development? 30 - The effectiveness of disaster risk reduction strategies.

EPQ Ideas for English

Here are some EPQ suggestions from leading A-Level English tutors :

1 - How can the impact of Shakespeare be measured? 2 - What distinguishes modern American poetry from European poetry. 3 - Is the age of poetry dead? Exploring Instagram poetry 4 - What makes a novel ‘great’? Can there be a next great American novel? 5 - Can writers ever really be removed from their social context? 6 - Female English novelists had more impact on the form than their male counterparts 7 - The literary canon is closed - there is no more room for expansion. 8 - To what extent is the literary canon a product of colonialism. 9 - How has sexuality in the novel progressed since the 1600s. 10 - Literature is a powerful tool for understanding real-world history and context 11 - The portrayal of mental illness in literature throughout history 12 - The influence of science fiction on modern society and culture 13 - Investigating the use of magical realism in contemporary literature 14 - The role of literature in exploring and understanding the experiences of refugees and migrants 15 - Investigating the significance of folklore and mythology in literature 16 - The representation of gender and sexuality in contemporary literature 17 - Investigating the use of symbolism in literature throughout history 18 - The role of literature in exploring and understanding issues of race and identity 19 - The impact of postcolonial literature on the literary world 20 - Investigating the role of literature in shaping political and social movements throughout history 21 - The representation of disability in literature throughout history 22 - Investigating the use of unreliable narrators in literature 23 - The impact of modern technology on the publishing industry 24 - The role of literature in exploring and understanding mental health issues 25 - Investigating the influence of mythology and folklore on popular culture 26 - The significance of the Beat Generation in the development of contemporary literature 27 - Investigating the use of intertextuality in literature 28 - The role of literature in understanding and exploring the experiences of marginalised communities 29 - Investigating the influence of social media on contemporary literature 30 - The impact of digital publishing on the literary world.

EPQ Ideas for Economics

Professional A-Level Econmics tutors suggested the following EPQ ideas:

1 - Should we reform the tax system in England? 2 - Corporate greed has become the downfall of the modern economic system in the USA 3 - Should politicians be allowed to trade stocks and shares? 4 - Why hasn’t the minimum wage been raised as economic productivity has increased? 5 - Exploring how inflation relates to the stock exchange 6 - Did Brexit have a positive impact on the UK economy? 7 - Does illegal immigration help or hinder the economy in the USA? 8 - Does the concept of social class still exist? 9 - To what extent is the stock exchange controlled by whale investors? 10 - How has the period of 2020-2024 impacted the global demand for oil. 11 - Investigating the causes and impact of income inequality in modern society 12 - The role of international trade in economic growth and development 13 - Investigating the causes and impact of the 2008 financial crisis 14 - The impact of automation and AI on employment and the labour market 15 - Investigating the role of economic policies in shaping environmental sustainability 16 - The impact of globalisation on economic growth and development 17 - Investigating the impact of e-commerce and online marketplaces on traditional retail industries 18 - The role of central banks in managing monetary policy and inflation 19 - Investigating the impact of cryptocurrencies on the traditional financial system 20 - The impact of Brexit on the UK economy and global trade relations 21 - Investigating the impact of foreign aid on economic development in developing countries 22 - The role of the gig economy in shaping the future of work 23 - Investigating the impact of economic sanctions on global trade relations 24 - The impact of education and human capital on economic growth and development 25 - Investigating the impact of the sharing economy on traditional industries and employment 26 - The role of behavioural economics in shaping public policy and decision-making 27 - Investigating the impact of trade unions on labour market dynamics and wages 28 - The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and society 29 - Investigating the impact of regulation and deregulation on industry dynamics and economic growth 30 - The role of innovation and entrepreneurship in economic growth and development.

