The Extended Project Qualification
Where Your Curiosity Becomes a Qualification
What Is An EPQ?
An Extended Project Qualification is a Level 3 qualification for students aged 16–18, built around independent research. You choose the question, investigate it, develop your argument, and present what you discover.
It is designed to take learning beyond the classroom. Your 5,000-word research report could explore a question connected to a future career, a subject you are considering studying at university, or simply an idea you have always wanted to understand more deeply.
A Pearson Edexcel Qualification
Complete your EPQ through OSP and earn the Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Qualification, worth up to 28 UCAS points.
£4,000
28
5000
120
40
16–18
½
an A level equivalent in size and scope
12
Russell Group universities offer alternative conditional offers to students taking the EPQ
45,000+
students take EPQ each year
What makes an OSP EPQ different?
OSP exists to help ambitious young people become who they’re capable of becoming. Our EPQ experience is designed to give you the support, structure and independence to make the most of your ideas, while building the skills and confidence that will stay with you long after your research is complete.
01
Expert one-to-one tutoring.
Work closely with experienced academics and researchers, guiding your research from first question to final draft.
02
Deadlines, structure & standards, handled.
Extra support from the OSP team keeps you on track; structuring your report, meeting deadlines, and navigating academic standards like referencing.
03
Research, referencing & academic integrity.
Dedicated sessions on research methods, report writing, referencing, and avoiding plagiarism — the skills universities want you to have.
04
Your pace, your interests.
Tailored tutoring and a flexible timeline let your curiosity lead, so the project grows around what you actually want to explore.
Make your interests part of your academic story.
The strongest applications aren’t only about what you’ve been taught. They’re also about what you’ve chosen to explore for yourself. An EPQ with OSP shows leading universities that you’re ready to think, research and work at university level.
01
Boost your application
Worth up to 28 UCAS points for UK applications, and a standout, self-driven project on your US Common App.
02
Build something substantial
A 5,000-word research project gives you a concrete example of your ability to take an idea from question to conclusion.
03
University-level skills
Master independent research, referencing, and academic writing before you arrive.
04
Turn interests into evidence
Your EPQ can become part of the academic story you tell in applications, personal statements and interviews.
Skills that stay with you long after the project
An OSP EPQ is about more than producing a final paper. With guidance from experienced mentors, you learn to think independently, take ownership, communicate with confidence, and keep going when the work gets difficult.
Most importantly, you learn to trust your own thinking.
Curiosity
Learn to ask better questions and explore ideas deeply.
Initiative
Take ownership of an idea and turn it into something meaningful.
Critical Thinking
Evaluate evidence, challenge assumptions and form your own conclusions.
Resilience
Work through uncertainty, setbacks and changing ideas.
Self-Management
Plan, organise and manage a long-term project independently.
Communication
One question. Months of discovery.
01
Question
Find something you can’t stop wondering about.
02
Explore
03
Challenge
04
Create
05
Present
06
Achieve
How many UCAS points is an EPQ worth?
A top EPQ is worth 28 UCAS points, which is more than an A grade at AS-level. Here’s how the tariff compares:
28
UCAS points for an EPQ at A*
One project. A world of possibilities.
An EPQ can add depth to your academic profile whether you’re applying in the UK, the US or elsewhere.
Turn independent study into academic evidence.
- An A* is worth 28 UCAS points, and some UK universities recognise EPQ achievement through alternative offers on particular courses.
- Draw on a substantial example of independent research, academic writing and subject engagement throughout your application.
Show universities how you think.
- You chose a question, pursued it independently, engaged deeply with a subject and developed ideas you can defend.
What could you research?
Is war ever justified to settle international disputes?
Can changes in the shape of the heart after a heart attack be predicted?
How charitable are charities?
How influential was the United Fruit Company in the overthrow of the Guatemalan government?
Why should we colonise space, and what challenges might we face?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EPQ?
An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a standalone Level 3 qualification that allows students to explore a subject or question of their choice through independent research.
Typically taken by students aged 16–18 alongside their other qualifications, an EPQ develops skills in research, critical thinking, academic writing, project management and independent learning.
With OSP, students complete a 5,000-word research report with expert guidance throughout the process.
How many UCAS points is an EPQ worth?
A Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project Qualification is worth up to 28 UCAS points for an A* grade.
The UCAS points awarded depend on your final EPQ grade: A* = 28, A = 24, B = 20, C = 16, D = 12 and E = 8. An EPQ can therefore provide additional UCAS points alongside your main qualifications and strengthen your university application.
Who can do an EPQ?
The Extended Project Qualification is designed for students aged 16–18, typically studying A levels, International A levels, the IB or equivalent Level 3 qualifications.
An EPQ can complement your existing subjects or allow you to explore a completely different area of interest, including a subject you may want to study at university.
How long does an EPQ take?
A Level 3 EPQ involves around 120 hours of work, including guided learning and independent project work.
The qualification can be completed over several months or alongside your wider studies, depending on the programme. At OSP, you have a flexible timeline and approximately 40 hours of one-to-one tutor guidance to help you plan, research and complete your project.
What topics can I choose?
You can choose almost any topic that interests you, provided it is suitable for an Extended Project Qualification.
Your EPQ topic could build on a subject you already study, explore a potential university degree or career, or investigate a question you are personally curious about. The freedom to choose your own research question is one of the key features of the EPQ.
Do universities value the EPQ?
Yes. The EPQ is designed to develop skills that are valuable for higher education, including independent research, critical thinking, academic writing, project management and self-directed learning.
Universities consider EPQ achievement when assessing applications, and some universities and courses offer alternative or reduced offers to students who achieve a strong EPQ result.
How does OSP support my EPQ?
OSP provides one-to-one guidance from experienced academics and researchers throughout your Extended Project Qualification.
You receive support with choosing and refining your research question, planning your project, conducting research, structuring your 5,000-word report, referencing and meeting academic standards.
With approximately 40 hours of one-to-one guidance and additional OSP support, you can complete your EPQ with the structure and confidence to work independently.
Take the Next Step
Speak to our team and take the first step towards completing your Pearson Edexcel Extended Project Qualification.
