The Extended Project Qualification is a highly regarded supplementary qualification, which is equivalent to half of an A level, that allows you to develop valuable skills and develop genuine expertise in your chosen field of study.

Course Content

The EPQ places you in control of your own learning. You will be assigned an expert supervisor who will support you throughout your project while helping you develop academic research, project management, academic writing, presentation and critical thinking skills. We also work with leading universities to shape our teaching in response to the latest academic advice and research, ensuring you develop the skills needed for higher education. Over approximately eight months, you will independently plan, manage, complete and evaluate a substantial project, producing a portfolio of evidence that is internally assessed and externally moderated.

You can choose to complete your project in one of three formats:

· A dissertation: an extended piece of academic writing, supported by a literature review.

· An artefact: a practical outcome such as a piece of artwork, a garment, a website, or a piece of creative writing (fiction or non-fiction), supported by written evidence of development.

· A performance: planning, directing and delivering a live performance, such as theatre, music or dance, supported by written evidence of development.

Students are assessed on their ability to manage a project, their use of academic/critical research, their ability to develop and realise a project and also their ability to review and reflect on the project process. Students submit a portfolio of work at the end of the course (usually totalling around 8,000 words) and have the opportunity to present it at a showcase at the end of the year.

Many competitive universities recognise the value of the EPQ and some make dual offers that include high achievement in the qualification. However, this dual offer system is unique to students who complete an EPQ in their first year of study and students must also demonstrate appropriate grades in their main programme of study.

Research carried out by Cambridge University shows that there is “[...] a higher probability of achieving a first (or at least an upper second) in their degree [compared to non-EPQ students].” – (Students taking an EPQ have better higher education outcomes, Cambridge University, 2023)

STUDENT SUCCESS:

“I would definitely recommend doing an EPQ, as it helped me secure lower entry grades for my chosen Russell Group universities and guaranteed my place at my top-choice university. It has also helped me to develop skills essential for higher education such as finding sources, using Harvard referencing and working independently. This meant I didn't need to learn

these skills when completing my first assignment, as I already knew how! It's also a great way to explore a subject that interests you further." Charley Carter - Henley College alumni (2022-2024) and A* EPQ student now studying Theatre Studies and German at the University of Glasgow

“For my EPQ dissertation, I investigated the fairness and effectiveness of the UK’s jury system, which allowed me to expand my knowledge on a topic outside of the A level Law specification. From this experience, I have gained many skills especially in learning how to write professionally and academically. Since completing my EPQ, it has helped me with my A level Geography coursework through my understanding of how to cite and reference, as well as helping me to critically analyse and create structured arguments. I would highly recommend taking an EPQ because it provides you with the understanding and skills that are required from university and are not always covered across A levels. As well as this, some universities provide lower entry grades with an EPQ, which is a bonus!” Eleanor Corne, current student and winner of the 2026 Aspire EPQ Award for her outstanding A* dissertation.

“For the EPQ programme I decided to create the artefact of a short story which I developed and wrote over an 8-month period. From it I gained great time-management skills and the knowledge I needed in order to peruse my passion of story writing. It has come in very useful when writing my personal statement and in all my English work and coursework. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who is more independent and self-motivated looking to explore a topic of their choice. It can be beneficial for people taking any subjects as it can be tailored to whatever interests you most.” Amy Williams, current student and winner of the 2026 Aspire EPQ Award for her exceptional A* creative artefact.

PREVIOUS PROJECTS:

Previous projects have explored a wide range of topics, including the design of an eco-friendly care home in Henley-on-Thames, short films, fashion design, creative writing, and ethical debates surrounding autism, the youth justice system and queer cinema through the ages.

Higher Education

It offers the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other students and to demonstrate motivation for the degree course you have chosen to apply for.

Leading Universities are highly appreciative of the Extended Project and encourage students to take it.

Life After Henley

For those wishing to continue on to higher education, the Extended Project will provide a strong platform to support future learning. It also offers the opportunity to differentiate yourself from other students and to demonstrate motivation for the degree course you have chosen to apply for.

Leading universities are highly appreciative of the Extended Project and encourage students to take it with some of them even lowering entry requirements for those predicted A/A* in their Extended Project.

Enrichment is an expectation at The Henley College, learn more about Enrichment here.

Learn more about our application process here.