The rise and rise of the EPQ

The number of students taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) has increased significantly in recent years from just over 5,000 back in 2009 to 35,000 in 2014. We are predicting that the EPQ’s popularity is set to continue… There are many good reasons why and here are just three of them.

Firstly, the EPQ is widely recognised by universities and employers as sound and worthwhile preparation for students becoming independent and autonomous young adults. Secondly, the EPQ has come off well in the recently announced changes to the UCAS tariff for 2017 entry – particularly in comparison to the AS level which has seen its UCAS currency somewhat devalued. The EPQ is now worth 28 points for an A* and 24 points for an A grade, whereas an A grade AS is now only worth 20 points. Thirdly, the EPQ offers a degree of flexibility and freedom of both study methods and matter – for students and for those delivering it in schools and colleges.

In response to these trends and in addition to our existing menu of activities, The Schools and Colleges Liaison Service is pleased to report that we can now support tutors and students in the area of EPQ too. So just how can we help? Firstly, we can offer an introductory presentation to EPQ . This session can be delivered to all students to help them to weigh up if the EPQ is the right programme for them – after all it’s certainly not right for everyone. And it doesn’t stop there….Once students have embarked upon the course, we are at hand to help with the tutor led aspect of the EPQ – in vital areas such as developing presentation skills, study skills and research skills.

If you want to find out more about how we call support you in the delivery of the EPQ, visit our webpage for further details or get in touch to discuss your requirements further.