EPQ Ideas for Engineering

1 - Biomedical engineering is now more important than ever before in the post COVID-era 2 - What is the relationship between statistics and engineering? 3 - All industries are inherently tied to the speed of progression within engineering 4 - Should software engineering count as a practice of engineering? 5 - How engineering and societal expansion are closely linked 6 - To what extent are soft skills like communication vital for an engineer? 7 - Why is there a gender imbalance within the world of engineering? How can we fix it? 8 - How does the UK government incentivise a career path into engineering? 9 - AI tools will one day replace engineers - to what extent do you agree? 10 - Mechanical engineering is the field of engineering in which most progress has been made 11 - Investigating the impact of renewable energy on the field of electrical engineering 12 - The role of engineering in sustainable infrastructure development and urban planning 13 - Investigating the impact of robotics and automation on manufacturing and industrial engineering 14 - The role of civil engineering in designing and building sustainable cities 15 - Investigating the impact of materials science on the field of engineering 16 - The role of aerospace engineering in space exploration and travel 17 - Investigating the impact of engineering on the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles 18 - The role of chemical engineering in developing sustainable manufacturing processes and materials 19 - Investigating the impact of engineering on the development of healthcare technology and medical devices 20 - The role of engineering in designing and building renewable energy systems and infrastructure 21 - Investigating the impact of engineering on the design and construction of sustainable buildings and architecture 22 - The role of engineering in developing and improving transportation systems 23 - Investigating the impact of engineering on the design and construction of bridges and other infrastructure projects 24 - The role of engineering in developing and improving telecommunications networks 25 - Investigating the impact of engineering on the development of the Internet and information technology 26 - The role of environmental engineering in mitigating the impact of climate change 27 - Investigating the impact of engineering on the development of cybersecurity and digital privacy 28 - The role of engineering in developing and improving water treatment and sanitation systems 29 - Investigating the impact of engineering on the design and construction of military and defence technology 30 - The role of engineering in developing and improving disaster response and recovery systems.

EPQ Ideas for Politics

Look into EPQ topics chosen by experienced A-Level Politics tutors :

1 - Should the two-party system in the USA be abolished? 2 - What are the core differences between how politics in the UK and US is run? 3 - Why should we ban politicians from accepting financial support from companies? 4 - What political system, in theory, would be the best for the globe? 5 - What’s the difference between freedom of speech and hate speech? 6 - Why has the USA never elected a female president? 7 - Which global power is the most ideal for the world as a whole? 8 - How did Australia’s political response to COVID impact their economic standing? 9 - To what extent do people become more conservative as they grow up? 10 - The youngest generations are the only ones interested in climate change - what does this mean for the political future of the UK? 11 - Investigating the impact of social media on political discourse and public opinion 12 - The role of political ideologies in shaping policy and decision-making 13 - Investigating the impact of political polarisation on democratic institutions and society 14 - The role of political leadership in shaping national and international policy 15 - Investigating the impact of foreign policy on global conflict and cooperation 16 - The role of political parties in shaping policy and elections 17 - Investigating the impact of economic policies on income inequality and social mobility 18 - The role of the media in shaping public opinion and political discourse 19 - Investigating the impact of populism on democratic institutions and society 20 - The role of international organisations in shaping global policy and cooperation 21 - Investigating the impact of social movements on political change and policy 22 - The role of identity politics in shaping policy and decision-making 23 - Investigating the impact of political activism on democratic institutions and society 24 - The role of immigration policy in shaping national identity and culture 25 - Investigating the impact of political corruption on democratic institutions and society 26 - The role of the judiciary in shaping policy and protecting human rights 27 - Investigating the impact of globalisation on national and international politics 28 - The role of public opinion in shaping policy and decision-making 29 - Investigating the impact of military and defence policy on international relations 30 - The role of diplomacy in shaping global policy and cooperation.

EPQ Ideas for Sociology

1 - Class is, by far, the most important factor when it comes to existing within society. 2 - How do societal standards shape the career paths of a country’s citizens? 3 - How does diaspora impact the ability for culture to be passed down through the generations? 4 - Social perceptions of women have not changed over the past 50 years. 5 - To what extent are we still living in a world filled with sexism, racism, and homophobia? 6 - An exploration of how modern-day Britain is still a racist society. 7 - To what extent is there a connection between class and race? 8 - What is culture, and how does it exist within communities? 9 - The evolution of polyamory and its modern-day presence in society. 10 - People are too different to get along; modern-day ideologies are too divisive for people to agree on anything. 11 - Investigating the impact of social media on social identity and relationships 12 - The role of gender and sexuality in shaping identity and social norms 13 - Investigating the impact of technology on social interaction and relationships 14 - The role of religion and spirituality in shaping individual and group identity 15 - Investigating the impact of social inequality on access to education and opportunity 16 - The role of language and communication in shaping culture and identity 17 - Investigating the impact of immigration and multiculturalism on social identity and integration 18 - The role of power and authority in shaping social structures and institutions 19 - Investigating the impact of social movements on social change and progress 20 - The role of social class and status in shaping access to resources and opportunity 21 - Investigating the impact of ageing on social identity and relationships 22 - The role of social norms and values in shaping behaviour and attitudes 23 - Investigating the impact of social support on mental and physical health 24 - The role of social control and deviance in shaping social order and justice 25 - Investigating the impact of globalisation on social identity and culture 26 - The role of family and kinship in shaping social identity and relationships 27 - Investigating the impact of social media on political engagement and activism 28 - The role of race and ethnicity in shaping social identity and discrimination 29 - Investigating the impact of social class on health and well-being 30 - The role of social mobility in shaping access to opportunity and social change.

