epq example essay edexcel

How To Write An EPQ Essay (Step-by-Step Guide)

In A-Level by Think Student Editor March 29, 2019 8 Comments

Whatever the reasons were for you choosing to write an EPQ, the grade you get is most definitely important to you. That is why I have written this (hopefully) detailed guide on how to write an EPQ.

1. Think Of An EPQ Topic That Genuinely Interests You 

It’s important to choose an EPQ you’re interested in, or you may run into some problems . Many students take EPQs each year, and many students fail because they make this mistake.

If you don’t take an EPQ you’re interested in, you’ll have no motivation to work on it . This will be because you start to want to do other things, anything instead of your EPQ.

Think about revision, for example. Is it interesting? Nope. Would you rather be playing videogames, watching Netflix, or literally anything else? Yeah, me too.

If you’re not motivated to write your EPQ essay, then you’ll either not do it or do it badly. If you don’t work hard for it, you won’t get good marks – and therefore there’s less point in even taking it in the first place .

If you find an EPQ topic to write your essay on that genuinely peaks your interest, you’ll find it much easier to get better grades in it.

A more interesting EPQ essay topic will mean that your focus is better . This will result in a better EPQ, meaning more marks when you hand it in.

You’ll also enjoy the EPQ a lot more if you find it interesting . You’ll find the whole experience a lot more fun, and therefore a lot easier too.

To find an EPQ topic that genuinely interests you, you just have to think about what you like. There are lots of different things you can do, but you only get to choose once – so choose carefully.

And if you’re really stuck on ideas, take a look at this list of 600+ EPQ ideas that guarantee an A* . Any of these ideas will be great for your EPQ, so just choose one that interests you and that you’ll actually enjoy.

2. Create A Mind Map Surrounding Your EPQ Topic

A mind map is where you write down everything you know about a topic . In this case, you’d be writing down all the ideas and concepts surrounding your EPQ topic.

That way you can see everything you need to write about in your EPQ essay. You’re essentially making a mood board for whatever EPQ idea you’ve chosen, and it will help you get in the right mindset for the task ahead.

Mind maps are most commonly used to identify gaps in your knowledge . Students tend to use them when revising to work out what they don’t know, whilst also helping them consolidate what they do know.

In terms of your EPQ essay, a mind map will provide a loose structure for you to follow . You’ll come up with lots of different things you can write about, and that will make the essay a lot easier.

In addition to this, whilst creating your mind map you may even decide to change your topic entirely. You might find that the topic you’ve chosen isn’t giving you any idea inspiration, and so you move on to a different topic. 

To make sure you get your mind maps right, you might want to follow this helpful guideline . It’s mainly about studying, but the same things can be said for planning your EPQ essay.

Don’t try rushing in to your EPQ essay without first creating a mind map . Mind maps are more useful than most students think…

Mind maps will help you avoid getting lost in what you’ve written, what you’ve missed, and what you’re planning on doing. You can use your EPQ topic mind maps as a sort of checklist as you write your EPQ essay.

3. Use Your Mind Map To Think Of A Question Related To Your Main EPQ Topic

Many students forget to think about this, but it’s probably the most important part of your EPQ . If you get this bit wrong, you can say goodbye to a good grade in your EPQ.

The question relating to your EPQ topic of choice is what you’ll spend your time working on . The 5000 words you write will be about this question, and so it really needs to be a good one.

If you don’t make it a question that interests you, then you’ll find it harder to write as much about it. Find a question that genuinely peaks your interest (relating to your EPQ of course) and the rest will come naturally.

It’s also important, however, that you choose a question where there’s a lot to write about . If you choose a question with lots to write about, you can use that to your advantage when trying to reach those 5000 words.

However, if you don’t choose a question where there’s a lot to write about, you’ll find that your EPQ is slow and drains you. Not only that, but it’ll probably be worse in terms of grade too.

I’d suggest doing a little background research into your question before you start writing your EPQ essay . Just check that there’s lots to write about and then you can avoid starting something you can’t finish.

As a general rule, you’ll want questions that don’t have definitive answers. If you can find a question that is inconclusive, you’re onto a winner.

If you can’t be bothered to look up EPQ questions, then there’s an alternative . Take a look at this list of 600+ EPQ ideas that guarantee an A* .

4. Write Down Subtitles That Relate To Your Main EPQ Question

Writing down subtitles for your EPQ question means that you’ll have a better idea of what’s actually going into your EPQ essay .

When you create your subtitles for your EPQ essay, you’re essentially writing down all the mini-topics you’ll write about. You split up the massive 5000 word count into smaller, more manageable parts.

I’d suggest making as many subtitles as you can that relate to your main EPQ question. Just go for a massive brainstorm ( potentially using your mind map ) to try and come up with lots of subtitles.

That way you maximize the chances of you making some actually good subtitles. You’ll have lots of options to choose from, and your EPQ will benefit from having such a varied range of points.

You also put yourself in the right mindset for your EPQ essay . You’ll be much more open to different ideas and approaches whilst actually writing the EPQ, and examiners will see this and give you extra credit.

However, you need to make sure that the subtitles you’re writing actually relate to your EPQ question . If they don’t, you could run into some serious problems.

If you choose to work on a subtitle that doesn’t wholly relate to your EPQ question, you risk filling up your word count with irrelevant information. That means less room for the important stuff, and less marks for you.

Make sure you check all your subtitles before you start writing . Work out what the plan is before you start writing, so that you don’t have to rewrite a large portion of your EPQ essay.

So grab a pen and paper, sit down, put on some nice music, and get to writing those subtitles.

5. Triple Check That Every Subtitle Question Actually Relates To The Main EPQ Topic

By this point, you should have around 16 subtitles that you want to include in your EPQ essay . 16 subtitles will give you a nice 300 word per subtitle guide, give or take a few.

Any more subtitles, and you run the risk of overcomplicating your EPQ. Any fewer, and you’ll struggle to reach that gargantuan 5000 word count.

It’s essential that you break down your EPQ essay into smaller modules like this, to make it easier for you in the long term. 16 subtitles will mean the best productivity for you when you actually come to write your EPQ essay .

The next step is to order your subtitles, for easier reading. You’ll want to make the layout of your subtitles as sensible and as easy to follow as possible for your examiner .

If you please your examiner like this, they’ll be more inclined to give you more marks. They mark you on your written communication, and therefore you’ll want to make sure you’re communicating the most effective way.

Try ordering your subtitles by the order of most important to least important . Laying out your subtitles this way will show your examiner that you’ve really thought about your EPQ and understand what they want to see.

Alternatively, you could lay out your subtitles chronologically . What I mean by this is that you start with your question, move onto research, then explanations, and finally a conclusion.

This is probably the best way to lay out your EPQ essay subtitles . It’s the easiest way to follow the process you went through, and examiners like to see EPQ essays that are laid out like this.

It’s how I laid my EPQ essay subtitles out, and I got an A* – so I’d suggest doing the same.

6. Allocate A Word Count To Each Element Of Your EPQ Structure

You’ll want an introductory paragraph to start with, and that should only take about 200-300 words . Don’t go overboard with your introduction, as you should aim to make the bulk of your essay about your EPQ question.

I’ve already mentioned it, but you want to write about 300 words per subtitle . This is the perfect amount of words to write if you want the EPQ essay to go as smoothly as possible.

16 subtitles at 300 words each will put you at just under 5000 words – 4800, to be exact. That will leave you just enough room to add a short introduction too.

You can go for less subtitles, but that means a higher word count for each individual subtitle . If you make your word count per subtitle too high, then you’ll struggle when it comes to actually writing your EPQ essay.

You could also try more subtitles if you want, but that then means you’d write less per subtitle . That means there’s less room for all your explanation, and less marks when you hand it in.

I’d recommend keeping your subtitle count between 14 and 18 . That way you give yourself the best chances of your EPQ being easier to write.

You also make it easier for you to enjoy, too. Making your EPQ essay subtitles this long means you’ll find it easier and less monotonous, and therefore you’ll enjoy it more.

The word count of each element in your EPQ essay has an impact on your productivity and focus, too . Generally, the shorter the piece of writing you have to do, the more productive you’ll be.

Setting yourself short-term goals like this will help you stay focused and make your EPQ that little bit better. It’s worth setting effective word counts for your EPQ essay elements for those extra marks .

7. Research, Research ( And A Little Bit More Research )

Research should make up about 40%-50% of your total EPQ essay . That’s a lot of research, and you can see from this figure that quality research is crucial to your success.

The reason research takes up so much space is because you need to explore all opportunities within your question. Research will help you develop ideas and improve your knowledge of the subject, helping you to better answer your EPQ essay question.

And besides, who doesn’t want help reaching the massive 5000 word count?

There are many ways to research, with the most common being the internet, and books . Both ways of researching are valid and useful, but you still need to be careful.

Especially with the internet, you may come across facts and information that isn’t entirely accurate. This is because anybody can access anything, and usually the information you see online is edited by people who aren’t professionals.

Try to stay away from websites like Wikipedia, where anybody can change the information you see . There are much better alternatives out there, like Google Scholar for example.

Whereas with books, they have to go through a long-winded process to ensure they’re accurate . Books tend to be slightly more reliable than the internet, especially if they have an ‘exam-board approved’ label on them.

I’d also recommend keeping track of all the sources of your information, as you’ll have to write a bibliography at the end of your EPQ .

What that basically means is that you have to reference each individual source of information after you’ve written your EPQ essay. That’s just so examiners can check to see if you’re plagiarising any content, in case you were wondering.

8. Check That Your EPQ Structure Still Makes Sense

You should have around 16 subtitles ready to go, in chronological order or order of importance . I’d suggest chronological order, but that’s up to you.

You should also have space to add an introduction and conclusion paragraphs . They shouldn’t take up too much space, but still leave some room for you to add them in.

You’ll actually want to wait until the end of your EPQ essay to write either of these paragraphs, so it might help to add placeholders until you get to writing them.

Around 7 of your subtitles should be based on research . You’ll want to leave yourself a nice amount of in-depth research, whilst also allowing room for all that explanation.

If you don’t give the right proportions for your research and explanation subtitles, your EPQ can become lopsided. Examiners will easily spot this and take away precious marks.

You’ll want your conclusion to be longer than your introduction, as you’re essentially summing up all that you’ve written . Your conclusion should be about the same size as your subtitles, but maybe just a little bit bigger.

If all else fails, just read through your structure and think about it from an examiners’ point of view. Does it all make sense? Are the subtitles in a sensible order? Have you left space for your introduction and conclusion paragraphs?

If you reckon you’ve got all these elements in the right order and the right sizes, you should be good to go. Just keep a clear focus on your EPQ essay question, and you can’t go wrong.

9 . Write Down The Answers To Each Of Your Subtitles

Start with your subtitles to get the main bulk of your EPQ essay underway . The quicker you get your subtitles done, the sooner you can finish your EPQ.

Starting your subtitles first is a good idea, as they make up most of your EPQ. You’ll want to get them done first, and then you have time after that to work on the finer details.

As I’ve said, your subtitles should be around 300 words long . This will allow you just enough space to answer the subtitle, without repeating yourself or going overboard.

If you go too far over 300 words, you risk either repeating yourself or just extending your points so much that your words become empty. Empty words = no marks, which is what you definitely don’t want.

If you don’t write 300 words, the points you make are likely to be underdeveloped. This means you can’t get into the top band of marks no matter how good what you’re saying is – there’s just simply not enough of it.

Of course, if you think you can express yourself in more or less than 300 words, go for it . Everybody’s different, and some people have better writing skills than others.

The amount of words you write per subtitle can also depend on how many subtitles you have . If you have less subtitles, you write more words per subtitle, and vice versa – simple maths.

Try to explore every possibility within your subtitle. The more routes you go down and the further the detail you go into, the more marks you’ll get from the examiner.

10 . Write The Introduction And Conclusion Paragraphs

Your introduction paragraph needs to be slightly shorter than your average subtitle paragraph . Usually about 200-300 words, the introduction will basically talk about what’s to come in your EPQ essay.

If you make your introduction too long, you waste space that you might need for your research/explanations. You also take up space that could be used for your conclusion, which is very important.

It’s a good idea to write your introduction paragraph after you’ve written all of your subtitles . It may sound odd, but there’s method to the madness.

If you write your introductory paragraph last, it’ll be a lot more accurate than if you’d have done it at the start. You’ll know exactly what’s in your EPQ, and therefore your introduction can accurately ‘introduce’ your essay .

Your conclusion paragraph should be slightly longer than your average subtitle, and definitely longer than your introduction . I’d say about 400 words, your conclusion should sum up everything you’ve talked about in your EPQ essay.

Your conclusion should essentially answer the question you asked at the start of your EPQ essay. You should aim to include everything you talked about in your other subtitles (that’s why it’s a little bit longer).

You’ll obviously want to write your conclusion paragraph after everything else, or you’ll have nothing to conclude. Once you get on to your conclusion, you’re on the home stretch.

11. Get Someone To Proof Read It To Make Sure There Are No Errors

Proof reading your EPQ essay is so, so, SO important to your success . If you don’t proof read your EPQ essay, you may miss some pretty crucial mistakes…

I’m not just talking about the spelling mistakes you may have made (although you might want to fix those too). I mean the mistakes where you contradict yourself, go off topic, or even just get your facts wrong.

I’m sure I don’t need to explain it, but these mistakes will cost you dearly when your EPQ gets examined . Sometimes just a few marks can be the difference between an A and an A*, so you need to maximize your chances of success.

A good way to ensure your EPQ essay is perfect is to get someone else to look through it. Having a second opinion ensures that everything you’ve written is accurate and concise, and it’s better than just checking through it yourself.

If you rely on your own methods of checking through your work, you’re more likely to miss mistakes . Having a fresh perspective on your work broadens the chances of catching every mistake you make.

