EPQ - Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) allows you to dive deep into a topic that captivates you, whether it’s related to your field of study, a personal interest, or an area you want to discover.

Highgrove Education offers an online EPQ course which will guide you through the skills needed to plan, execute and evaluate your project, including research skills, project management skills and presentation skills. As well as attending weekly live lessons and working through interactive self-study materials, you will hold regular one-to-one meetings with an Extended Project Supervisor, who will act as a catalyst and facilitator of your research process.

Throughout this journey, you’ll grow as a critical thinker and independent learner, and develop project-management skills vital for success at university and in the world of work. So, if you’re ready to embrace a unique learning adventure, the Extended Project is your chance to shine, make your mark, and achieve something extraordinary.

We now offer two EPQ programmes: our main EPQ and the new Global Social Leaders EPQ offered in partnership with Future Foundations.

Key Information

What you’ll study

Entry Requirements

Assessment Information


Qualification	Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Qualification
Exam board	Edexcel
Submission available	January and June

Online school, full time or individual courses


Course length	1 year across Spring term, the second half of Summer term and Autumn term
Weekly study time	22 x 45-minute live lessons and 22 x 45-minute self-study lessons across over three terms, with a 30-minute fortnightly one to one meeting with your project supervisor. Additionally, there is one 45-minute teacher-marked homework per lesson and 40-80 hours required to complete your project across three terms and over the summer holiday.
Class size	Maximum 12
Course start	January

Individual Tutoring


Recommended	Approximately 22 x 45-minute individual tutoring lessons, 22 x 45-minute self-study lessons, 22 x 45-minute teacher-marked homework, plus 40-80 hours required to complete your project. Pace and level of commitment determined by individual needs.
Course start	Flexible

There are four types of projects available: a dissertation, an investigation/field study, a performance or an artefact. Pupils chose to complete one of these project types.

Unit 1: Dissertation

A theoretical written project on any topic presenting an argument, e.g. research into a biological, historical or environmental issue

Unit 2: Investigation/Field Study

A practical investigatory project involving the collection of data, e.g. a scientific investigation, a geographical study of erosion, a biological study of pollution, a statistical survey

Unit 3: Performance

Development of practical skills resulting in a performance, e.g. performing music, drama, sport

Unit 4: Artefact

For example, making a painting or sculpture, designing a piece of furniture or a garment, creating a website, solving an engineering/construction problem, producing a piece of graphic design.

Learners are required to:

select a topic/area of interest for an in-depth study that provides opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding, and to negotiate with their project supervisor the scope of that project
identify and draft an objective(s) for their project (e.g. in the form of a question, hypothesis, problem, challenge, outline of proposed performance, issue to be investigated or commission for a client) and provide a rationale for their choice
produce a plan for how they will deliver their intended outcome
conduct research as required by the project brief
develop the intended outcome using selected tools and techniques safely, demonstrating the ability to pursue an extended project through to completion
share the outcome of the project in a presentation, including an evaluation of the outcome and their own learning and performance.

For more information take a look at the Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Specification: click here

Either

A pass in the Highgrove Online School admissions test for the Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Specification

Or

A strong set of GCSE grades, including several at grade 7 or above.

Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project

This qualification is assessed internally by the project supervisor, with marks awarded subject to Pearson’s quality assurance processes. Pupils are assessed on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their project.

Progression to University

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) can significantly boost a university application. It demonstrates to admissions teams that you possess crucial skills, including research, critical thinking, and independent study, which are highly valued at the university level. It can also provide evidence of your commitment to a specific field or topic, showcasing your passion and dedication.

Many universities acknowledge the EPQ in their offers, sometimes reducing grade requirements. The qualification is particularly useful for courses that require strong analytical and research skills, such as humanities, social sciences, and other research-intensive fields. Moreover, it can be a differentiator for highly competitive programs or those where a broader perspective is beneficial, such as law, medicine, and engineering. Ultimately, it’s a valuable asset that can set you apart in the competitive university application process.

In an ever more competitive admissions process, students are often expected to go beyond achieving more than only top grades. Universities look for evidence of skills such as critical thinking, independent research, and a demonstrated passion for a subject. The EPQ (or Extended Project Qualification) is a way for students to showcase these attributes, offering a significant advantage when applying to higher education or competitive career pathways.

An EPQ provides an opportunity to develop essential academic and transferable skills while pursuing an area of genuine interest.

The EPQ programme has given me a massive headstart in university. The skills and structure have been almost identical to my first-year coursework project; I often find myself looking back at the EPQ for guidance.

Jensen, previous EPQ student

What is an EPQ?

An EPQ is a Level 3 qualification that enables students to undertake a detailed, self-directed project alongside their A-levels or equivalent studies. It allows students to explore a topic of their choice in one of four formats:

Students manage every aspect of the project—from choosing a topic to conducting research and presenting their findings. This process develops skills such as time management, critical analysis, and effective communication.

Why Does an EPQ Matter?

Academic Benefits

An EPQ is highly regarded by universities for the advanced skills it fosters, including research and academic writing. Many institutions reduce entry requirements for students with high EPQ grades. Achieving an A* can earn 28 UCAS points, equivalent to half an A-level.

Practical and Transferable Skills.

Completing an EPQ equips students with project management, analytical, and presentation skills that are applicable across academic and professional settings. These skills are often cited as key for success in university and beyond.

Demonstrating Interest and Depth

Choosing a project topic allows students to explore an area of personal or academic interest in depth, setting their application apart from others. This can be particularly beneficial for competitive courses such as medicine, law, or engineering.

How Highgrove Education Supports EPQ Students

At Highgrove Education, students are guided through every stage of an EPQ. The structured online programme includes:

Comprehensive Lessons: 22 live sessions and 22 self-study sessions cover key skills such as research methods, academic writing, and effective presentation techniques.
One-to-One Supervision: Fortnightly meetings with experienced supervisors provide tailored guidance.
Confidence-Building Presentations: Students present their projects to an audience, developing communication and public speaking skills.
Flexible Timelines: Start dates in January and September ensure the course fits alongside other commitments.

We also offer the following A levels

Our core A level subjects are taught in group classes via a combination of interactive self-study lessons and live lessons led by an expert teacher:

We have an even wider selection of A levels available via our independent learning and tutoring programmes, including: