Extended Project Qualification

Overview

Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) can provide you with the skills that universities and employers look for as well as giving you the freedom of choosing a project based on a subject you are studying (your chosen specialism) or an area of personal interest.

The Extended Project is a stand-alone qualification that is equivalent to an AS Level, but with an A* also achievable. It aims to develop you beyond your existing study programme by giving you the freedom to complete a project on an area of personal interest or benefit, while developing project management skills along the way.

The Extended Project has enormous benefits to the students that complete one:

  • It encourages students to think and perform independently, allowing them to manage a longer-scale project from start to finish
  • It gets them ready for university or employment, being designed to develop skills in decision making, problem solving, planning, researching and evaluating
  • It can give them a competitive edge with university  and employer applications
  • It can increase confidence and time management

Qualification Type

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Qualification Level

Level 3

Details

WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO?

Students produce an outcome that can take a variety of formats. They can:

  • Write a dissertation/investigation/report
  • Create an artefact or design
  • Organise an event
  • Put on a performance of some kind

Alongside these outcomes, students need to keep a documented record of their project management process. They are assessed on their ability to manage their project so these appendices are an extremely important part of their submission.  You will be expected to present  your research and findings  to an employer for feedback, as part of your assessment.

How will it be delivered?

Assessment Objectives

The four objectives, common to all Extended Projects, are for students to:

1 Manage: Identify, design, plan and complete an individual Extended Project (or task within a group Extended Project), applying organisational skills and strategies to meet stated objectives.

2 Research: Obtain and select information from a range of sources, analyse data, apply relevantly and demonstrate understanding of any appropriate linkages, connections and complexities of their topic.

3 Develop and realise: Select and use a range of skills, including new technologies where appropriate, to solve problems, to take decisions critically and flexibly, and to achieve planned outcomes.

4 Review: Evaluate outcomes including own learning and performance. Select and use a range of communication skills and media to convey and present evidenced outcomes and conclusions.

The flexibility that OCR has built in to this qualification including freedom of choice for candidates means that they will be inspired and motivated. In addition, it is accessible to all as it transcends the boundaries between academic and vocational courses. Its relevance is based on the underpinning requirement to test application of skills rather than retention of knowledge.

Entry requirements

Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/5 (or equivalent) due to level of course content required.

Please speak to a member of staff  (Mrs Payne) at UTC options evening if you have any queries relating to this qualification.