Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Edexcel

Grade 5 required in GCSE English Language

The Extended Project Qualification, or EPQ, is offered by many schools, and it’s a standalone qualification that’s a bit like a mini-thesis. You’re allowed to choose whatever topic you like – it doesn’t even have to be related to your A-levels – so it’s about as flexible as you can get. Universities love the idea of the EPQ as it prepares young students for Higher education.

Once you’ve chosen your title- your task is to conduct detailed academic research into that topic. You then have two options:

1. Write a 5,000 word Dissertation
2. Create a ‘production’ or ‘artefact’ and write a 1,000 word report.

Whichever option you chose, you’ll also give a presentation lasting ten to fifteen minutes, to audience of people who aren’t specialists in your chosen topic.

On completion of this unit a learner should:

• Be able to identify, plan and manage a dissertation project
• Be able to undertake research, collect evidence and select information using appropriate methodology
• Be able to interpret evidence, draw conclusions and write up results into a finished dissertation
• Be able to present findings, conclusions and an evaluation to an audience.

• Is the Death Penalty as is practiced in some American States an infringement of Human Rights?
• Has the UK government and World Health Organisation dealt with the Ebola Outbreak efficiently and does it remain a threat?
• How do black holes affect the surrounding galaxies?
• How might AI influence medicine?
• How is architecture affected by the need to make buildings earthquake‐resistant?
• Is the widening income distribution gap as detrimental to society as it appears?
• What explanations are there regarding the bee population decline and how could this problem be resolved?
• To what extent is hydroelectricity the answer to meeting the renewable energy targets?
• Does the use of virtual reality in therapy provide benefits when treating anxiety related disorders?
• To what extent does a financial crisis increase the pressure for reform of the government?
• Should prostitution be legalised in the UK and how would this be legislated to protect employees?
• What should we do to conserve coral reefs?
• Can retail businesses survive without the use of AI for marketing?
• What are the best conservation programmes for successful reintroduction to the wild?
• Mass market protein supplements: Getting you ripped… or ripped off?
• Is democracy a key factor to positive attitudes towards homosexuality in Russia and the UK?
• Did the media representation of immigrants change British politics?
• How is personalised medicine transforming Healthcare?
• Should Human memory be used in court if science demonstrates our brains overwrite our memories?
• Does gaming cause anger management issues in young people and why might this be the case?