The AQA Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) core content equips learners with advanced independent research and project management skills essential for higher education and employment. Candidates must identify a topic of personal interest, formulate a clear hypothesis or brief, and manage the end-to-end project lifecycle from initial planning through research, analysis, and evaluation. The final outcome—commonly a 5000-word dissertation or an artefact with a 1500-word report—is assessed alongside a production log and a live presentation that evidences reflective learning and communication of complex findings.
The AQA Level 3 Extended Project (EPQ) is a standalone qualification that allows students to undertake a self-directed project on a topic of their choice. It is designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and independent learning, which are essential for university and career success. The EPQ can take the form of a dissertation, an investigation, a performance, or an artefact, and is assessed through a written report and a production log. This qualification is highly valued by universities as it demonstrates a student's ability to manage a long-term project and engage in deep, sustained inquiry.
Foundations for Learning (AQA Project) provides the framework for the EPQ, focusing on the process of project management, research methodology, and reflective practice. Students learn to formulate a project proposal, plan and execute research, analyse findings, and evaluate their own learning. The EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS tariff points (equivalent to half an A-level) and is often used to support personal statements and university applications. It also helps students develop transferable skills such as time management, problem-solving, and communication.
The EPQ fits into the wider subject of independent study and is often taken alongside A-levels or other Level 3 qualifications. It complements subjects by allowing students to explore a topic in greater depth, often linking to their intended university course or career. The qualification is graded A* to E and requires approximately 120 hours of work, including taught skills sessions and independent study. Successful completion of the EPQ can give students a competitive edge in university admissions and prepare them for the demands of higher education.
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