Extended project qualification (EPQ)


The new Extended Project Qualification is both a free-standing qualification, and is a compulsory part of the Diploma at Level 3 and the AQA Bacc.

It offers students a free project choice, so they can explore in depth

  • an aspect of a subject they are studying, or
  • a topic in which they have a personal interest.

The topic for the project is chosen by the student and agreed by the student's teacher, who then acts as his or her supervisor. The student has to show that they can

  • plan
  • deliver, and
  • present

an extended piece of work at Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework.

General introduction to Extended Project Qualification

The Extended Project Qualification is administered by AQA on behalf of AQA – City & Guilds. Introductory meetings for Centres considering offering the EPQ from September 2008 are available from Teacher Support.

If you are planning to enter candidates for the EPQ in November 2008 or May 2009 please inform the subject office by emailing projects@aqa.org.uk giving your centre name and number, contact name and telephone number and estimated number of candidates.

Piloting an e-portfolio handling system

AQA is working with an external provider to develop an e-portfolio handling system to facilitate the moderation of coursework submitted to AQA. The system will allow centres to submit coursework and associated marks electronically to AQA, enabling moderators to moderate electronic portfolios of students' work.