Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
at St. Mary'S Menston, A Catholic Voluntary Academy, Ilkley · school or sixth form
What the college says
The AQA EPQ qualification is offered as an option in addition to the student's choice of A levels, where it is the equivalent to half of an A level. It is an ideal way to develop the skills required to identify, research and manage a project, and to deliver a conclusion to an audience. As such it requires a high degree of motivation, self-direction, independence and communication skills, but also offers students a unique opportunity to identify a topic of interest and to investigate it in unprecedented depth. In the past students have covered such topics as finding a cure for Alzheimers, investigating the causes of the global financial crisis, researching the likelihood of robots performing medical operations or the extent to which modern pop lyrics are influenced by classics of literature. Students have regular meetings with their EPQ supervisor to reflect on progress before producing a final report which they then present to an audience where they have to answer question so what they have learnt. The EPQ is assessed on various aspects of the process and the final product.
What you need to get on
5 GSCE Grade 9 to 4 including English and maths.
How you are assessed
Entry level and Level 1 study, English and maths retakes, and supported programmes.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
St. Mary's Menston, a Catholic Voluntary Academy
Bradford Road Menston, Ilkley, LS29 6AE
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · Ilkley
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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London · London · 1 year
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King James I Academy Bishop Auckland
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Wirral Grammar School For Girls
Wirral · North West · 1 year
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Hereford · West Midlands · 1 year
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Burton-On-Trent · West Midlands · 1 year