A visual research trail from a question through evidence towards university
Independent EPQ guidance

What is an EPQ?

A clear guide to the Extended Project Qualification: what you do, how it is assessed, how long it takes and how to choose a project worth investigating.

The short answer

EPQ stands for Extended Project Qualification

It is a Level 3 qualification, usually completed in sixth form alongside A levels or another Level 3 programme. It is not an A level, but it is set at Level 3 and is often described as being worth half an A level in size.

You choose a topic, agree a suitable project with your centre, plan and research it, produce an outcome, keep evidence of the process, evaluate your work and give a presentation. The project can be a dissertation, investigation, performance or artefact, depending on the awarding organisation and your centre.

The point is not simply to know more about a topic. You are assessed on how well you manage the project, use evidence, develop the outcome and evaluate your decisions.

The EPQ process

One project. Five connected jobs.

The final essay or artefact matters, but the evidence of your thinking and project management matters too.

01

Choose and shape

Start with an interest, then turn it into a question with a clear boundary and room for analysis.

02

Plan the route

Set objectives, decide what evidence you need and record how your plan changes.

03

Research critically

Find a useful range of sources, test their reliability and use evidence to develop your answer.

04

Create and evaluate

Produce the outcome, review what worked and explain what you learnt from the process.

05

Present

Share your project and answer questions for a non-specialist audience.

Word count and format

Is every EPQ a 5,000-word essay?

No. A dissertation route is commonly around 5,000 words. An artefact, performance or investigation normally needs a shorter accompanying report and evidence of the development process. Requirements vary by awarding organisation, so use the specification your school follows rather than a number copied from another student.

Useful rule: choose the format that best answers the question. Do not choose an artefact to avoid writing; the research, decisions and evaluation still need to be evidenced.

Assessment

What does the mark scheme reward?

Across regulated Level 3 project qualifications, assessment covers four broad objectives:

  • Manage: design, plan and carry out the project.
  • Use resources: research, select, organise and analyse information.
  • Develop and realise: make decisions and create the intended outcome.
  • Review: evaluate the outcome, your learning and your performance.
Read the Ofqual requirements

UCAS Tariff

How many UCAS points is an EPQ worth?

The current EPQ Tariff runs from 8 points at grade E to 28 at A*. A Tariff value does not mean every university or course must count it. Check the exact course entry requirements and ask the provider if the treatment of EPQ is unclear.

Check UCAS Tariff guidance
A*
28 points
A
24 points
B
20 points
C
16 points
D
12 points
E
8 points

Common EPQ questions

The details students usually need next

Your awarding-body specification and centre guidance always take priority. These answers give you a reliable starting point.

Is an EPQ an A level?+

No. The EPQ is a separate Level 3 qualification. It is often taken alongside A levels and is smaller in size, but it develops advanced planning, research, analysis and presentation skills.

Is an EPQ worth it?+

It can be valuable if you have the time and a question you genuinely want to pursue. It develops independent-study skills and can earn UCAS Tariff points, but universities decide how they use it. Do not take one only because you assume every course will reduce its offer.

What does an EPQ presentation involve?+

You present the project and your conclusions to a non-specialist audience, then respond to questions. Explain the journey as well as the outcome: important decisions, evidence, changes of direction and what you learnt. Follow your centre’s rules for timing and format.

Where can I find useful EPQ examples?+

Use examples and examiner materials from your awarding body to understand standards, not as templates to copy. Compare how successful projects define their scope, use sources and evaluate the process. Your question and work must remain your own.

Which EPQ mark scheme should I use?+

Use the assessment criteria for the exact awarding body and specification followed by your school. AQA, OCR and Pearson materials are not interchangeable. Ask your supervisor for the current production log, specification and marking guidance.

Support should strengthen your work, not replace it.

U & Your Uni helps students question, research and improve their own projects. We do not write assessed work or provide ready-to-submit answers.