EPQ Ideas for Psychology

Explore these unique EPQ ideas guided by renowned A-Level Psychology tutors :

1 - Explore the presence of mental health within literature 2 - Are representations of mental disorders in film helping or hindering the cause? 3 - Is the American treatment of ADHD too harsh for children? 4 - How does a child’s environment while growing up impact the development of their brain? 5 - Why do different people manage depression in distinct ways? 6 - The psychology of addiction: exploring the science behind addictive behaviour 7 - The role of mindfulness and meditation in reducing anxiety and stress 8 - Investigating the impact of childhood experiences on adult attachment styles 9 - The psychology of decision-making: why do people make the choices they do? 10 - Exploring the science behind sleep: the impact of sleep on cognitive function and mental health 11 - The impact of cultural differences on communication styles and interpersonal relationships 12 - The role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success 13 - Investigating the impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health and well-being 14 - The psychology of creativity: exploring the science behind creative thinking and innovation 15 - The impact of social norms on individual behaviour and decision-making 16 - The role of motivation in goal-setting and achievement 17 - Investigating the psychology of personality: what makes us who we are? 18 - The impact of positive psychology interventions on well-being and life satisfaction 19 - The psychology of persuasion: exploring the science behind influence and persuasion 20 - The impact of technology on social relationships and communication 21 - The role of self-compassion in promoting mental health and well-being 22 - Investigating the psychology of memory: how do we remember and forget? 23 - The impact of social comparison on self-esteem and well-being 24 - The psychology of procrastination: why do people delay and avoid tasks? 25 - The impact of parenting styles on child development and mental health 26 - The role of self-efficacy in promoting achievement and success 27 - Investigating the impact of social identity on group behaviour and decision-making 28 - The psychology of resilience: exploring the science behind coping with adversity 29 - The impact of gender roles on behaviour and socialisation 30 - The psychology of love and relationships: exploring the science behind romantic attraction and attachment.

EPQ Ideas for Law

Here are some specialised EPQ ideas from leading A-Level Law tutors :

1 - The impact of technology on the future of law enforcement and criminal justice 2 - The role of international criminal law in promoting accountability and justice for human rights violations 3 - Investigating the impact of family law on the definition and recognition of diverse family structures 4 - The impact of immigration law on the integration and social mobility of immigrants and refugees 5 - The role of data protection law in promoting privacy and security in the digital age. 6 - The jury system is outdated and should be removed. 7 - Language and law are intertwined; to what extent is court a verbal game? 8 - Does police presence do more harm than good? 9 - Should insanity be considered a valid defense for committing a crime? 10 - How effective is the UK legal system in punishing crimes? 11 - Investigating the impact of technology on privacy and the law 12 - The impact of social media on the legal system: exploring the challenges and opportunities 13 - The impact of international law on human rights and global justice 14 - The role of legal precedent in shaping the law: exploring the concept of stare decisis 15 - Investigating the impact of judicial activism on the law: should judges make policy? 16 - The impact of terrorism on civil liberties and the law 17 - The role of corporate law in promoting ethical business practices 18 - Investigating the impact of hate crime legislation on social attitudes and behaviour 19 - The impact of family law on child welfare and protection 20 - The role of intellectual property law in promoting innovation and creativity 21 - Investigating the impact of immigration law on social inclusion and diversity 22 - The impact of human rights law on social justice and equality 23 - The role of employment law in promoting workplace diversity and inclusion 24 - Investigating the impact of environmental law on conservation and sustainability 25 - The impact of criminal law on society: exploring the relationship between punishment and rehabilitation 26 - The role of property law in promoting economic growth and development 27 - Investigating the impact of media law on freedom of expression and privacy 28 - The impact of animal rights law on animal welfare and protection 29 - The role of contract law in promoting fair business practices and consumer protection 30 - Investigating the impact of competition law on market regulation and consumer welfare.