It doesn’t matter who you get to check your work . You can ask friends, family, or even your teachers/tutor – just get it proof read before you send it off to be marked .

If you need to check through it for spelling mistakes or wording issues, there’s a handy little trick I used for my EPQ essay. Paste your entire essay into google translate, and have it read out to you .

That way you can listen and check for anything that’s not quite right, and sort it out in time for your EPQ essay to be examined.

Thanks so much for the help !

This is so, so helpful, thanks so much!

How many resources should I have for my EPQ?

20-25 should be the right number

Hi, thanks for the cool tips! I will definitely keep it for myself

Hello, thanks for the cool advice, but the most difficult thing for me is 1 point – to think through the topic itself. Therefore, already at the first stage, I give up and turn to the college essay writing service. This service helped me more than once or twice. My friends also use it. Also, it is difficult for me to create a mental map, which is in point 2. Therefore, I would rather spend my writing time on purposes that are useful to me.

This is so useful! I have been working on my EPQ over the past few weeks and have had a few big quandries about how I should go about forming an answer to my question and this has made it much clearer. Thank you!

EPQ resources

• Study with us
• Information for:
• Young people
• Extended Project Qualification
• Extended Project Qualification Resources
• Preparing for University MOOC
• Subject Taster Sessions

Our resources are designed to support you every step of the way - from setting your question to presenting your findings.

Your epq plan, setting your question, introduction.

Kristina and Becca will take you through the thoughts behind setting a question and how to go about choosing your project title/question. They will consider why you choose your topic, whether or not you will undertake the artefact or essay, aims and objectives and how to make the project manageable.

• A study of mental wellbeing in older people
• Does the WAP dance craze endanger children?
• Criminology
• Create a series of online lessons for a local Cub Scout group
• Is the use of Stop and Search by the Police discriminatory?
• What are the long-term health impacts of COVID-19?
• Build a robot
• Assess the impact of the 2020 Green Recovery  
• For any you have identified as either too big or too small, how could they be adapted?

Useful links

• 'Setting Your Question' presentation
• Bryman, Bell and Harley: Research Project Guide

Getting started on research

Introduction.

Kristina and Rebecca take you through starting your research, finding reliable sources, considering primary and secondary research, and thinking about bias. 

Harvard referencing

Kristina and Becca will take you through Harvard Referencing. This is one form of referencing you can use for your project.

• Read the article  Care home deaths: the untold and largely unrecorded tragedy of COVID-19  
• Use the CARS ( C redibility, A ccuracy, R easonableness, S upport) method to review the source.
• 'Getting Started with Research' presentation
• 'Harvard Referencing' presentation
• University of Toronto: Research Using the Internet

The production log

Rebecca and Kristina discuss how and when to build you Production Log, and the different levels of content required. 

Think about a learning experience and identify the different factors that were present within the experience. It can be a formal experience or an informal one. You may find the following questions helpful: 

• What was your reaction? 
• Were there any issues? 
• Did you find anything challenging? 
• What have you learned?
• 'Production Log' presentation
• Real example: Ed
• Real example: Sophie

Academic writing

Rebecca and Kristina will take you through reviewing your reading, considering reliable sources, questioning the sources you have, and linking them to build the themes and topics of your project. 

Rebecca and Kristina lead you through building your extended essay, considering the components, and how to include all the necessary information. 

Rebecca and Kristina will take you through an example of structuring your academic writing for your practical project or artefact, drawing on the information you have learnt about your Literature Review and Production Log. 

• Write a 300 word summary of the key arguments of your EPQ project. This summary must contain at least two in-text citations. You should use the Harvard Referencing style to reference the sources and evidence used.  
• Write out a plan of what information you are going to put in each section. Make a note of the key literature that will support the points you’re making in each paragraph.
• 'Literature Review' presentation
• 'Structuring Your Writing: Extended Essay' presentation
• 'Structuring Your Writing: Artefact or Practical Project' presentation
• University of Manchester: Academic Phrasebook

Presentation skills

Heather will take you through what makes a great presentation, structure and content, design and tackling nerves. 

Think about something you love. This could be your favourite film, favourite band, or a hobby you enjoy. Spend 5-10 minutes jotting down some notes about it. You could think about: 

• Why do you enjoy it? 
• When did you first get into them? 

You will then have 2 minutes to talk non-stop about something you love to another individual. Ask someone to time you during this exercise.  

Reflection: How did you find this exercise? Did it go quickly or slowly? Did you need more time to prep?   Ask for feedback from your audience: How engaged were they? What did you do well? What could you improve on? 

• 'Presentation Skills' presentation
• David JP Phillips: 'The 110 Techniques of Communication and Public Speaking' (TEDxZagreb)

Additional resources

• Study Skills booklet  - A handy guide to support you in completing the EPQ, covering topics such as academic language, referencing and time management.

Art-based Artefact FULL Essay & Sketchbook Example

Jennifer Leigh | 28th September 2019

Many students are warned before taking on an EPQ, that artefact projects are substantially harder and score substantially lower than full essay projects. The key difficulty with artefact EPQs is making them research-based and the biggest task I had to overcome was insuring my artefact complimented my research, rather than the other way around. I was the only student in my year group to attempt an artefact EPQ and there was very little help as to the structure my EPQ should take.

During Sixth Form, I completed an art-based artefact EPQ on the significance of light and colour in Impressionist art. This EPQ followed obtaining full marks in my Art GCSE, so I chose to take a very similar process in creating my EPQ project and sketchbook.

In the end, I obtained 48/50 in my EPQ in June 2019 (AQA EPQ A* boundary = 45/50).

Looking for top EPQ tips? Check out my EPQ advice article here! This article features my EPQ essay and sketchbook in full that helped me achieve my A*. All the art below was submitted collectively as my artefact, with mini essays, artist studies and my final pieces being documented in an A3 sketchbook.

My EPQ essay (ft. photos of artefact)

Is use of light and colour the sole feature that defines the impressionist art era, or are there more significant motives behind the movement.

Impressionism can be described as “a style or movement in painting originating in France in the 1860s, characterised by a concern with depicting the visual impression of the movement, especially in terms of the shifting effect of light and colour”. Today, the Impressionists are some of the most popular artists whose artworks are readily seen by the public, namely due to the expressive use of colour and unique depictions of interesting compositions of light. However, this project aims to explore whether use of light and colour really is the defining feature of Impressionist art, or whether there are other reasons why this movement of art is so unique from other movements. Furthermore, I also explored whether some of the most famous “Impressionist” artists today can be defined as “true Impressionists”, based on their techniques and motives.

Initially, I researched Claude Monet, as he is frequented described by art historians as “epitomis[ing] most closely the values of Impressionism”1. Monet frequently used varied colour palettes in his paintings, such as in “The Cliff Walk at Pourville” (1882) and “Red Boats, Argenteuil” (1875), which helped create a powerful mood and atmosphere for the viewer. For example, in “Le Grand Canal” (1908), he primarily used more muted, cool colours to emphasise the bright morning, which focuses the viewer on the reflections and varied hues of the water. Studying the painting up close, one can see how the hints of pinks and yellows contrasts with the muted colours, creating a sense of calmness and tranquility. In series works such as his Haystacks, Monet painted many similar, simplistic scenes so that “nothing distracts the attention from his harmonies of colour and atmosphere”2. Taking a random selection of paintings from this collection, such as “Haystacks, Hazy Sunshine” (1891) and “Haystacks at the End of Summer, Morning” (1891), it is clear to the viewer that the real interest is in Monet’s manipulations of light through the medium of colour.

However, use of light and colour is not the only technique that Monet demonstrated that is considered typically Impressionist: Monet also frequently varied his style of brushstrokes, working very loosely and liberally in paintings such as in his Waterlilies series. This technique, combined with frequently working in plein air, led to many of Monet’s paintings creating a feel of a “moment in time” for the viewer. Indeed, many of the revolutionary techniques Monet demonstrated had the same key purpose: to create a sense of a moment or impression of a scene for the viewer, rather than a full, still representation of a period of time.

Considering Monet as a “true Impressionist”, I then began to compare his techniques and works to those of other artists during a similar period of art history. I initially researched Edgar Degas, who separated himself from most Impressionists by outwardly describing himself as a Realist, rather than an Impressionist, with a “lack of interest in plein-air painting, his abiding passion for the art of the great masters, and his experimentation in different media, including photography” 3 . However, it is clear by studying his works that Degas aimed to create an impression of a person’s life rather than Monet, who aimed to create an impression of a scene. One way that he demonstrated this was how Degas “began experimenting with off-centre compositions, and figures cut in half by the picture frame” 1 , which can be considered a way that Degas allowed the viewer to glimpse “an unexpected slice of Parisian life”. This is comparable to how Monet used sketchy strokes and varied colours in his paintings; both artists used these contrasting techniques to give the viewer an impression of the scene in front of them, whether it was a landscape or a group of people.

Some critics have argued that “Degas never allowed himself to be called an Impressionist, and, affirming the supremacy of drawing over colour, was often highly critical of his colleagues [the Impressionist artists he frequently exhibited with at the Salon des Refusés]” 4 yet, despite this, he did show very similar motifs to other Impressionists like Monet. Indeed, a majority of written sources on Degas were in books containing a wide range of other Impressionist artists, implying that many art historians do draw great similarities between Degas’ and other Impressionists’ work. Studying Degas’ sketches and paintings as a modern viewer, it is clear that the theme of capturing a moment for the viewer was a theme of Impressionism that Degas consistently demonstrated, along with other Impressionists.

Another artist prominent at the time of the Impressionists was Paul Cézanne, whom I also researched as part of my project. Like other Impressionists, Cézanne presented his work at the 1870 Salon de Réfuses, however he drifted away from the Impressionist movement and focused on creating more carefully structured compositions, with a unique crystal-life appearance. In paintings such as Tall Trees at the Jas de Bouffan (1883), Cézanne used “constructive” strokes, consisting of flat strokes of a consistent scale, shape and direction, “giving the picture an overall coherence … through slow methodical brushwork” 5 . Art historians can infer that rather than attempting to create atmospheric conditions, he sought to create spectrums of colour that more realistically replicated the conditions of the day.

Some critics argue that Cézanne was key to the Impressionist movement, while others, such as Hajo Düchting, claim “once the heyday of Impressionism dawned, Cézanne had already put both Paris and Impressionism far behind him” 6 . In this case, it is important to note that Düchting is writing with the purpose to persuade the reader that Cézanne was a truly unique and revolutionary artist of his time, so the author avoids crediting the origins of Cézanne’s style to any artist or movement, such as the Impressionists, throughout the book. Despite potential bias in his work, it is difficult to ignore Düchting’s argument that Cézanne was unlike the Impressionists; indeed, even sources specifically covering Impressionist artists describe Cézanne as relinquishing Impressionism, “insufficient for [his] purpose and inadequate to [his] aims” 4 .

Many of the sources I did study as part of my research gave a general overview of Impressionism, such as “Great Artists of the Western World: Impressionism”, considering how many artists of the same period of history used Impressionist techniques; this suggests that the authors may be biased in looking at Cézanne and Degas from a purely Impressionist viewpoint, rather than considering techniques which made both artists stand out from classic Impressionists like Monet. Despite this, visiting galleries and exhibitions such as “Drawn in Colour: Degas from the Burrell” (National Art Gallery) and “Corteau Impressionists: From Manet to Cézanne” (National Art Gallery) offered the opportunity for first hand research in seeing these artists’ work up close, supporting evidence from these texts regarding to what extent Degas and Cézanne really were “Impressionists”. The Corteau Impressionists exhibition at the National Art Gallery 5 featured a range of artists from a similar period of art history, such as Manet, Renoir and Seurat. However, the paintings themselves and their descriptions were clear evidence of how differently these artists worked; for example, Seurat was described as being “dissatisfied with Impressionists’ intuitive responses to light and colour” and thoroughly discarded their style of thinking, despite being exhibited as one of them in this exhibition, suggesting that not all those artists considered “Impressionists” by the public can truly be considered one by art historians. Generally, the Impressionist exhibitions proved more useful sources than the texts, which were prone to producing bias to make the artist seem more original in their techniques (and therefore less “typically Impressionist”), while seeing the paintings and annotations up close allowed for a more critical judgement of the methods used.

Using the research I had gathered from these three key artists, I began to develop an idea for a final piece which incorporated what I felt were the key features of Impressionism. I focused on a series of works, taking inspiration from how both Monet and Degas created multiple, similar paintings which showed subtle changes in composition and/or atmosphere. I chose to focus on landscapes, picking compositions from my garden in order to give me the change to work en plein air, trying to pick images which worked together in a series, yet also showed some compositional interest, taking inspiration from Degas. Eventually I chose a set of two compositions that complemented each other with similar viewpoints. Throughout the painting process, I focused on capturing all the colours reflected in the light of the scenes, while preserving the spontaneous, loose feel of the Impressionist artists, taking note of what I’d learnt in my research. This can particularly be reflected in the portrayal of the trees, where I used broad brushstrokes to capture the constant movement of the leaves. I also used subtle variations of colour to reflect the slight changes in light and impression for the viewer: while the first painting has a strong, warm tint to reflect the calm twilight, the second painting consists of slightly cooler tones to suggest the vibrant daytime. This was an ode to Monet’s many series works, containing multiple similar scenes with strong variations in light and atmosphere. Overall, these paintings reflected and supported what I’d learnt during my research regarding the techniques and aims of Monet and Degas.

In conclusion, there is clear evidence for colour being a key feature in Impressionist art, yet this cannot be prioritised over the real motive behind the artist’s work: the reason for “Impressionist” art being given its name is due to whether or not the aim of the piece is to suggest a moment in time, inflicting some sort of emotion or atmosphere for the viewer. Despite this, it is accurate to suggest that “the Impressionist group in France falls into several sections” 4 . Monet and Degas both shared the same intention to capture an impression of a scene, despite doing this through different techniques; in comparison, Cézanne shared similar technical qualities in his painting style to Monet, yet his overall aim leant towards capturing a representation of a longer period of time. In this way, it is clear Monet and Degas demonstrate their Impressionist qualities to a much greater extent than Cézanne, which can be noted in viewing their work. In this way, the significance of colour in Impressionism is limited to simply being a means through which artists, such as Monet, can create these atmospheric effects and feelings for the viewer.

