What Is the EPQ? The Extended Project Qualification Explained for Parents

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone Level 3 qualification typically taken alongside A-levels in Year 12. Students choose their own topic, carry out independent research, and produce either a 5,000-word dissertation or a substantial artefact with a supporting written report. It carries UCAS tariff points equivalent to half an A-level and is increasingly valued by universities.

What exactly is the EPQ?

The EPQ sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) — the same level as a full A-level. In terms of credit size, it is equivalent to half an A-level and is graded A* to E on the same scale. Because it counts towards the UCAS tariff, most universities regard it as a meaningful academic credential alongside a student's three main A-levels.

The qualification was designed to give sixth-form students a taste of the kind of self-directed work they will encounter at university: framing a research question or creative brief, managing their own time across several months, drawing on diverse sources, and presenting their conclusions to an audience. It is typically studied in Year 12 (Lower Sixth), with final submission in Year 13, though some students and schools complete the whole project within one academic year.

What does an EPQ project involve?

The EPQ has three assessed components, all of which contribute to the final grade:

A final outcome — either a 5,000-word written dissertation or a substantial artefact (a physical product, performance, event, or digital creation) accompanied by a 1,000-word written report explaining the process, the decisions made, and the conclusions reached

A production log — a detailed running record kept throughout the project, documenting research choices, problems encountered, sources evaluated, and personal reflections; this log is submitted as part of the formal assessment

A presentation and Q&A — a formal presentation to a panel (typically teachers and sometimes peers), followed by a question-and-answer session in which the student defends their approach and discusses what they have learnt

The topic is entirely the student's choice. Past EPQ students have written dissertations on the ethics of artificial intelligence, the legacy of the British Empire, and the psychology of decision-making. Others have produced a working app, a short documentary film, a piece of furniture, or a composed musical score. This breadth of possibility is one of the EPQ's most appealing qualities.

Which exam boards offer the EPQ?

The EPQ is available from the three major exam boards that offer A-levels in England. All three versions are accepted equally by UK universities and carry identical UCAS tariff points.

Exam board | Qualification title | Code | UCAS points at A grade
AQA | Extended Project Qualification | 7993 | 24
OCR | Extended Project | H856 | 24
Pearson (Edexcel) | Extended Project Qualification | — | 24

Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) offers a related qualification — the Cambridge International Project Qualification — that is similarly regarded by UK universities, though it is most common in independent and international schools.

How many UCAS points does an EPQ earn?

The UCAS tariff for the EPQ rewards higher grades generously, with the A* grade outperforming the old AS-level equivalent.

EPQ grade | UCAS tariff points
A* | 28
A | 24
B | 20
C | 16
D | 12
E | 8

For context, a full A-level at grade A earns 48 UCAS points, so an EPQ at grade A (24 points) is exactly half — not just in name but in the official tariff system universities use when assessing applications and confirming offers.

Why do universities value the EPQ?

Universities — particularly Russell Group institutions — have become increasingly explicit about valuing the EPQ in their admissions decisions. Some offer reduced-grade conditions to applicants who achieve a high EPQ grade. A common example is an offer of AAA at A-level being lowered to AAB for students who attain at least an A in their EPQ.

Beyond the mechanics of grades and tariff points, admissions tutors value the EPQ because it provides evidence of skills that A-level results alone rarely demonstrate:

Independent research skills — the ability to frame a question, locate and critically evaluate sources, and synthesise information into a coherent argument

Sustained self-management — keeping a months-long project on track without a teacher directing every step

Academic or creative rigour — producing work of a scope and depth close to what is expected in a first-year university module

Critical reflection under questioning — the presentation and Q&A session demonstrates whether a student can discuss their own work under scrutiny, a skill that maps directly onto university seminars and tutorials

For students applying to competitive courses such as medicine, law, engineering, or history at selective universities, a strong EPQ also provides excellent material for the personal statement and interview conversations.

Is the EPQ right for your child?

The EPQ suits students who are self-motivated, genuinely curious about a topic that extends beyond their A-level syllabuses, and keen to strengthen a competitive university application. It is particularly well suited to students who want to explore a potential degree subject in depth before committing to it at 18.

It may be less appropriate for students who are already finding three demanding A-levels a stretch, or whose school offers limited timetabled EPQ supervision. The experience varies considerably between schools: some build dedicated EPQ sessions into the timetable with a qualified supervisor; others expect students to work largely independently. It is worth asking the school how the qualification is structured and what support is provided before your child commits to taking it.

There is no external written examination. The EPQ is assessed entirely by the school, with teacher marking and external moderation by the exam board to ensure consistent standards.

Frequently asked questions

Can a student do the EPQ alongside three A-levels?

Yes — the EPQ is designed as an additional qualification taken on top of A-levels, not in place of one. Most students begin in Year 12 and submit in Year 13. Some schools timetable dedicated EPQ sessions each week; others expect students to manage the work in their own time. Because the EPQ is equivalent in size to half an A-level, it represents a meaningful commitment on top of three A-levels, and it is worth confirming with the school how much structured time and supervision is provided before signing up.

Does the EPQ topic have to relate to A-level subjects?

No. The topic is entirely the student's choice and need not connect to their A-level subjects at all. A student studying Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics might write a dissertation on the history of protest movements, or produce a short documentary about local architecture — both are perfectly valid EPQ topics. Many students use the EPQ precisely to explore an area they are not studying at A-level but are considering as a university degree, which can also strengthen their personal statement and interview preparation.

How is the EPQ marked?

The EPQ is assessed by the school, with marks awarded across the production log, the final outcome (dissertation or artefact plus the written report), and the presentation and Q&A. The exam board then externally moderates a sample of submitted work from each school or college to ensure that marking standards are applied consistently across centres. There is no external written examination. Grades run from A* to E, with the same boundaries used across AQA, OCR, and Pearson.

Do all universities accept or recognise the EPQ?

The large majority of UK universities recognise the EPQ and factor it into admissions decisions, particularly for competitive courses. A number of Russell Group institutions explicitly mention the EPQ in their subject entry requirements and may make a reduced conditional offer on the basis of it. Others use it as supporting evidence alongside A-level grade predictions. It is always worth checking the specific entry requirements for each course on the university's own website, as practice varies between faculties and institutions, and what is true for one department may not apply to another.

If your child is planning their EPQ topic and needs help structuring their research, developing their argument, or building the academic writing skills they will need for sixth form and beyond, an AI Tutors mentor can work through it step by step — explore aitutors.me to find out how.