EPQ Ideas for Computer Science

See EPQ ideas from world's top A-Level Computer Science tutors :

1 - What is the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on modern society? 2 - What ethical considerations are there surrounding facial recognition technology? 3 - How does social media impact user privacy and security? 4 - What is the potential of virtual and augmented reality technology? 5 - What ethical considerations are there surrounding autonomous vehicles? 6 - How can machine learning help predict natural disasters? 7 - What is quantum computing technology and how will it impact the future? 8 - How do computer viruses impact cybersecurity? 9 - What is the role of blockchain technology in promoting secure and transparent transactions? 10 - How does machine translation technology impact communication? 11 - What is the impact of technology on mental health and well-being? 12 - How can gamification be used to enhance education and learning? 13 - What is the impact of technology on the entertainment industry? 14 - How does smart home technology impact daily life? 15 - What is the potential of biometric identification technology in security and authentication? 16 - The development and impact of cloud computing technology. 17 - Cybernetics and its role in advancing human-computer interaction. 18 - Chatbot technology and its impact on customer service. 19 - The potential of natural language processing technology. 20 - The use of big data in decision making. 21 - The impact of technology on the job market and employment opportunities. 22 - The development and impact of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. 23 - The role of cybersecurity in protecting personal information. 24 - The development and potential of 5G technology. 25 - The impact of technology on urban planning and city infrastructure. 26 - The role of computer vision in modern technology. 27 - The development and potential of autonomous drones. 28 - The use of virtual assistants in everyday life. 29 - The potential of voice recognition technology. 30 - The impact of technology on the environment and sustainability.

EPQ Ideas for Medicine

You may be interested in this article about whether you should take an EPQ to study medicine .

1 - How effective are vaccines in preventing disease outbreaks? 2 - The potential of gene editing technology in treating genetic disorders. 3 - The use of medical marijuana for pain relief. 4 - Can mindfulness meditation help with mental health issues? 5 - The impact of sleep deprivation on mental and physical health. 6 - The effectiveness of alternative medicine in treating certain conditions. 7 - What are the potential side effects of long-term antibiotic use? 8 - The use of stem cell therapy in treating various diseases. 9 - How can we improve access to healthcare for underprivileged communities? 10 - The role of nutrition in disease prevention and treatment. 11 - What is the impact of social determinants of health on healthcare access and outcomes? 12 - The use of telemedicine in remote patient care. 13 - Can herbal supplements be used to treat certain conditions? 14 - The potential of regenerative medicine in tissue engineering. 15 - What is the relationship between gut health and overall wellbeing? 16 - The impact of climate change on public health. 17 - The potential of precision medicine in personalised treatment. 18 - The role of vaccination in disease prevention and herd immunity. 19 - How does exercise impact mental and physical health? 20 - The use of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. 21 - What ethical considerations are there surrounding genetic testing? 22 - The potential of gene therapy in treating inherited diseases. 23 - The impact of air pollution on respiratory health. 24 - The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy in treating mental health issues. 25 - Can acupuncture be used to treat chronic pain? 26 - The role of lifestyle factors in disease prevention. 27 - How can we improve access to mental health services? 28 - The use of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis. 29 - The impact of stress on mental and physical health. 30 - The effectiveness of music therapy in treating mental health issues.

These are some of our best EPQ ideas for a range of popular subjects. Each of these titles is meant to give you inspiration, helping you to find a topic that you’re interested in.

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Rahil spent ten years working as private tutor, teaching students for GCSEs, A-Levels, and university admissions. During his PhD he published papers on modelling infectious disease epidemics and was a tutor to undergraduate and masters students for mathematics courses.

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How to Conduct an Effective Literature Review for Your EPQ: A Step-by-Step Guide

• backlinkworks
• Writing Articles & Reviews
• September 23, 2023

Introduction

A literature review is an important component of any Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) project. IT involves researching and analyzing existing literature and scholarly works relevant to your topic. A well-conducted literature review can provide a solid foundation for your EPQ, helping you to identify gaps in the research, establish the context for your study, and build a strong theoretical framework.

Why is a literature review important?