• Anon. (1987). Great Artists of the Western World. London: Marshall Cavendish.
• Mannering. (1998). The Masterworks of Monet. Bristol: Parragon.
• Drawn in Colour: Degas from the Burrell. The National Gallery, London. (Exhibition February 2018)
• Francia, d. (1961). Movements in Modern Art: Impressionism. Vienna: Brüder Rosenbaum.
• Courtauld Impressionists: From Manet to Cézanne. The National Gallery, London. (Exhibition November 2018)
• Duchting. (1996). Cézanne. Taschen America Llc.
• Sagner-Duchting. (1992). Claude Monet. Taschen America Llc.
• Reyburn. (1997). The Art of the Impressionists. Grange Books Ltd.
• Gariff. (2008). World’s Most Influential Painters and the Artists They Inspired: Stories and Hidden Connections Between Great Works of Western Art.

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EPQs: writing up your dissertation

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an opportunity for you to work independently on a topic that really interests you or that you think is important. It is equivalent to an A-level qualification. These articles are designed to help you if you are enrolled on an EPQ.

See previous article in series: Finding and using evidence

Writing up your dissertation.

Being able to communicate well is an essential skill for both university and working life. One of the aims of the EPQ is to help you develop your skills in using different communication tools, so you can communicate what you have found clearly and appropriately for different audiences.

Communication is also a vital part of the research cycle. The progress of research thrives on the exchange, review and discussion of ideas. Writing is one of the ways in which we communicate what we have found out and share it with others. 

Sharing the results of your research by writing well and effectively gives your readers the opportunity to learn from the work you have done.

This article offers suggestions and support for developing your skills in writing in the academic style that is needed for your EPQ dissertation.

Getting organised .

It’s worth considering a few practical points first. The start of writing is a good time to gather your material together and get yourself organised. 

• Don’t lose your work
• Timings & deadlines
• Organise your records
• Laying out the document
• Tables, graphs and charts

You don’t want to find yourself a few days – or hours – from the submission deadline when a computer breakdown or accident means you lose everything you’ve done.

It has happened before, and you don’t want it to happen to you!

Build a routine for backups into your work pattern. For example, when you sit down to write, save a copy (named, for example, Version 1, Version 2 ... Version 25 ...) of the existing document before you make any changes.

And back up your backup. Once a week, make a backup copy of your files (your dissertation, your notes and the resources you have collected) to an external hard drive, memory stick or cloud storage.

Work out how much time you have to write your dissertation, and how much time you want to allocate to each section. (There’ll be more on this shortly under ‘Structuring the dissertation – Start with the structure’.)

Make sure you know – and have written down! – the deadlines for submitting your dissertation, including deadlines for any draft versions your teacher might want to see. Use these to help plan your writing time.

There are many tools to choose from to keep yourself on track.  For example, you could create a table with a list of tasks.

Or you could make a simple Gantt chart, using a spreadsheet. If you use Microsoft Excel, it has some Gantt chart templates. The advantage of a Gantt chart is that it makes it easier to see how you can overlap some tasks, and you can mark important milestones such as submission deadlines .

As you have gone through the process of collecting and analysing the evidence you need to answer your research question, you will have gathered records of:

• what you looked for (the search terms you used in your searches)
• where you looked (search engines, websites, etc.)
• what you read / watched / listened to (academic papers, articles, videos, podcasts, etc.)
• the notes you made on your reading, listening and watching
• the data you have gathered.

All these sources contribute to the content of your written dissertation. Hopefully you have good records, but if you got a bit behind, now is the time to sort them out and remind yourself what you did and what you found out.

If you need a reminder of what information you need to keep, look back at  Article 2 – Finding and using evidence .

Organising your records and keeping a note of the sources you mention in the text as you write helps you build a comprehensive reference list.

There is more information on how to set out your reference list later in this article (see ‘Structuring the dissertation – Referencing styles’ ).

Laying out your document in a clear and neat style helps make your readers’ life easier.

For the  text , use a classic font such as Arial, Helvetica or Times New Roman. It’s best to avoid quirky fonts such as Comic Sans, or difficult to read fonts such as Lucida handwriting.

For easy reading, the  font  shouldn’t be too small. 11 or 12 point is a popular choice for the main (or body) text, which is usually black in colour. You can use larger fonts for headings and sub-headings, and perhaps make them bold or a different colour.

Generous margins also make the document easier to read. As a guide, around half the area of the page should be white space; on an A4 page, that means margins of about 2cm all round.

Use the paragraph styling tool . It’s well worth investing some time learning to use paragraph styling in  Microsoft Word  and  Mac Pages ; it can really speed up the creation of long documents and help you produce good-looking work.

This tool gives you control over the appearance of the text in your document. For example, you can use it to include automatic numbering for your headings ( Word  or  Pages ). This means you don’t have to manually change all the numbering if you insert a new heading or delete one that is no longer useful. You can also use automatic numbering for figure and table captions. Or, if you decide you don’t like the font you have used, you can change it in the paragraph style and it will be changed throughout the document.

Some kinds of evidence – such as numeric data – work well when displayed as graphs, charts and tables.

Readers should be able to make sense of the graph, chart or table without explanation.

Look at Table 2. Is it clear what information the creator wanted to share?

A better example can be seen below in Table 3:

Graphs and charts need titles too. They should also have axis titles (naming what is plotted on each axis, with the relevant units) and axis labels (the values plotted).

When it comes to plotting graphs, using different shapes or line styles can help readers distinguish different data points or collections of data on a single graph. You can use contrasting colours, but keep in mind that too many colours can be distracting for the reader. And some readers – for example, people who are colour-blind or have vision problems – might not be able to distinguish between certain colours, so choose carefully.

Look at Figure 3. Does it have all the elements of a good graph? Could anything be improved?

This has many of the requirements of a good graph. The title explains what the graph is about, the axes are labelled and the four search terms are each given their own colour, with a key to show which is which.

It could be made better by:

• making the graph larger, so that the four lines are more separate
• choosing different colours – the orange for ‘Perseverance’ and the yellow for ‘astrobiology’ are difficult to distinguish from each other.

Evidently, something interesting must have happened in mid-February to cause this spike in searches – you might remember that on 18 February 2021, the NASA Mars Perseverance Rover mission landed on Mars!

Structuring the dissertation .

Facing a blank page and the prospect of writing 5000 or so words can feel daunting. But you can structure the way you write to help make the task easier.

• Start with the structure
• Facing the blank page
• The narrative arc
• Finishing things off
• Referencing styles

Starting with the structure will help you consider how you want the dissertation to flow, and how to allocate your time and effort.

This example, taken from the Edexcel documentation, gives a suggested word count for the different sections of a ‘research review’ dissertation. All the exam boards publish their requirements, so you should  check the requirements for your board and the type of EPQ you are doing .

A ‘research review’ dissertation would probably follow something like the structure above. For other kinds of project, check with your teacher or look at the exam board’s requirements.  Knowing what structure the exam board is expecting helps you to know where to focus your effort.

In Table 4, you can see that the biggest section of the dissertation is the discussion/development/analysis of the argument, so it would make sense to spend the largest part of your writing time on this section. Look back at the Gantt chart under ‘Getting organised – Tables, graphs and charts’ for an example of time allocated in this way.

You’ve opened a new document.  You know the sections you need to include.

How do you get started on the sentences that will fill the gaps in between?  Two researchers offered suggestions from their experience.

Robert, a space scientist, says he usually works out the first paragraph in his head before sitting down to write.

• Ann’s summary

This is how Charlotte described her approach. First step, open a Word document!

Second step, write titles and sub-headings on the page. These can be working titles that you can come back to and polish once you have developed the document. But getting that structure down on the page is a key step for Charlotte in building the document and working out how the manuscript is going to flow. Once she’s broken the document up into sections, it feels much less daunting for her. Instead of starting at word one of six thousand, she’s working on smaller, more manageable chunks – word one of a hundred, or two hundred.

Step three is to write down the aims, objectives and scope of the document. And then she goes on to write the conclusions. And she says yes, that’s not a typo – if you’ve done a good job of researching the topic, developing the aims and objectives and making your notes, then writing the conclusion first should be relatively easy. The benefit of writing the end of your manuscript before the beginning is that you’re less likely to go off on tangents when you’re writing the rest of the manuscript, because you know where you’re heading.

If you feel you’ve thoroughly researched your topic and you’re still finding it hard to work out what your conclusions are, then it may be a good idea to turn your research notes into a presentation, during which you can ask yourself ‘what key message do I want the audience to walk away with?’, and that will be your conclusion.

Step five: write the remaining sections of the dissertation, justifying and building your arguments for each conclusion.

Charlotte’s main points

Charlotte’s steps are:

• Open a Word document!
• Write titles and sub-headings on the page.
• Write down the aims, objectives and scope of the document.
• Write the conclusion – ask yourself ‘what key message do I want the audience to walk away with?’
• Write the remaining sections, justifying and building your arguments for each conclusion.

Headings and sub-headings

Charlotte described how she likes to set up the headings and sub-headings that structure her writing, even though she knows they might change as the document develops.

Using descriptive headings, such as ‘The history of ...’ tells the reader what to expect in that section or chapter. This is sometimes called ‘signposting’, because the headings and sub-headings guide the reader around your work. 

As well as descriptive headings, you can number your headings and sub-headings: 

• Section 1: An introduction to… 
• Section 1.1 : The history of ... 

This means you can refer the reader back and forth (e.g. ‘see Section 1.2’), which cuts down repetition and wasted words.

Both approaches have the merit of getting something on to the blank page, which makes it look much less scary.

Whether you start with an opening paragraph, a set of headings, or another method that works for you, getting those first few words on the page is one of the biggest hurdles to clear.

Narrative – the story thread that runs through any piece of work we create – is important in any piece of writing.  Stories keep people’s attention, as storytellers have known for hundreds of years. Writers, broadcasters and podcasters continue to make use of this fact today.

One way to think about how you shape your story is to consider its narrative arc. Yes, even the most ‘science-y’ of dissertations has a story.

Click on the crosses on Figure 6 to find out more about the components of the narrative arc.

Figure 6   The narrative arc

Points on the narrative arc

Description : A parabolic curve representing the narrative arc of a story. The first half of the curve rises to a peak, showing the points that   build interest  in the story. The second half falls back to the baseline, showing how we  reflect   on the details of the story and bring it to a close.

– In the Introduction , attract the reader’s attention at the start, perhaps by telling them what got you interested in the question; a personal interest, an ambition or a desire to know more about a topic.

– In the Introduction , describe the journey to your research question. Make sure you do actually tell your reader what your question is (you’d be surprised how often people forget that!)

Information

– In the Research Review section, you show the reader how you found your evidence; tell them about the keywords you used, the mindmaps, flowcharts, tables you made; what information was important and what was not; what stayed in and what didn’t.

– This is your analysis of the material you found, showing how you pulled together the information you uncovered in your review and what it meant for your question. However, this isn’t an absolute rule; where you put the analysis depends on the kind of dissertation you are writing.

– Tell the reader what you found out and how it relates to what is already known.

– Use the Conclusion to round off your story. What’s the answer to your research question? What did you discover? What’s still not known?

There are a couple of sections of the dissertation that are best dealt with towards the end of the writing process: abstract and bibliography.

The abstract

At the beginning of the dissertation, you should provide a short summary or abstract.

An abstract is like a trailer for a film or television programme. It gives the reader a sense of what’s in the dissertation. However, unlike a trailer, it’s OK to give away the ending! Someone who only reads the abstract, and never looks at the dissertation, should still understand the scope of your work.

For this reason, it’s easier to write the abstract towards the end of your writing time, when you have a complete picture of your work in your mind.

The abstract is usually quite short (perhaps only 200 words) and is written in one paragraph. That’s not much space, so what should you include?

A typical abstract would tell the reader:

• why  you did this research –  the question you set out to answer
• how  you did the research –  the methods you used to collect the data and where you looked for it
• what  you found out –  a summary of your main findings
• the  key message  –  the answer to your question; if your readers could remember just one thing from your dissertation, this would be it.

One way to approach writing the abstract is to read through your dissertation section by section. For each section, write one or two sentences that summarise the main point. Click on ‘example’ to see what we mean.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing rapidly among young people, but the usefulness and safety of some therapies is controversial. Therefore, I investigated the question: what are the best places to reach young people with information about CAM?

Using Google Scholar, I searched for articles using different combinations of these search terms: ‘alternative medicine’, ‘complementary medicine’, understanding, knowledge, motivation, CAM. I filtered the results to keep only articles that related to the use of CAM by young people. I defined ‘young’ as people under the age of 25. I downloaded twenty complete papers, articles and other resources from open access sources and the Open University research repository.

Use of CAM by young people has increased since 2000. Young women use CAM more than young men. The most common sources for getting information about CAM are friends and family and social media.

Key message

The best way to provide information for young people about CAM is through social media.

Take away the headings and polish the sentences and you have an abstract:

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing rapidly among young people, but the usefulness and safety of some therapies is controversial. Therefore, I investigated the question: what are the best places to reach young people with information about CAM? Using Google Scholar, I searched for articles using different combinations of these search terms: ‘alternative medicine’, ‘complementary medicine’, understanding, knowledge, motivation, CAM. I filtered the results to keep only articles that related to the use of CAM by young people. I defined ‘young’ as people under the age of 25. My search found twenty relevant papers, articles and other resources, which I downloaded from open access sources and the Open University research repository. My results show that young people’s most common sources for information about CAM are friends and family and social media. Therefore, I believe that using social media is the best way to provide information about CAM for young people.

