Part of our Sixth Form programme and a compulsory element for all full-time A Level students

Why the EPQ Matters at Oxford Online School

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a key component of our full-time A Level provision. It challenges students to take ownership of their learning by producing a substantial piece of work on a topic of their choice, guided by a dedicated supervisor.

How the EPQ Stands Apart From A Levels and BTECs

While A Levels and BTECs are typically structured with set syllabuses and clearly defined assessment criteria, the EPQ offers a fundamentally different experience. Rather than following a prescribed course, EPQ students take the reins: you select a topic that fascinates you, design your own project, and steer it from inception to completion.

What sets the EPQ apart is the emphasis on independent research and self-management. With guidance from a supervisor, you’ll take responsibility for every stage—from choosing your topic and carrying out research, to scheduling your work and meeting deadlines. This mirrors the expectations of university study and modern workplaces, where initiative and self-discipline are prized.

For students looking to stretch beyond traditional exam preparation, the EPQ cultivates resourcefulness, project management, and the ability to craft a coherent argument—all within a framework that values originality and autonomy. The skills you build go beyond subject knowledge: you’re developing habits and confidence that will serve you long after finishing school.

At Oxford Online School, we embed the EPQ within our UPP (University Preparation and Progression) programme. This ensures that students not only develop academic independence but also benefit from:

• One-to-one mentoring throughout the project process
• Research skills workshops and writing support
• Presentation and communication coaching

Completing the EPQ allows students to:

• Demonstrate commitment to academic enquiry
• Stand out in university applications (up to 28 UCAS points)
• Deepen subject specialism beyond the A Level syllabus

How It Works

Students undertake a project in one of three forms:

• A 5,000-word academic dissertation
• A practical project with a written report (e.g. artwork, product design, or performance)
• An investigation or field study with analysis and evaluation

What Are Some Example EPQ Titles?

Choosing your own project topic is one of the most exciting (and sometimes daunting) aspects of the EPQ. Your title can be a big ethical question, a topical debate, or an exploration that bridges multiple subjects. Below are a handful of inspiring EPQ title ideas our students have investigated in recent years:

• The Economic and Political Role of Fashion at the French Court in the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Would it be safe to live on the Moon?
• CRISPR-league: Into the CRISPR-verse
• To what extent has gender equality been achieved?
• What is the role of social media in increased consumerism in music market?
  

These examples are just a starting point—your project can be tailored to your personal interests, career ambitions, or curiosity about the world.

How will your EPQ journey unfold 

All full-time A Level students begin their EPQ in their first term and complete it over the academic year, supported by:

• Weekly EPQ tutorials and milestones
• Peer collaboration and feedback sessions
• Online research tools and reference management training

We also welcome external students who are studying A Levels elsewhere and wish to complete their EPQ with us. External learners will receive the same level of academic mentoring and access to our structured online support.

Structured Online Support

Our EPQ provision is delivered live, with a strong focus on independent progress and reflective learning. Lessons are interactive and designed to:

• Build academic resilience and inquiry skills
• Foster creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking
• Encourage responsible use of sources and ethical research practices

Assessment

Assessment for the EPQ centres on both the process and the final outcome, with a focus on the skills you develop along the way. You’ll be evaluated on:

• Project Planning and Organisation: How effectively you structure your project, manage your time, and document your progress from start to finish.
• Research and Source Evaluation: Your ability to identify, select, and analyse information from a wide variety of credible sources—including academic texts, journals such, and other specialist materials.
• Decision-Making and Project Development: The rationale behind your choices, how you adapt your approach, and the evidence of critical thinking as you shape your outcome—be that a dissertation, artefact, or performance.
• Evaluation and Communication: Your capacity for honest self-reflection, thoughtful evaluation of your project’s strengths and weaknesses, and confident delivery during your final presentation—responding thoughtfully to questions from a panel.

You’ll submit a production log, your completed project (report, artefact, or performance), supplementary evidence, and deliver a presentation, each contributing to your final EPQ grade.

Who Is This Programme For?

The EPQ is a compulsory programme for all full-time A Level students at Oxford Online School. It is also ideal for:

• University-bound students who want to enhance their personal statement
• Learners eager to explore niche areas of interest
• Students preparing for research-heavy disciplines such as medicine, law, politics, or engineering
• External A Level students who want to benefit from expert EPQ guidance and assessment support