Conducting an effective literature review is crucial for several reasons:

• Identifying existing knowledge: A literature review enables you to familiarize yourself with the existing research and theories related to your topic. This helps you understand what is already known, what gaps exist in the literature, and how your project can contribute to the field.
• Guiding your research: A well-constructed literature review can help you determine the direction and scope of your EPQ project. IT serves as a roadmap, assisting you in identifying the key concepts, theories, and methodologies that are relevant to your research.
• Building a theoretical framework: A literature review allows you to identify and analyze different theories and perspectives related to your topic. This helps you establish a strong theoretical foundation for your project and provides a basis for your analysis and interpretation of the data.
• Supporting your arguments: By citing relevant literature, you can support your arguments and claims with evidence from authoritative sources. This enhances the credibility and reliability of your EPQ project.

Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an Effective Literature Review

1. define your research question.

The first step in conducting a literature review is to clearly define your research question or objective. This will help you narrow down your search and focus on the most relevant sources.

2. Develop a search strategy

Once you have defined your research question, you need to develop a search strategy to identify relevant literature. Start by brainstorming keywords and phrases related to your topic. Use synonyms and variations of these terms to broaden your search.

Next, identify the most appropriate sources for your research. These may include academic databases, libraries, online journals, books, and relevant websites. Consider both primary and secondary sources to ensure comprehensive coverage of your topic.

3. Conduct a literature search

Using your search strategy, begin exploring the identified sources. Start with academic databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, or JSTOR, as they provide access to a wide range of scholarly articles and research papers.

Make use of advanced search tools and filters to refine your search results. Take note of the relevant sources, including the title, authors, and abstracts, for further evaluation and analysis.

4. Evaluate the literature

After conducting the initial search, IT is important to critically evaluate the literature to determine its relevance, reliability, and credibility. Consider the following criteria:

• Publication date: Ensure that the sources you use are up-to-date and relevant to your research. However, older articles can be included to provide historical context or trace the development of a particular theory.
• Author credentials: Evaluate the expertise, qualifications, and reputation of the authors. Look for authors who are recognized authorities in the field.
• Research design and methodology: Assess the rigor and validity of the research methods used in the studies. Consider whether the sample size, data collection techniques, and analysis methods are appropriate and reliable.
• Consistency and relevance: Look for common themes, findings, and arguments across the literature. Ensure that the sources you select directly address your research question and contribute to the overall understanding of your topic.

5. Organize and synthesize the literature

Once you have evaluated the literature, IT is important to organize and synthesize the information. Create a clear structure for your literature review, categorizing the sources according to themes, theories, or methodologies.

Identify the main arguments, theories, and findings from each source, and compare and contrast them. Look for patterns and connections that emerge across the literature. This will help you build a coherent narrative and identify any gaps or debates in the existing research.

6. Write your literature review

With a clear synthesis of the literature, you can now begin writing your literature review. Follow a logical structure, starting with an introduction that provides an overview of the topic and states your research question or objective.

Organize the body of your literature review according to the themes, theories, or methodologies you have identified. Present the key findings and arguments from each source, critically analyzing and synthesizing the information.

Finally, conclude your literature review by summarizing the main points and highlighting the gaps or areas for further research. Make sure to cite all the sources you have referenced in a consistent citation style, such as APA or MLA.

A well-conducted literature review is a crucial step in any EPQ project. IT helps you identify and analyze the existing knowledge related to your topic, guides your research, builds a theoretical framework, and supports your arguments with credible evidence. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can conduct an effective literature review that enhances the quality and impact of your EPQ project.

Q: How many sources should I include in my literature review?

The number of sources you include in your literature review largely depends on the scope of your research and the depth of existing literature on your topic. Aim for a balance between comprehensiveness and relevance. Include enough sources to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the topic, but also focus on the most influential and recent works.

Q: How do I avoid plagiarism in my literature review?

To avoid plagiarism, IT is essential to properly attribute the ideas, opinions, and findings of other authors. Make sure to cite all the sources you have referenced in a consistent citation style, such as APA or MLA. Paraphrase and summarize the information in your own words, and use quotation marks for direct quotations. Always provide a clear citation whenever you use someone else’s work.

Q: Can I include non-academic sources in my literature review?

While academic sources are generally preferred for a literature review, IT might be relevant to include some non-academic sources, such as government reports, industry publications, or reputable websites. However, ensure that these sources are reliable, authoritative, and directly contribute to your research question.

Q: How do I determine the quality of a source?

When evaluating the quality of a source, consider the publication date, author credentials, research design and methodology, consistency and relevance to your research question. Look for peer-reviewed articles from reputable journals and books from renowned publishers. Assess the reliability and credibility of the sources by checking the reputation of the authors and the publication venues.