The bibliography or reference list

The last thing to include in your dissertation is the bibliography or reference list * .

Your reference list shows the people who read (and mark!) your dissertation how well you have researched your subject and how your arguments are supported by evidence from other people’s research. 

It is also evidence of how you have been open and honest in your work. Readers can use it to find the sources that you used and check that you have read and used them correctly. 

Using your reference list, a reader should be able to find that source for themselves if they want to follow up an idea or check something you have written. Including a reference list helps you avoid plagiarism (passing off someone else’s work as your own), because readers can check the original source if they have any doubts.

If you need a reminder of what information you should keep, look back at  ‘Finding and using evidence – Keeping track’ .

* A reference list is a list of all references to other people’s work that you have mentioned in your dissertation. A bibliography is a list of references, plus the background readings or other material that you have read but not actually mentioned.

The Open University Library Services’  Referencing and plagiarism   page has lots of help and pointers to further information about references and referencing styles.

If you go on to study at university, and have to write essays, assignments and reports, you will be asked to set out – or ‘style’ – reference lists in a specific way. There are many different referencing styles; which one you are asked to use will depend on the subject you are studying and the university’s requirements.

For the EPQ, check the requirements of your exam board or ask your teacher what these are.

Even if you aren’t asked to use a specific style, you should aim to include as much information about the sources as possible. The minimum information would be:

• the authors’ (or creators’) names
• the year the source was published
• the title of the article or book chapter, or the name of the artwork, film or video
• the title of the journal or the book in which the article/chapter appeared
• for books – the name of the publisher
• for online sources – the name of the website and the page on which the article appeared, the URL of the website, and the date on which you read the article*.

*The date you found the article is important for online sources, as websites sometimes disappear or are changed. If the reader can’t find the same article but knows when you found it, that suggests they can trust the source.

These examples are laid out in the Harvard referencing style, which is a style used in many university subjects.

Books and ebooks

Surname, Initial. (Year of publication) Title . Edition if later than first. Place of publication: publisher. Series and volume number if relevant.

Mukherjee, S. (2011)  The Emperor of all Maladies .  London: Fourth Estate.

Article from an academic journal

Surname, Initial. (Year of publication) ‘Title of article’, Title of Journal , volume number (issue number), page reference. Doi: doi number if available OR Available at: URL (Accessed date)

Ungar, S. (2008) ‘Global bird flu communication: hot crisis and media reassurance’,  Science Communication ,  29(4), 472-497. DOI: 10.1177/1075547008316219

Article from a newspaper or magazine

Surname, Initial. (Year of publication) ‘Title of article’, Title of Newspaper , Day and month, Page reference if available. Available at: URL (Accessed: date).

Rice-Oxley, M. (2021) ‘Do good things come to those who wait?’,  The Guardian ,  26 February. Available at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/26/do-good-things-come-to-those-who-wait (Accessed 26 February 2021).

Organisation (Year that the page was last updated) Title of web page . Available at: URL (Accessed: date).

BBC Online (2020) How New Zealand relied on science and empathy . Available at: bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-52344299 (Accessed 17 September 2020).

Writing clearly .

Good writing takes time, effort and energy. Being able to produce clear, readable, logical and well-argued pieces of writing is important in both university and in your working life.

• Precise & concise
• Keep it simple
• A word about style
• Quoting others

Blaise Pascal was a seventeenth-century mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher and writer.  He once wrote:

‘ Je n’ai fait celle-ci plus longue que parce que je n’ai pas eu le loisir de la faire plus courte ’ .

–Blaise Pascal, Provincial Letters, Letter XVI, December 1656.

Translation:  ‘I wrote this very long [letter] because I didn’t have the time to make it shorter’.

What do you think Pascal meant by this?

Claire, whose research looks for evidence of how we might ‘ sniff’ for life , produced a mind map of what she thinks Pascal meant (Figure 9). The audio below describes her process.

Claire’s mind map takes us on quite a journey. Starting from Pascal’s premise that it’s better to write short than long, slower than quicker, makes her think about the need for concision, to look for concise words, words that are specific and measured, not being confusing, the need to choose the right word. Not always easy in English, where one word can have a variety of meanings. 

She suggest perhaps using a thesaurus, but that could lead down the pathway of having too many words to choose from and not being able to decide which one to pick. Thinking about the dissertation, she introduces a word we all dread – waffling! No one wants to be a waffler, and giving too much information might make your readers’ heads explode. 

And yet we must explain our concepts, because we want our writing to be understood by everyone but that means a balance with explaining too much. We need to give enough detail to make our point understood, and scientific, if it’s that kind of research question, without being too complicated. All in all, it comes down to the need to simplify.

More tips from Ann

As Pascal – and Claire – suggest, taking out what isn’t needed is as important as putting in what is.

Writing clearly and to the point takes time, effort and energy. Allow yourself plenty of time to draft, review, get feedback, edit ... draft again, review again, get more feedback, edit again … … check, proof-read, finish.

As we established earlier, your dissertation will have a word allowance. EdExcel, for example, suggests a research review dissertation should be around 6000 words. That sounds like a lot, but then, you’ve done a lot of work that needs to be included.

The exact figure will depend on the exam board’s requirements and the kind of EPQ you have carried out, so check before you start writing, or ask your teacher.

The best writers keep things as simple as possible. It’s a way of being kind to your readers and making the task of reading easier.

However, keeping things simple isn’t simple. As Steve Jobs, the designer and co-founder of Apple said: ‘Simple can be harder than complex: you have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple’. The same applies to writing.

When you’ve done a complex piece of work, it’s tempting to think you can only describe it in complex language. But you should try to avoid the pitfall of using over-complicated language. You don’t want to run the risk of sounding pompous or making your text too difficult to understand.

You’ve almost certainly come across simple questions with unnecessarily complicated answers before. Here’s an example. Which is the best answer to this question?

The Up Goer Five challenge

To practise writing in simple language, you can take the Up Goer Five challenge. This is a project by the artist Randall Monroe, creator of  XKCD . 

The challenge is to explain a  hard idea using only the ‘ten hundred’ most common words  in the English language.  As an example, how might we explain ‘astrobiology’?:

We think about where we might find living things. We take stuff from places – dry places, cold places, hot places – and we put it in stuff that we think has what living things need to grow. We wait, then we use a seeing-small-things tool to look for the living things. At the moment, we look at stuff from here but one day, we want to look at stuff from other stars.

Have a go at using the  Up Goer Five text editor  (which has a  link to the ten hundred most common words ) to explain an idea related to your research topic. If you find it tricky to think of an idea, here are a few to get you started:

• global warming and its consequences
• what causes earthquakes
• the problems caused by the misuse of antibiotics.

You wouldn’t write your dissertation in this style, but experimenting with writing like this helps develop skills in keeping things simple, avoiding jargon and complicated language and writing in short sentences and paragraphs.

We all write in different ways every day, depending on who we’re writing for. The style of a textbook is different from the style of a WhatsApp message; we write an email to a family member in a different style from the way we would write a personal statement for a university application.

When we write anything, we start by thinking about our readers and the kind of writing they are expecting to see.

For the EPQ dissertation, start by checking the requirements of the exam board you are studying with. It is very likely that the exam board will want the dissertation to be written in a formal style; the kind of style you will have seen in the academic articles and books you drew on in your research.

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as your own. It is, essentially, theft of someone else’s work. 

Learning alongside a friend, discussing ideas or sharing your thoughts can be helpful and valuable. We have also encouraged you to take notes on everything that you find. So, it is likely that you have ideas you want to present in your report that are not entirely your own.

Plagiarism can occur in a variety of ways. It can mean copying someone else’s text and passing it off as your own, or copying and pasting text/images from a web page and pretending they are your own work. It can also overlap with what is called ‘collusion’, which means collaborating with someone to share work on a task that you are expected to complete by yourself.

Try this interactive resource from OpenLearn to understand some of the challenges and ways to avoid plagiarism. This is aimed at university students, but it will be relevant for the EPQ.

All my own work

Plagiarism comes in all shapes and forms. Step into the shoes of a university student to learn the challenges and temptations facing her during her assignment, and help make it all her own work.

Level: 1 Introductory

There will be points in your dissertation when you want to present ideas that have come from someone else’s work. How can you do this while avoiding plagiarism?

Identify your sources

If you have used an image, graph or chart created by someone else, identify where the image has come from and who made it.

You might remember this image from  Article 1 , in the section on dealing with feedback.

This image comes from an online picture library, creazilla.com. They have placed it in the ‘public domain’, which means it can be re-used freely. Show this information in the image caption within your work.

If you create a graph, chart or table yourself, identify the source of the data, as you saw earlier in ‘ Getting organised – Tables, graphs and charts ’.

If you find a phrase or a sentence in a source that helpfully illustrates a point you are trying to make, you can quote that in your work. You must quote it exactly as the authors wrote it. After the quote, you give the name of the author, the date of publication and the page where the quote is from. Then give the full reference in your reference list (see ‘ Structuring the dissertation – Referencing styles ’). For example:

This shows that the format of an infographic can influence people’s responses to the evidence. For example, ‘ graphs commonly used to show descriptive statistics, such as line or area graphs, may also appear “scientific” and create a pseudo sense of trustworthiness ’ (Li et al., 2018, p. 4).

The quote marks (‘…’) show which words are the quote.  

We use the Latin phrase ‘et al.’ (meaning ‘and others’) when an article has more than three authors, so that the reader doesn’t have to read through a long list of names. In the reference list, you would see the full list of authors along with the other source details:

Li, N., Brossard, D., Scheufele, D., Wilson, P. and Rose, K. (2018) ‘Communicating data: interactive infographics, scientific data and credibility’,  Journal of Science Communication, 17(2), A06. DOI: 10.22323/2.17020206

When you paraphrase, you express an idea that has come from someone else in your own words. You might do this to re-state the idea in simpler language, or to bring together the ideas of several writers on the same topic. Paraphrasing can also help you show that any new ideas you’ve put together from your research are supported by earlier research.

You should show where the ideas you have paraphrased came from, but because you are not directly quoting, you need only give the authors’ names and the date of publication. For example:

My survey of fifty young people aged 16 to 18 showed that their social media posts were most often connected with current events. This is supported by earlier research, which shows that the most common topics for young people’s posts are current events, health and fitness, and celebrity and entertainment news, closely followed by science and technology (Hargittai, Füchslin & Schäfer, 2018) .

In the reference list, you would see:

Hargittai, E., Füchslin, T. and Schäfer, M. (2018) ‘How do young adults engage with science and research on social media?’,  Social Media + Society, July-September 2018, 1-10, DOI: 10.1177/205630511879772

Although your dissertation must be all your own work, you can ask for help to review what you have written.

How do you ask for help, then, while keeping the dissertation all your own work and avoiding plagiarism?

Reviews – who and when?

Before you ask someone to review your work, you can check some things for yourself. 

Check the  spelling  and  grammar . Microsoft Word has built-in tools, or you can use online ones such as  Grammarly . The more technically correct your writing is, the more your reviewers will be able to focus their energy on the content.

Then  read it all through yourself . Some people like to read through silently, line by line, others prefer to read the text out loud. You can record yourself and listen back later, or use the Read Aloud function in Word, if you’re using that software. This has the advantage of using a different part of your brain – when you listen, you hear mistakes that you just don’t see in writing.

After you have reviewed it yourself, ask others to do the same. Getting someone else’s feedback on your work is immensely valuable. This is where you can collaborate with friends or classmates – if you ask them to review your work, you can offer to review theirs. And families can help too; even if they don’t know anything about your topic, the questions they ask will help you review your work.

• Michael asks for help
• Who could you ask for help?

Listen to the audio in the next tab about how Michael, who is a microbiologist, asks for help. When does he do this, and who does he ask?

Michael turns to his colleagues, his family and his senior colleagues at work. He asks for help at different stages: perhaps when he’s struggling a little, when he’s written the first draft and later on at the final stages, when he’s finished editing.

For Michael, feedback is incredibly important, not only for the actual content of the work, but for assessing how easy it is to understand. And he felt it’s always important to consider reviews of our writing from the viewpoint that the reviewer wants to help us improve our work, not criticise it. In terms of who he asks, first he calls on his peers; when he was at school, friends in his class and year, and now his colleagues, who can comment on the content of the work and how easy it is for them to follow. When he was at school, he also turned to his parents. During high school, his parents helped with input on grammar, spelling and how easy it was to understand. Now, his wife performs that role. As he says, by having someone from outside the field review your work, you can gain valuable insights. He also thinks about his seniors – in his current job, his senior colleagues will read multiple drafts of a manuscript before it’s complete. This is always an advantage – it allows him to get input from someone more experienced and means the work is improved.

In terms of when, he asks for help when he’s struggling, perhaps to find the right direction for a piece of work. Discussing the work with a friend or a teacher can start him developing insights on where it should start. Certainly after completing and spell-checking a first draft, he’ll ask for help.

And of course it’s always important to go back and review after editing, because when you change a piece of work, it’s easy to introduce errors, as well as fix them.

Conclusion.

Other articles in this series...

EPQs: designing your research question

You’ve already decided to do an EPQ, so it might seem a little odd to start this resource by asking you to consider why you want to do a research project. People do an EPQ for all sorts of reasons. Why do you want to do an EPQ?

EPQs: finding and using evidence

Finding the evidence that will help you understand a topic or answer a question is an important stage in the research process. And once you have found it, you will need to examine it closely and carefully, to judge how reliable it is and whether it is useful to help you answer your question.

EPQs: why give a presentation?

What are the guidelines for the presentation?

Become an OU student

Ratings & comments, share this free course, copyright information, publication details.

