The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The AQA Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at Barnsley College gives you more control than ever over what you study.

You can choose to explore a further aspect of a subject you are studying or simply a topic you are interested in, and from this plan, research, and create a project of your choice. The finished project can be a written report, a performance, a piece of art, a community project, a CD, DVD, or even computer software. After an initial period of being taught how to improve your study and research skills you will work independently on your chosen project, under the supervision of teaching staff. Once the project is finished you will have the opportunity to present your study to a small audience. Throughout the period of independent study you will keep a log of what you have researched. This will be submitted for grading along with the project itself and a record of the presentation.

You can take the EPQ alongside any Level 3 qualifications and for some new diplomas it may be compulsory. It is usually taken in your second year of study and will take the whole year to complete. The EPQ has been designed to help you develop your abilities to manage tasks using your initiative and resources whilst earning valuable UCAS points for university. It is highly valued by university Admissions Officers because successful completion requires a range of skills such as decision making, problem solving and planning as well as the ability to work independently. It is a challenge that presents the opportunity for you to show what you can do.