Q: Does the literature review come before or after the data collection?

The literature review usually comes before data collection in the research process. IT provides the theoretical and conceptual background for your study, helping you design your research methodology and data collection instruments. However, IT is important to continuously review and update the literature as your project progresses, as new studies and findings might emerge.

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All about the sixth form EPQ – Extended Project Qualification

Summary: Taking the sixth form EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) can add significant interest to your studies, and EPQ will add considerable value to your university application. This article explains what an EPQ involves.

What is an EPQ?

EPQ is short for Extended Project Qualification. An EPQ is an independent research project which involves writing an essay of 5000 words (that's around 10 typed pages), or creating a product, which might be anything from an art object to an iPhone app. As the project evolves, you must complete a production log to record specific stages of the project and this also contributes to your project result. The third component of the project is an oral presentation.

Generally, the whole process from start to finish takes about 120 hours. There's no set time limit for doing an EPQ, but most students use the summer vacation at the end of Year 12 to do the preliminary research and then complete the project in the early part of Year 13. It is a formal 'level 3' qualification that attracts slightly higher UCAS Tariff points than a new AS-Level. All three exam boards offer EPQ - my college uses the EPQ structure provided by AQA .

You receive teaching and guidance to get you started, to help with planning and researching and presentation skills, and to keep you on track as you work through your chosen project. There's no formal restriction on what you do the project on: that's negotiated between you and your project adviser, who will help you choose a topic you will enjoy and cope with.

The three assessments which decide your result are done by your teachers, though the exam board 'moderates' their marks to check they're grading correctly.

What is the benefit of completing an EPQ?

The Extended Project Qualification teaches you some key high-level skills that individual A-level courses don't have time to include, and many students say it adds considerable interest to their sixth-form programme.

However, there are also several major benefits to completing an EPQ when it comes to applying to university . At its simplest EPQ helps you with UCAS points - EPQ is valued at 50% of a full A level in the UCAS tariff. But perhaps the greatest advantage of an EPQ is in helping convince top universities to make you an offer.

EPQ provides very clear evidence of that you have interests and ability which go beyond the A-Level curriculum. It demonstrates clearly that you are capable of undertaking the kind of independent reading, research, and essay writing that is the mainstay of most undergraduate degrees.

This is hugely important in the UCAS application process where universities often have little to distinguish between students with similar predicted grades.

Additionally, an EPQ provides highly relevant material for  your UCAS Personal Statement and for you to talk about in university interviews. Most top schools in the UK have made the completion of an EPQ (or an internal equivalent) compulsory for all Year 12 students.

What skills do I need to complete a successful EPQ?

An EPQ is the longest and most extensive project that you will do during your school years, so it stretches your normal skills . The EPQ requires:

• a great interest in the research topic: interest and curiosity in a subject are the fuel of motivation to keep you going deeper in order to answer a research question – an Extended Project Qualification is not a ‘lukewarm’ enterprise!
• organizational skills: planning the project over a 20-week period and making sure that each stage is completed in time is essential to creating a high-quality end-product and attracting the highest assessment marks in the process.
• good time-management skills because it is not part of the normal school curriculum. Making sure you spend enough time on the project each week, while juggling the demands of your  A-Levels, is key to a successful project.

To decide if EPQ is right for you needs good advice from teachers who know you well. If you are a top-grade student, you should enjoy and cope well with EPQ and it could make all the difference getting you into a top university. If your academic potential is more modest you may well benefit from EPQ, but it could also make demands on you which affect your main A level work.

Success Stories from my college

Anastasia completed her EPQ on the use of light in architecture, looking at its development through European architectural history and examining contemporary technical developments. The completion of the project developed her existing knowledge of architecture in a way that not only enhanced her A-Level subjects, particularly History of Art, but added an extra dimension to her UCAS application, and helped in the interviews which got her a place at one of the UK’s best schools of architecture. Furthermore, her EPQ  gave her a considerable advantage over her competitors when she came to apply for work placements in her first year at university.

Anna completed an EPQ on the use of satire in the work of the Italian author Dante. The project provided strong evidence in her UCAS Personal Statement to support her application to study English Literature. Her EPQ was the main topic of discussion in her interview for a place at Cambridge University, which she was duly offered. When asked what she thought was the main reason that her Cambridge interview had been so successful, Anna answered simply: “I just talked about my EPQ!”.

Article written by William Stockland, Head of Faculty of Culture & Society at Ashbourne College

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