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• 600 EPQ Ideas – The Ultimate List For an A*

So, this is it. You’ve decided to do an EPQ and now you’re sitting at a blank computer screen with the entire spectrum of human knowledge at your disposal. You could write about any topic on any subject in the dizzying realms of the known universe. But there’s just one problem… how do you begin?

An EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) allows A-Level students to write either a 5,000 word essay on any question or subject of their choice. Alternatively, students can create an artefact or product, and write a shorter essay explaining it. The EPQ is equivalent to half an A-Level.

EPQs are a fantastic way of proving to universities that you are the best prospective student for them, and that you deserve a place on one of their courses. An EPQ requires a huge amount of independent research (which proves that you can handle university-style work) and allows you to showcase your original thoughts and academic rigour, which is exactly what universities are looking for.

Even more importantly, an EPQ counts for extra UCAS points . This means that if you don’t get the grades you expect at A-Level, a strong EPQ grade could help you meet the conditions of a university place offer. Feeling inspired now? We’ve got 600 EPQ ideas for multiple different subjects, to get those ideas rolling.

What are some top EPQ ideas for a guaranteed A*?

Some strong EPQ ideas for a guaranteed A* are specific and original topics like “Should parents be allowed to genetically change their child’s gender” for an EPQ in medicine, and “Is the media making suicide aspirational?”, for a psychology EPQ.

You could also consider EPQ questions like, “Was the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki justified?” for History, and “Should we legalise human organ trade?” for Economics.

We’ve got a list of 600 EPQ ideas for a guaranteed A*, so scroll down and get inspired. We’ve searched all over the internet and interviewed students to get the most pressing topics for each subject. You should just use these EPQ ideas to give you an idea of what you could research, and it’s up to you to come up with your own title.

EPQ Ideas For Medicine

• Is gene therapy ethical?
• Should parents be allowed to genetically alter their child’s gender?
• Can cannabis use in adolescence cause schizophrenia?
• To what extent does the sugar tax reduce sugar consumption in the UK?
• Why are the death-rates from Covid-19 worse in places with higher air pollution?
• Why does emetophobia primarily affect women?
• Could the legalisation of cannabis improve mental health?
• Should we allow only UK citizens to use the NHS?
• Can plastic surgery ever solve body dysmorphic disorder?
• Do care home environments worsen the affects of Dementia and Alzheimer’s?
• What are the links between obesity and parents criticizing their children’s bodies?
• If a woman who wanted a child freezes her eggs and then happens to die, should a relative be allowed to use her eggs to conceive a child?
• Is it right that mothers of Down’s syndrome babies are allowed to abort them up until birth?
• Are anti-depressants a quick fix problem in an overwhelmed healthcare system?
• Should the NHS provide IVF for women over 40?
• To what extent are Black women discriminated against when giving birth?
• Should counsellors have a qualification in psychology before being allowed to practice?
• Why are girls so chronically misdiagnosed when it comes to autism?
• Did the ancient Egyptians have a comprehensive understanding of mental health and illness?
• Could electroshock therapy be the most effective method of treating depression?
• Should we prioritise ICU places to people with children and dependents?
• What are the similarities between Reactive Attachment Disorder and Autism?
• A study of medical practices in North Korea
• A comparison of different cancer treatments: surgical removals and chemotherapy to immunotherapies.
• Is hypnotherapy ever a viable anaesthetic for surgery?

Students interested in taking medicine further should consider studying at one of our award winning Medicine Summer Schools to strengthen their application.

EPQ Ideas for Psychology

• Is the media making suicide aspirational for young people?
• To what extent does having social workers intervene in a family affect a child’s life outcomes?
• Is talking therapy nearly ineffective for treating panic disorder?
• Should children be allowed to decide if they can be taken into care?
• Are the children of alcoholics more likely to become hoarders?
• Is there a link between undiagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and alcoholism?
• Can non-violent psychopaths have successful relationships?
• Given how they change behaviour, should advertising and marketing be made illegal?
• How has social media altered our brains since its inception?
• Does the Stanford Prison Experiment prove that we should promote rehabilitation over punitive incarceration?
• Are attachment issues in neglected children irreversible?
• Can unschooling be classed as child neglect?
• Can authoritarian parenting styles lead to overeating in adulthood?
• Is technology making us more depressed?
• Do gender-neutral toys lead to children with less stereotypical views of gender roles?
• Can music help ease the effects of Dementia?
• What are the long term effects of bullying?
• Can studying people’s behaviours pre-suicide help prevent suicide?
• Should crime-predicting algorithms be banned for their bias?
• A study of the effects of living in an overcrowded household during Covid-19 lockdown.
• Do memories alter when we recall them?
• How does intergenerational trauma effect cortisol levels?
• Do the negative affects of racism begin in the womb?
• What can Savant Syndrome tell us about the multi-faceted nature of intelligence?
• Do all humans have some level of body dysmorphia?

EPQ ideas for Law

• Should defendants be allowed to represent themselves?
• Is the internet an ungovernable wilderness when it comes to Law?
• Why secret trials are a form of abuse
• Should CCTV be made illegal?
• Is the use of juries inevitably flawed when it comes to reaching a just verdict?
• Should mass media be banned from high profile investigations?
• Should we replace juries with AI-powered robots?
• Should Donald Trump go to prison?
• Could the police be classed as a gang in America?
• How we can stop criminalising victims of sex trafficking.
• Should we bring back the death penalty?
• How much should a child’s desire to live with one parent or another affect the court’s decision?
• Should people who see child abuse but don’t report it be subject to the law?
• Should male partners sue their female partners for abortion?
• Should organ donation be mandatory for everyone?
• When should one country legally intervene in another, when it comes to human rights abuses?
• Should marriage be banned until the age of 21?
• Should lie detector results be legalised in UK courts?
• Could the government be legally obliged to pay women for their unpaid labour that contributes to the economy?
• If embryos are capable of feelings and sensations, should abortion be forbidden at any stage?
• Should minors trafficked to the UK from a dangerous country or situation be given immediate residency?
• Could euthanasia be legalised, whether or not someone is critically ill and close to death?
• Should parents be legally obliged to leave money to their children?
• Should the inheritance tax be abolished?
• Should people with dual citizenship automatically receive diplomatic protection from both countries?

Students interested in becoming a lawyer should consider studying at one of our Law Summer Schools on campus at top UK and US universities.

EPQ ideas for primary school teaching

• Should boys receive exclusive lessons on feminism in primary school?
• How can we teach primary school students about internet safety?
• How can we teach primary school students about their rights over their own bodies?
• Is the way we teach obesity in school harmful to overweight or obese children?
• Is the Education system indoctrinating students?
• The importance of girls in primary school having role models in STEM.
• Why banning mobile phones in school does more harm than good.
• Why our education system fails to pick up students with dyspraxia.
• Why we should allow students to move around the classroom as they learn.
• Is the Montessori childrearing method of any use in mainstream primary school?
• Should every school have access to a Forest School?
• Why primary schools should teach skills such as cooking and home management to every child.
• Are school uniforms too institutionalising for children?
• Should school uniforms be enforced as a way of giving children routine?
• The importance of failing well.
• Should school be only three days a week?
• Should children be able to choose what subjects they want to study at any time?
• How exams unfairly disadvantage girls in primary school.
• Should we abolish sets in primary school?
• How can we teach healthy eating to children?
• How can we teach anti-racism to primary school students?
• A study of anxiety disorders in primary school students due to Covid-19.
• How the education system can better accommodate students with high-functioning autism.
• Why we need a better understanding of selective mutism in primary school.
• Should primary schools in the UK become bilingual to enhance language learning?

EPQ ideas for Secondary School Teaching

• Should school start and end later for teenagers?
• Why students should never have to ask to go the bathroom.
• Could a four day school week improve mental health among secondary school students?
• Is the secondary school curriculum creative enough?
• Why we should be teaching healthy communication to secondary school students.
• Should parents be allowed to choose for their children not to receive sex education?
• Should sports be compulsory at secondary school?
• When does strict teaching become bullying?
• Should modern languages be compulsory at secondary school?
• Could Pathological Demand Avoidance explain why students who are bright aren’t meeting their potential?
• Should we ban school uniform in secondary school?
• Should we decolonise the secondary school curriculum?
• Are their enough teachers of colour in secondary schools?
• What is the effect of divorce on a student’s learning and development?
• How to narrow the technology poverty gap among secondary school students.
• How to create educational support for looked-after children.
• How does having less money than your peers affect your identity as a secondary school student?
• The effects of overcrowded and poor housing on educational attainment.
• The effects of homelessness and insecure housing on educational attainment.
• What effect does the assessment and exam structure in UK schools have on students’ mental health?
• Are exams an unfair form of assessment for students with a specific learning difficulty like dyslexia or dyspraxia?
• How does ADHD link to cleverness and giftedness in students?
• Is our method of diagnosing autism in students informed enough?
• How can we tackle perfectionism and fear of failure in female students?
• Do exams unfairly advantage boys, and why?

EPQ ideas for Biology

• Why we don’t have enough evidence for evolution.
• Is Covid-19 more deadly than Ebola?
• Are animals as intelligent as humans?
• Is abortion murder?
• Is homosexuality genetic or social?
• What can the oldest living creature on earth teach us about biological immortality?
• Does incest always create biological issues?
• The use of parasites in weight loss attempts
• How long would it take you to die if you ate the same thing and nothing else for years?
• What causes diseases in trees?
• Could we ever grow food on walls?
• If your spouse died, what would the ethical implications be of cloning them?
• A study on identity crises in identical twins.
• Is obesity a genetic issue?
• How does sepsis attack the body?
• Will artificial hearts ever be a viable solution to chronic heart problems?
• Could brain transplants ever be a viable option?
• How do certain drugs affect cellular interactions?
• A study of courting behaviours in different species.
• How did different cellular mechanisms regulate different physiological processes?
• Is obesity a modern phenomenon?
• Can gene therapy cure Cystic Fibrosis?
• Can gut microbiota influence host appetite?
• What is the impact of invasive species on ecosystems?
• What is the biology of laughter?

EPQ Ideas for History

• Why poor dental hygiene in the middle ages was a myth.
• Was the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Justified?
• Is it right to topple the statues of slave owners, in order to erase history?
• Who does history belong to?
• Why did the USA join World War Two so late?
• How have male and female romantic relationships changed over time?
• How has the role of marriage changed over time?
• Should a country be allowed to teach its own history?
• How did the British Empire expand so much?
• Should museums return all their historical artefacts to their country of origin?
• Were the Suffragettes the biggest force in women getting the vote?
• Is religious warfare ever Justified?
• How medieval fashion influences our outfits today
• Was Anne Boleyn the main reason that Henry VII left the Catholic church?
• Did Henry VII suffer from a genetic disease that prevented him from conceiving healthy children?
• Why do we hold on to so many myths in History?
• A study of propaganda in History textbooks in UK history.
• Why is History important to the future?
• To what extent did the purchase of commissions affect the fighting power of the British army between 1760-1860?
• What is the validity of historical fiction and romance?
• How did secret churches operate in Mao’s China?
• How did 19th Century attitudes towards madness affect society’s treatment of ‘hysterical’ women?
• What is the holocaust’s relationship with literature?
• Were the liquidators who helped clean up the Chernobyl explosion used as human collateral?
• How did the pill help women’s liberation?

EPQ Ideas For Economics

• From an economic perspective, should we legalise human organ trade?
• Can an increase of wealth directly influence happiness levels?
• Could stock analysts be replaced by artificial intelligence?
• How do socio-economic factors determine someone’s health in adulthood?
• Who is to blame for the 2008 financial crisis?
• Is illicit trade with China the only factor preventing the North Korean economy from total collapse?
• How would we recover economically if the internet ceased to exist?
• How did the 2008 financial crisis make house buying impossible for the majority of millennials?
• Is the poverty trap impossible to get out of?
• Can we compare the trickle-down economy to a pyramid scheme?
• Does a lack of wealth in childhood really hold you back in life?
• Is the gig economy leading to job insecurity a myth?
• To what extent does women’s unpaid labour prop up the UK economy?
• How has Brexit affected the UK economy?
• Should we legalise a Universal Basic Income?
• How quickly did the UK economy recover from the effects of World War Two?
• Are all socialist economies doomed to fail?
• How would the legalisation of Marijuana affect the world economy?
• How does a lack of free speech negatively affect China’s economy?
• Should there be a minimum wage?
• Should there be a maximum wage?
• Should billionaires be allowed to exist?
• How has the global demand for oil changed over time?
• What effect does illegal immigration have on the UK economy?
• Why a lack of childcare support for women hurts the economy.

EPQ Ideas for Business Studies

• Should businesses expanding to developing countries be forced to pay their employees the same amount they would at home?
• What does Foxconn show about the human cost of business?
• How should we hold businesses to account for unethical behaviour?
• Should we have a single, global currency?
• How can companies become more eco-friendly?
• Should we lower the corporate income tax?
• Will Google kill the journalism industry?
• Why apprenticeships should pay more
• Why every business leader should take a course in empathy.
• How successful is it when businesses rebrand?
• Should companies interfere in their employees’ private lives?
• How churches like Hillsong became multi-million pound businesses.
• Should CEOs have a salary limit?
• Is the American government a big business?
• How has e-commerce affected bookshops?
• Does corporate social responsibility have an impact on company sales and profits?
• A study of businesswomen in the 18th Century
• When do business marketing practices become unethical?
• Should multi-million pound businesses have taken advantage of the government’s furlough scheme during the Covid-19 lockdown?
• How do corporations influence politics?
• Should a business ever own a town or city?
• Start your own small business – perhaps on eBay or Etsy – and write your EPQ on an aspect of it.
• Should private healthcare be allowed to exist?
• Could marketing be considered a mass human experiment?
• To what extent does colour effect audience response to branding and logos?

If you want to study economics, business or marketing to a higher level, consider joining Oxford Royale this summer for a Business Summer School .

EPQ Ideas for English Literature

• The evil stepmothers in fairy tales were actually mothers in the original texts. What does this tell us about society’s anxieties and perspectives on motherhood?
• To what extent is the state of Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale based on real life?
• Is writing an act of magic?
• Can works of literature oppress their fictional, female characters?
• Can the mistranslation of literature create a liminal world – a place that is not quite one thing and not quite another?
• What does the rise of the digital book teach us about literature?
• Can we ever ‘eat’ literature?
• Do you need to be able to read and write to be an author?
• Are stories living things?
• Discuss the gender politics in George Eliot’s Middlemarch.
• How is the sensory experience of dyslexia presented in literature?
• Is English Literature considered a ‘feminine’ subject?
• As an English student, is it your job to always work out what an author means?
• Is the author dead?
• Could journalists be replaced by AI-reporters?
• Do we need to overhaul the literary canon?
• Do we really need spelling and punctuation in literature?
• Should mass media be allowed to be biased?
• How helpful is the idea of literary genres to understanding a text?
• How George Orwell hid his dissenting view of communism in Animal Farm.
• Why learning to read is a human right.
• Can a novel ever be timeless?
• Does literary form exist just so that writers can subvert it?
• Is rhythm in a poem a separate language?
• Explore Plath’s portrayal of depression in The Bell Jar.

EPQ ideas for Art

• Should Banksy be allowed to graffiti on walls?
• Who decides the value of art, and should we standardise it?
• Has photography always been a form of art?
• To what extent is mathematics art?
• Why do people consider art to be an easy subject?
• Can art reverse the effects of mental illness?
• Can anything be art?
• Is all graffiti a form of art?
• Why the common perception of medieval people being bad at art is misguided.
• How does the commercialisation of the art industry change art itself?
• How does the perception of a career in art as worthless affect the life choices of students?
• Does an audience’s gaze change a piece of art?
• Are art and beauty essentially related?
• Is art supposed to be a visual and sensory experience, or something that we think about and define a meaning for?
• Who decides that a piece of art is ‘good’?
• Does art have a purpose?
• Can art help fight climate change?
• Why does it matter that children are exposed to art?
• What is the effect of producing art on a child’s brain?
• If nobody ever saw your artwork, would it be worth creating?
• Does a piece of art necessarily have a relationship with its creator, or can it detach itself?
• Is art a language?
• What does the disdain for modern art teach us about people’s stereotypes of art?
• Are philosophers artists?
• Could the world itself count as a work of art?

EPQ Ideas for Foreign Languages

• Where did language come from?
• Do idioms prove that languages can never truly be translated?
• Is body language universal across all countries?
• Should everyone be made to learn sign language?
• Why did Esperanto fail as a language policy?
• Which is the hardest language to learn and why?
• Do multi-lingual children grow up to be more economically successful?
• Why does having dyspraxia make language learning difficult?
• Should the whole world be made to speak one language?
• How does an influx of immigration alter the language of a region?
• What is the effect of trading on local dialects?
• Should everyone be made to learn a foreign language at school?
• What does the Korean language, when compared in North and South Korea, teach us about the evolution of language?
• Is there such a thing as a ‘correct’ way of speaking a language, when languages never stop evolving with culture?
• Could a language be classed as a living thing?
• Why is English such a dominant language across the world?
• Is Latin a dead language?
• What caused the English language to evolve so drastically over time?
• What is the hardest language to learn, and why?
• What does baby-talk in different foreign countries teach us about the acquisition of language?
• Why does China have several dialects, but only one alphabet?
• Did grammar always exist?
• What is the link between being good at maths and being good at language learning?
• Why are young children such natural language learners?
• Is learning a language cultural appropriation?

EPQ Ideas for Sport

• How sports stars experience an identity crisis after they retire
• Should soldiers be paid more than footballers?
• How do psychological factors influence performance in sport?
• What do fans react to their team winning a football match as though they won it themselves?
• Are national and international sports a misuse of resources?
• How does struggling with sports in primary school affect children’s self esteem?
• Should women be allowed to compete against men in professional sports?
• Is the ability to run fast purely a genetic advantage?
• Why do we fail to take women’s sports seriously as a society?
• Should children be forced to do sports in school?
• How can the presence of media affect the outcome of a game?
• Should referees be replaced by AI-powered robots, to decrease bias?
• How does a lack of female representation in sport prevent girls from seeking it out as a career?
• What is the effect of parents’ motivation a child’s enjoyment of sport?
• What are the long term effects of the Olympics on the host country’s tourism?
• How does a lack of ability at sports correlate to bullying?
• Why do we have less interest in women’s sports?
• A history of sport in pandemics
• How does a long-term sports injury affect an athlete’s mental health?
• Can a star athlete succeed without a coach?
• Should cheerleaders be banned?
• Is racism being taken seriously in sport?
• Can you still be a top athlete with a poor diet?
• Who decides when something is a sport?
• Why is netball predominantly considered to be a sport for women?

EPQ Ideas for Architecture

• How does the design of a building influence its inhabitants emotions?
• Should city-dwellers without gardens be given free access to national parks at all times?
• What is the link between Brutalist style architecture and anxiety and depression?
• What is the link between mathematics and art in Architecture?
• How is a building affected by the people who live in it?
• How does the style of council housing feed into class stereotypes?
• Can architecture cause social dysfunction?
• Would smart cities be a breach of privacy?
• Could we create a building the size of a city, to house an entire population?
• Make an architectural model of a zero-carbon home and write an essay describing how its functions avoid the use of carbon.
• Should the local government have the right to pull down a building if the community who live there oppose it?
• Is it ethical to spend millions of pounds creating a building in a city with high levels of quality?
• Were houses built in the 1930s of superior quality?
• Should councils have been allowed to remove tenement dwellers from their homes in the post-war era, when the enforced move was traumatic?
• Can we adapt Japanese smart space efficient buildings to western buildings?
• What were the influences on architecture in China?
• How did communism during Mao’s China change the country’s cityscapes?
• How can we build environmentally-friendly housing in LEDCs?
• Can zero carbon housing ever really exist?
• Should public playgrounds exist for people of every age?
• Was Grenfell tower a total architectural failure?
• What house styles in different areas tell us about gender forms of the time.
• How does technology affect architecture?
• What was the effect of feminism on architecture?
• Should houses worth over a million pounds be built with some benefit to the whole neighbourhood?

Join our Oxford Architecture Summer School for the chance to learn architecture amongst the dreaming spires of the city of Oxford.

EPQ ideas for Maths

• Is the golden ratio a racist idea?
• What is the maths behind cryptocurrencies?
• What are the links between foreign language learning and maths?
• What are the links between mathematics and art?
• Has maths always existed?
• How can we use statistical analysis to predict a child’s outcomes in life?
• Should children be forced to take maths at A-Level in the UK?
• Should maths be optional at secondary school in the UK?
• Why do some people say that maths is beautiful?
• Does money really exist?
• An exploration of chaos theory.
• Can maths explain how the universe came into existence?
• How can calculations improve the safety of commuters who cycle in Oxford over the next 5 years?
• Explore conflict and co-operation in The Prisoner’s Dilemma.
• Which is more important, e or pi?
• Can we calculate infinity?
• An exploration of orbital mechanics.
• Is maths a pointless subject if we don’t apply it to something?
• Is learning Maths more important than learning English in primary school?
• What was the role of maths in the code-breaking of Bletchley Park?
• How do fractals work in modelling systems?
• Can we reverse dyscalculia?
• Can mathematical systems ever be illogical?
• Did people discover maths?
• Could maths ever prove the existence of a parallel universe?

Those keen on studying maths in the heart of the silicon valley can join our Mathematics programme for 15-18 year olds on campus at our Berkeley Summer School in 2024.

EPQ ideas for Physics

• How does String Theory explain the universe?
• How can physics help us prevent climate change?
• What is the relationships between maths and physics?
• What was the role of Mileva Maric Einstein, Albert Einstein’s wife, in his scientific findings?
• Build a quadcopter with remote control.
• How can emergency whistles be optimised for design and use in rural environments?
• What would happen to the solar system when the sun dies?
• How can physics help us provide electricity to parts of rural India?
• Is time an illusion?
• Discuss the different interpretations of quantum mechanics.
• Could humans ever live on Mars?
• Design and build a functioning robot.
• How soon will we have flying cars?
• What are some feasible methods for cleaning up space junk?
• Where did the universe come from?
• How can physics prove the existence of God?
• How did Einstein’s theory of relativity influence Physics?
• Now that NASA has confirmed there is water on the moon, could it be a feasible tourist destination?
• Given their devastating effects, should we eliminate nuclear weapons from the earth?
• What contributed to the Cleddau bridge disaster?
• How can we solve the pay gap in the field of physics?
• A study of star formation and star death.
• Is time travel possible?
• How far can humans realistically explore space?
• Mathematical knot theory and its applications.

EPQ ideas for Chemistry

• What was the impact of optical isomerism in the drug Thalidomide, which led to fetal abnormalities?
• An assessment of the safety of fluoride in water.
• To what extent did the government in Louisiana cover up the danger of the petrochemical plants in Louisiana’s ‘cancer alley’?
• Should Aspartame (E951) be allowed in our food and drink?
• When do chemicals become hallucinogens?
• An assessment of hydrogen storage within Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs).
• An extraction of limonene from citrus fruits.
• Make a collection of esters that smell pleasant.
• Will graphene have a significant influence on the future?
• To what extent have inventions in Chemical Engineering impacted our lives?
• As assessment of the total synthesis of natural products.
• An experiment in polymer chemistry.
• An assessment of molecular dynamics
• An assessment of solid state structure
• Could we ever create a plastic that decomposes?
• A research project on hydrogen fuel cells
• Why doesn’t plastic decompose?
• What are the chemical processes behind purifying water?
• An exploration of the chemistry behind food allergies in humans?
• What are the chemicals involved in human attraction?
• How does cortisol affect the human body?
• Should pesticides be ethically permissible?
• What are the advantages of computer aided fragment based drug design?
• How can click chemistry be used to improve drug synthesis?
• How has the discovery of pharmaceutical chemicals changed over the past 200 years?

EPQ ideas for Engineering

• Should we teach Engineering in primary school?
• Why is there a gender imbalance in Engineering, and how can we fix it?
• Is there an oversaturation of engineers in India, and if so, why?
• Was everything in the world built by an engineer?
• Do we need to expand our definition of engineer?
• Can Engineering solve the mystery of Malaysian Airlines flight 370?
• Can Engineering explain the disappearance of Emilia Earhart?
• Did Engineering faults contribute to the sinking of the titanic.
• Build your own model plane, boat or high altitude balloon.
• Could hot air balloons become a mainstream method of travel?
• Discuss the hydraulics paradox.
• How have innovations in airframe design increased safety in commercial aircraft?
• How do architects and engineers collaborate?
• Should we be allowed to develop robots that can mimic human emotion?
• What would it mean for an engineer to be ethical when building something?
• How has Civil Engineering changed over time?
• How can chemical engineers improve energy efficiency?
• How could alterations in chemical Engineering have prevented the Deepwater Horizon oil spill?
• As assessment of the sustainability of London’s tube system.
• How much of our countryside should we sacrifice for better transport links?
• Will we have enough oil for future generations?
• Would energy provided entirely by a wind farm system run the UK economy?
• What are the reasons for the pay gap in Engineering, and how can we solve them?
• How can we get pre-school children interested in Engineering?
• Design a system to enhance plastic recycling.

Prospective engineers can join our Engineering Summer Schools for a two-week immersion in the core principles of the subject.

EPQ ideas for Computer Science

• Why we should teach children how to code at the same time we teach them to write.
• Create a website design and code it.
• Is one coding language superior to another?
• How can we reduce computer illiteracy in poorer areas?
• Why internet access is a human right.
• Are AI-driven robots responsible for their own actions?
• Are Ai-assessed job interviews inevitably biased?
• How soon will handwriting become totally irrelevant?
• Are companies upskilling fast enough to cope with the digital demands of Covid-19?
• It’s more important to learn to code than to learn to write
• Is Computer Science a more relevant subject than Physics?
• How will quantum computers change our way of life?
• Should silicon valley companies be criminalised for our widespread addiction to technology?
• What would happen if all technology was wiped out?
• Will we ever be able to search Google through a microchip in our brains?
• What new jobs will Ai create in the next ten years?
• What is increased automation doing to our jobs?
• Develop your own game.
• Should we allow AI-writing assistants like Grammarly to change the way we express ourselves?
• What are the positive effects of machine learning on healthcare?
• How does AI differ from human intelligence?
• Is it ethical to use social care robots to alleviate loneliness?
• Is it ethical to create an app which offers you an AI friend?
• What is the most efficient way to track down cyber criminals?
• How do cyber criminals cover their tracks on the internet?

EPQ ideas for Ethics

• Should people be able to sue their parents for bringing them into the world?
• Do men automatically have the right to be present at their child’s birth?
• Should we be allowed to dispose of spare embryos in IVF?
• Should we be allowed to use embryos for stem cell research?
• Should machines with AI have their own rights?
• Are Siri and Alexa slaves?
• Should we be allowed to mix human and animal DNA?
• Should we be allowed to clone humans?
• Do we have the right to experiment on animals?
• Do we have the right to visit other planets and the moon?
• Should a father have rights over an unborn child?
• Should there be an assessment process before people have children?
• Is sterilisation unethical in every circumstance?
• Should we be allowed to cuddle babies if they can’t give verbal consent?
• Should an embryo have protected rights under the law?
• Do we have the right to prevent someone from committing suicide?
• The disturbing eugenics around birth control
• Should parents be allowed to edit out genetic conditions before a child’s birth?
• Should testing fetuses for Down’s Syndrome be legal?
• Are our moral decisions innate or socially conditioned?
• Should we have the right to decide when life begins?
• If you need a heart transplant and you’re hoping for a heart, does that mean you’re hoping for someone else to die?
• Should we put a limit on the number of children people have?
• Does the means justify the end?

EPQ ideas for Politics

• Why has the USA never had a female president?
• If we colonised Mars, who would govern it?
• Has Great Britain lost its status as a world power?
• Are the government’s counter-terror policies effective?
• Is it acceptable to teach British values in primary schools?
• How does nepotism negatively affect politics?
• How has Donald Trump changed politics?
• Should there be universal freedom of information?
• Why did Brexit happen?
• What are the dangerous effects of conspiracy theories like Q-Anon on the public?
• Should it be illegal to publicly shame politicians?
• Will there ever be a viable mid-ground between socialism and capitalism?
• Would global governance be a better policy than individual governments?
• How are female politicians and prime ministers perceived?
• Should there be freedom of speech at all costs?
• Should countries be allowed to ban religion?
• An assessment of the case for anarchy.
• Should the UK’s land belong to everyone?
• An analysis of political cartoons in the UK
• Should everyone have to vote by law?
• Should politics be taught in primary school?
• Should everyone be made to take politics in secondary school?
• Should National Service be mandatory in Singapore?
• How did the war on drugs affect inner city US communities?
• How was Twitter revolutionised politics?

Sociology EPQ ideas

• How can we reverse stereotypes over drug use and misuse in different communities?
• What is the impact of the media on our perception of women from Muslim communities?
• Evaluate Marx’s account on the origins of the industrial revolution in Britain?
• Is it fair for today’s feminists to criticise the lack of gender commentary in classical sociology?
• How do human ideas, customs and behaviour come together to make culture?
• How do gender, class, race and sexuality affect us and our social relations today?
• A study of the effects of polyamorous family settings on children.
• Have sociologists neglected emotion in their studies of human behaviour?
• Do emotions come from society, or from within us?
• How do different models of socialisation affect children?
• Are eating disorders a social phenomenon?
• Should we ban face-altering apps?
• Should teenage pregnancy be so vilified?
• Can upbringing create a narcissist?
• Is perfectionism more prevalent in girls than boys, and how does that relate to the way we socialise either gender?
• Should we ban gendered toys?
• How can we assuage the social causes of substance abuse?
• An exploration of the sociology of food.
• Is it right to try and get someone out of a cult?
• How racial segregation in cities enforces poverty, and prevents upward mobility.
• What is the relationship between race and class?
• The effects of interracial marriage in the 1950s.
• The cultural diaspora of mixed race children.
• How Disney made princesses key role models for girls.
• Should weddings have to be registered to be legal?

EPQ ideas for Geography

• How did Hurricane Catrina change the New Orleans community?
• Is there such a thing as collective trauma after a natural disaster?
• Does the earth belong more to humans than animals?
• To what extent should be allow deforestation?
• A study on how we will survive and adapt to climate change in 3020.
• Does the way we categorise developing countries increase stereotypes?
• How have the demand for super-crops impacted the agricultural systems in the countries where we grow them?
• Should companies be allowed to expand to developing countries if they won’t pay workers the same wage as at home?
• How does tourism affect a country’s culture?
• Should all new houses be built with solar panels?
• How can we reduce the effects of coastal erosion?
• How has global warming changed the world’s physical features?
• What are the socio-economic and political implications of migration policies for the UK?
• Should borders between countries exist?
• Are countries doing enough to meet their MDG targets?
• Can a country ever become fully developed?
• How does living as an illegal immigrant affect mental and physical health?
• To what extent is global warming caused by human beings?
• Was the civil war in Syria caused by climatic factors?
• Could the National Geographic be considered exploitative?
• A comparison of two earthquakes in different decades. to observe how advances in technology have impacted responses.
• How does climate change affect different biomes and ecosystems around the world?
• What are the environmental and social impacts of natural gas fracking?
• A prototype for the generation of sustainable energy.
• The effects of littering on marine health.

EPQ ideas for Religious Studies

• Why materialism can’t disprove the existence of God.
• Why science and religion are part of the same entity.
• Paley provides the best argument to issues surrounding the existence of God.
• To what extent can Freud’s view of religion and God be said to be accurate?
• Is C.S Lewis’ claim that atheism is weaker than theism correct?
• Is the belief in nothing still a belief?
• Can we reach God through the via negativa?
• Is atheism just ignorance?
• Can we prove that the universe exists outside our mind?
• Is the Catholic catechism biblical truth?
• How did the history of the church shape our society today?
• Should Religious Studies be compulsory in primary school?
• The existence of life on earth is evidence of the existence of a higher being.
• How do you explain the goodness of God in the light of the world’s evil?
• What are the boundaries between a cult and a religion?
• Should the church always be subject to the government?
• Should the Queen be head of the protestant church?
• Should the church form its own political party?
• Are expensive religious buildings insensitive to those living in poverty?
• Does baptising a baby save its soul?
• Should politicians interfere in religious conflicts?
• Is religion nothing more than a comfort blanket against death?
• Can you ever justify taking a life?
• Is religion the same as morality?
• Is religion just a set of rules disguised as something greater?

So, there you have it. 600 EPQ ideas to enhance your passion and imagination for this exciting qualification. Now get ready to kickstart your academic future with an amazing EPQ idea of your own. Don’t forget to fill out that activity log as you go along!

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450 Ideas and Everything You Need to Know About the EPQ

• The EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) is a great way to earn extra UCAS points
• It can be an essay, or it can be an entirely different project
• It has many benefits, especially for students looking at top universities
• You can choose from an endless selection of EPQ topic ideas and EPQ examples with little restrictions

What Could Your EPQ Be?

An EPQ, or Extended Project Qualification, is a project that can be taken on by A-level students, and it’s worth 50% of an A-level.

Your EPQ could be a:

• Dissertation of around 5,000 words
• Project , report or artefact backed up by paper work.

There are little restrictions on what topics could be chosen for your EPQ, as long as it’s approved by your institution. You could target a topic you’re studying, or a topic not taught in an A-level course to demonstrate your interest and intellectual versatility.

Benefits of an EPQ

Some of the best teachers in the world tutor at Crimson! Our expert teachers identified 5 huge benefits that you get out of doing an EPQ:

1. Showcasing Super-Curricular Excellence

Top UK universities look for students who go above and beyond the standard curriculum.

The EPQ allows you to showcase your super-curricular engagement with a favorite academic subject, demonstrating not just knowledge but a genuine passion for learning.

2. Exploring New Subjects

The EPQ gives you an opportunity to study subjects that are not taught at A-level. It gives you a chance to showcase your intellectual versatility, something that top universities love to see .

By exploring a subject not offered at A Level, you exhibit a broad academic curiosity and a hunger for knowledge.

3. Mastering Skills for Academic Success

The EPQ is a golden opportunity to develop independent research, critical thinking, and project management skills – all crucial for thriving in higher education.

When working on your EPQ, you’ll confidently navigate complex research, make informed decisions, and manage a project from inception to completion – skills that set you apart in the competitive admissions landscape.

4. Gaining Additional UCAS Points

In the fierce competition for university spots, every point counts. Completing an EPQ not only enriches your academic profile but also adds those coveted extra UCAS points .

The EPQ could grant you up to an extra 28 UCAS points!

5. Equipping Yourself with Invaluable Transferable Skills

The EPQ is a gateway to acquiring invaluable transferable skills – from effective presentation to confident decision-making.

These skills transcend the classroom, positioning you as a well-rounded candidate prepared to excel both in university and future professional endeavors.

Interested in learning more? Attend one of our free events

Us & uk university information evening with crimson.

Thursday, May 16, 2024 5:00 PM CUT

Join us at the High Clandon Vineyard in Guildford for an evening learning everything you need to know about UK & US university admissions paired with a glass of Surrey grown sparkling wine.

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EPQ Examples

As mentioned above, a dissertation or essay is only one way to approach your EPQ. The EPQ opens doors to so many project possibilities, allowing you to explore your interests and showcase your skills in various creative ways.

20 EPQ Examples:

• Documentary Film: Create a visually engaging documentary exploring a historical event, social issue, or scientific phenomenon.
• Podcast Series: Dive into podcasting by producing a series that delves into topics such as literature, culture, or current affairs.
• Art Exhibition: Showcase your artistic talents by curating an exhibition that explores a theme or conveys a message.
• Scientific Experiment: Conduct an in-depth scientific experiment and present your findings, methodology, and conclusions.
• Business Plan: Develop a comprehensive business plan for a startup, considering market analysis, financial projections, and marketing strategies.
• Creative Writing Portfolio: Craft a collection of short stories, poems, or a novel, displaying your creative writing prowess.
• Historical Reenactment: Bring history to life by organizing and participating in a historical reenactment event.
• Mathematical Model: Create a complex mathematical model to solve a real-world problem, demonstrating the practical applications of mathematics.
• Computer Program or App: Develop a functional computer program or mobile app that addresses a specific need or problem.
• Educational Board Game: Design and produce an educational board game aimed at teaching a particular subject or skill.
• Campaign and Advocacy Project: Take on a social or environmental cause, developing and implementing a campaign to raise awareness and provoke change.
• Musical Composition: Compose an original piece of music or a full musical score for a play, film, or even a video game.
• Fashion Collection: Design and create a fashion collection, exploring themes such as sustainability or cultural influences.
• Psychological Experiment: Devise and conduct a psychological experiment, analyzing human behavior or cognitive processes.
• Architectural Model: Create a detailed architectural model for a theoretical building or urban planning project.
• Language Learning App: Develop an app focused on language learning, incorporating innovative features to enhance the learning experience.
• Robotics Project: Build a functional robot, detailing the design process, programming, and potential applications.
• Photography Exhibition: Showcase your photography skills by curating an exhibition with a theme or message.
• Health and Fitness Program: Design a personalized health and fitness program, incorporating nutritional plans and exercise routines.
• Political Analysis Report: Conduct an in-depth analysis of a political issue, policy, or historical event, presenting your findings in a detailed report.

EPQ Ideas  

Epq ideas for biology.

• The Impact of Genetic Engineering on Agriculture: A Critical Analysis
• Exploring CRISPR-Cas9 Technology: Revolutionizing Genetic Editing
• The Role of Microbiome in Human Health and Disease
• Comparative Analysis of Plant Adaptations in Different Biomes
• Investigating the Relationship Between Diet and Gut Microbiota
• The Ethics of Cloning: Examining the Bioethical Implications
• The Evolutionary Significance of Biodiversity in Rainforests
• Stem Cell Research: A Breakthrough in Regenerative Medicine
• The Interplay Between Genetics and Environmental Factors in Disease Susceptibility
• Climate Change's Impact on Marine Ecosystems: A Case Study
• The Use of CRISPR in Treating Genetic Disorders
• Understanding the Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria
• The Role of Epigenetics in Inheritance and Gene Expression
• Analyzing the Impact of Pesticides on Bee Populations
• The Biochemical Basis of Neurodegenerative Diseases
• Human Evolution: A Comparative Study of Hominid Species
• The CRISPR Revolution: Opportunities and Ethical Dilemmas
• The Application of Synthetic Biology in Medicine
• The Role of Genetics in Cancer: Identifying Biomarkers for Early Detection
• Exploring the Potential of Gene Therapy in Treating Genetic Disorders
• The Impact of Ocean Acidification on Coral Reefs
• Biological Control of Invasive Species: Balancing Ecosystems
• The Connection Between Sleep Patterns and Biological Rhythms
• The Role of Hormones in Human Behavior and Mental Health
• Analyzing the Genetics of Rare Diseases: Implications for Treatment
• Evolutionary Ecology of Predator-Prey Relationships
• The Use of Biotechnology in Crop Improvement and Food Security
• Investigating the Impact of Endocrine Disruptors on Wildlife
• The Microbiome and Immune System: Partners in Health
• Neurobiology of Addiction: Understanding the Biological Basis

EPQ Ideas For Chemistry

• Green Chemistry: Strategies for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices
• Nanotechnology in Medicine: Advancements and Potential Applications
• Analyzing the Chemistry of Taste: Molecular Basis of Flavor Perception
• The Role of Catalysts in Chemical Reactions: A Comprehensive Study
• Synthetic Polymers vs. Biodegradable Polymers: Environmental Impacts
• Investigating the Chemistry of Superfoods and Their Health Benefits
• Applications of Electrochemistry in Energy Storage Devices
• Quantum Dots: Nanoscale Wonders in Electronic and Photonic Devices
• The Chemistry Behind Drug Design and Development
• Chemical Analysis of Air Pollutants: Sources and Solutions
• The Chemistry of Photosynthesis: Unlocking Nature's Energy Secrets
• Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs): Applications in Gas Storage and Separation
• Exploring the Chemistry of Perfumes: Molecular Components and Fragrance Design
• The Impact of pH on Enzyme Activity: Understanding Biological Catalysis
• Chemical Kinetics: Investigating Reaction Rates and Mechanisms
• The Chemistry of Art Conservation: Preserving Cultural Heritage
• Catalytic Converters: Mitigating Environmental Impact in Automobiles
• Analytical Chemistry Techniques in Forensic Science: Solving Crimes
• The Chemistry of Food Preservation: From Canning to Refrigeration
• Understanding the Chemistry of Water Treatment Processes
• Molecular Gastronomy: The Science Behind Culinary Innovations
• Supramolecular Chemistry: Designing Complex Molecular Structures
• The Chemistry of Battery Technologies: Advancements and Challenges
• Chemical Warfare Agents: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective
• Exploring the Chemistry of Antioxidants in Health and Wellness
• The Role of Transition Metals in Biological Systems: Bioinorganic Chemistry
• Environmental Impact of Pharmaceuticals: Analyzing Residue in Water Systems
• The Chemistry of Bioluminescence: Illuminating the Natural World
• Chirality in Drug Development: Importance and Challenges
• Chemical Aspects of Brewing: From Hops to Fermentation Processes

EPQ Ideas For Physics

• Quantum Computing: The Future of Information Processing
• Astrophysics and Dark Matter: Unraveling the Cosmic Mystery
• The Physics of Renewable Energy: Exploring Sustainable Power Sources
• String Theory: Investigating the Fundamental Building Blocks of the Universe
• Applications of Quantum Mechanics in Modern Technology
• The Physics of Time Travel: Theoretical Possibilities and Paradoxes
• Nuclear Fusion: Harnessing the Power of the Sun on Earth
• The Role of Physics in Medical Imaging Technologies
• The Physics of Music: Acoustics and Instrument Design
• Quantum Entanglement: Spooky Action at a Distance
• The Search for Extraterrestrial Life: Astrophysical Approaches
• Superconductivity: Applications and Challenges in Technology
• The Physics of Sports: Analyzing the Mechanics Behind Athletic Performance
• Gravitational Waves: Detecting Ripples in Spacetime
• The Physics of Climate Change: Understanding the Science Behind Global Warming
• Particle Physics: Exploring Subatomic Particles and Their Interactions
• The Physics of Fluid Dynamics: Applications in Engineering and Nature
• Theoretical Physics and the Nature of Reality: Einstein's Legacy
• Quantum Teleportation: The Possibilities and Limitations
• The Physics of Traffic Flow: Modeling and Optimization
• Black Holes: Nature's Most Mysterious Cosmic Phenomena
• The Physics of Quantum Computing: Challenges and Breakthroughs
• The Physics of Roller Coasters: Designing Thrilling Rides
• The Role of Physics in Medical Diagnostics: Imaging Techniques
• The Physics of Materials: Properties and Applications
• Chaos Theory: Understanding Nonlinear Dynamical Systems
• The Physics of Nuclear Weapons: Science and Global Security
• The Higgs Boson: Unraveling the Mysteries of Particle Mass
• The Physics of Artificial Intelligence: Quantum Computing Perspectives
• Optical Illusions: Exploring the Physics Behind Visual Deceptions

EPQ Ideas for Computer Science

• Quantum Computing: Promises, Challenges, and Potential Applications
• Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence: Bias, Accountability, and Transparency
• Blockchain Technology: Beyond Cryptocurrencies
• Cybersecurity Threats and Countermeasures in the Digital Age
• The Impact of Machine Learning on Healthcare: Diagnostics and Treatment
• Human-Computer Interaction: Designing User-Friendly Interfaces
• The Evolution of Programming Languages: From Assembly to High-Level Languages
• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Applications and Future Trends
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Autonomous Vehicles
• Natural Language Processing: Challenges and Advances in Language Understanding
• Quantum Cryptography: Securing Communication with Quantum Mechanics
• The Ethics of Data Collection and Privacy in the Internet Age
• The Rise of Edge Computing: Redefining Cloud Computing Architectures
• Algorithmic Trading: The Impact of Automated Systems on Financial Markets
• Computer Vision: Applications in Image Recognition and Analysis
• The Intersection of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence: Creating Intelligent Machines
• Big Data Analytics in Business: Extracting Insights from Large Datasets
• The Role of Machine Learning in Predictive Policing: Benefits and Concerns
• The Future of Quantum Internet: Secure Communication with Quantum Entanglement
• Deep Learning: Neural Networks and Their Applications
• The Dark Web: Unveiling the Hidden Layers of the Internet
• The Impact of 5G Technology on Communication and Connectivity
• Programming Quantum Computers: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Role of Computer Science in Climate Modeling and Environmental Studies
• Voice Recognition Technology: Advancements and Challenges
• E-Learning Platforms: The Integration of Technology in Education
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Discovery and Development
• Digital Forensics: Investigating Cyber Crimes and Security Breaches
• Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting Devices for a Smart Future
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Revolutionizing Engineering and Architecture

EPQ Ideas For Law

• The Impact of Cybercrime Laws on Digital Privacy
• Analyzing the Efficacy of International Human Rights Treaties
• The Legal Implications of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• The Role of Constitutional Law in Shaping National Policies
• The Evolution of Criminal Law: From Traditional to Cyber Crimes
• Exploring the Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Euthanasia
• The Intersection of Law and Medicine: Medical Malpractice Cases
• Copyright Law in the Digital Age: Challenges and Solutions
• The Legal Status of Environmental Rights and Responsibilities
• Comparative Analysis of Legal Systems: Civil Law vs. Common Law
• The Impact of Social Media on Defamation Laws
• Legal Issues Surrounding Genetic Engineering and Human Cloning
• The Role of International Law in Addressing Climate Change
• The Legal Implications of Biometric Data Collection and Use
• Examining the Role of Legal Precedent in Judicial Decision-Making
• The Legalization of Marijuana: Impacts on Society and Legislation
• The Relationship Between Law and Economics: A Critical Analysis
• The Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Legal Protections and Challenges
• The Legal Dimensions of Cybersecurity: Policies and Practices
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Intellectual Property Law
• The Legal Implications of Mass Surveillance Programs
• The Role of International Criminal Law in Addressing War Crimes
• Laws Governing Digital Currency and Cryptocurrencies
• The Legal and Ethical Issues of DNA Profiling in Criminal Investigations
• The Legal Status of Privacy in the Workplace
• The Intersection of Law and Technology: Challenges in the Digital Age
• LGBTQ+ Rights: Legal Progress and Ongoing Challenges
• The Legal Implications of Autonomous Vehicles on Traffic Laws
• Legal Issues Surrounding Data Privacy and Social Media Platforms
• The Role of Legal Ethics in the Practice of Law

EPQ Ideas for Psychology

• The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health: A Psychological Perspective
• Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Patterns and Cognitive Functioning
• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• The Psychology of Addiction: Understanding Behavioral and Substance Dependencies
• The Role of Positive Psychology in Promoting Well-being and Happiness
• Analyzing the Effects of Video Games on Aggression and Behavior
• The Psychological Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness
• The Intersection of Psychology and Artificial Intelligence: Ethical Considerations
• The Psychology of Decision-Making: Factors Influencing Choices
• Understanding the Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness on Patients
• The Relationship Between Personality and Career Choice: A Longitudinal Study
• The Influence of Parenting Styles on Child Development
• The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination: Exploring Implicit Bias
• The Effects of Mindfulness and Meditation on Mental Health
• The Psychology of Procrastination: Causes and Interventions
• Exploring the Connection Between Music and Mood: The Emotional Power of Music
• The Impact of Technology on Cognitive Development in Children
• The Psychology of Body Image: Media Influence and Societal Standards
• The Role of Attachment Theory in Understanding Interpersonal Relationships
• The Psychology of Leadership: Traits and Behaviors of Effective Leaders
• Analyzing the Psychological Factors Contributing to Eating Disorders
• The Influence of Gender Stereotypes on Career Choices: A Psychological Perspective
• The Psychology of Resilience: Coping Mechanisms in the Face of Adversity
• The Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Anxiety and Depression
• The Psychological Impact of Environmental Factors on Human Behavior
• The Relationship Between Personality Traits and Academic Achievement
• The Role of Psychology in Criminal Profiling and Investigative Techniques
• The Psychological Effects of Virtual Reality: Immersion and Presence
• Understanding the Psychology of Humor: The Cognitive and Emotional Aspects
• The Impact of Social Support on Mental Health Outcomes: A Comprehensive Study

EPQ Ideas for History

• The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society and Economy
• The Role of Women in Ancient Civilizations: A Comparative Study
• The Causes and Consequences of World War I: A Comprehensive Analysis
• The Significance of the Renaissance in European Cultural and Intellectual History
• The Legacy of Colonialism in Modern Africa: Social and Economic Impacts
• The Cultural and Political Effects of the Black Death in Medieval Europe
• The Rise and Fall of Ancient Empires: A Comparative Study of Rome and Persia
• The Harlem Renaissance: Cultural Flourishing in 1920s America
• The Impact of the Silk Road on Global Trade and Cultural Exchange
• The Cuban Missile Crisis: Cold War Tensions and Nuclear Diplomacy
• The Enlightenment and Its Influence on Modern Political Thought
• The Reconstruction Era in the United States: Successes, Failures, and Legacies
• The Role of Propaganda in Shaping Public Opinion During World War II
• The Cultural Revolution in China: Socio-Political Changes and Consequences
• The Mayan Civilization: Achievements, Decline, and Cultural Legacy
• The Causes and Effects of the French Revolution: A Historical Analysis
• The Role of Religion in Shaping Medieval European Society
• The Vietnam War: Causes, Course, and Legacy
• The Impact of the Bubonic Plague on Medieval European Society
• The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Historical Roots and Lasting Effects
• The Suffragette Movement: Women's Struggle for Voting Rights
• The Partition of India: Historical Roots and Socio-Political Consequences
• The Cold War Space Race: Scientific Achievements and Political Rivalry
• The Cultural Exchange Along the Silk Road: Art, Religion, and Ideas
• The Opium Wars in China: Imperialism and Its Consequences
• The Golden Age of Islamic Civilization: Contributions to Science, Art, and Philosophy
• The Crusades: Causes, Course, and Long-Term Effects
• The Impact of the Great Depression on Global Economies
• The Roman Empire and Its Legacy: Contributions to Law, Engineering, and Governance
• The Zulu Kingdom: Rise, Expansion, and Resistance to Colonial Rule

EPQ Ideas for Mathematics

• The P versus NP Problem: Unraveling the Complexity of Algorithms
• Fermat's Last Theorem: From Conjecture to Proof
• Fractals in Nature and Art: Exploring Mathematical Patterns
• Game Theory and Its Applications in Economics and Decision-Making
• The Riemann Hypothesis: A Deep Dive into Number Theory
• Graph Theory: Applications in Network Analysis and Optimization
• The Beauty of Mathematical Symmetry: Aesthetic and Structural Significance
• The Four Color Theorem: Coloring Maps with the Fewest Colors
• The Mathematics of Cryptography: Ensuring Information Security
• Knot Theory: Unraveling the Mathematics of Tangles and Knots
• The History and Impact of Calculus on Science and Engineering
• Prime Numbers and Cryptography: The RSA Algorithm
• The Applications of Probability Theory in Real-world Scenarios
• The Mathematics of Music: Harmonic Analysis and Composition
• Coding Theory: Error Detection and Correction in Data Transmission
• The Golden Ratio: Its Presence in Art, Architecture, and Nature
• The Traveling Salesman Problem: Optimization in Route Planning
• Hyperbolic Geometry: A Non-Euclidean Approach to Geometry
• The Application of Fourier Analysis in Signal Processing
• The Navier-Stokes Equations: Challenges in Fluid Dynamics
• The Mathematics of Climate Modeling: Understanding Global Patterns
• Zero Knowledge Proofs: Enhancing Security in Cryptography
• Combinatorial Game Theory: Strategies and Winning Strategies
• The Application of Fibonacci Numbers in Nature and Mathematics
• The Mathematics of Artificial Intelligence: Algorithms and Learning Models
• The Collatz Conjecture: An Unresolved Problem in Number Theory
• Mathematics in Ancient Civilizations: Contributions and Discoveries
• The Role of Topology in Understanding Shapes and Spaces
• The Mathematics of Quantum Mechanics: Probability and Wave Functions

EPQ Ideas for Film Studies

• The Evolution of Film Genres: A Comparative Analysis of Classic and Contemporary Approaches
• The Impact of Streaming Services on the Film Industry: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Representation of Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Cinema
• Cinematic Adaptations of Literature: Analyzing the Translation from Page to Screen
• The Influence of Film Scores on Audience Perception and Emotional Engagement
• The Role of Film Festivals in Shaping Global Cinema and Cultural Exchange
• The Art of Cinematography: Exploring the Work of Influential Cinematographers
• The Rise of Independent Cinema: A Critical Examination of Indie Filmmaking
• The Use of Color in Film: Symbolism and Visual Storytelling
• The Impact of Digital Technology on Film Production and Special Effects
• The Representation of Mental Health Issues in Cinema: A Critical Analysis
• Film Censorship: Examining the Ethics and Implications of Content Regulation
• The Auteur Theory: Analyzing the Creative Vision of Film Directors
• The Portrayal of Historical Events in Film: Accuracy and Interpretation
• The Influence of Cultural Diversity on Film Narratives and Storytelling
• The Golden Age of Hollywood: Examining the Studio System and its Legacy
• The Impact of Social Media on Film Promotion and Audience Reception
• The Role of Sound Design in Film: Enhancing Narrative and Atmosphere
• Cinematic Representations of Identity: Race, Ethnicity, and Nationality
• The Use of Symbolism in Surrealist Cinema: A Study of Visual Metaphors
• The Influence of French New Wave Cinema on Filmmaking Techniques
• The Role of Costume Design in Period Films: Creating Authenticity
• Cinematic Depictions of War: Propaganda, Realism, and Anti-War Messages
• The Impact of Film on Cultural Memory: Examining Cinematic Histories
• The Intersection of Animation and Technology: Innovations and Trends
• The Representation of LGBTQ+ Characters in Mainstream Cinema
• The Legacy of Silent Cinema: Influence on Contemporary Filmmaking
• Cinematic Depictions of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: Ethical Considerations
• The Use of Film as a Form of Political Activism: Case Studies and Analysis
• The Influence of Film Noir on Modern Crime and Mystery Genres

EPQ Ideas for Business

• The Impact of E-commerce on Traditional Retail: A Comparative Analysis
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Assessing its Role in Business Ethics
• The Rise of Gig Economy: Implications for Workers and Businesses
• Digital Marketing Strategies: A Comparative Study of Successful Campaigns
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Business Decision-Making
• The Influence of Globalization on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
• The Future of Work: Examining Trends in Remote Work and Flexibility
• Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
• The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Models and Economic Resilience
• Strategic Management: Analyzing the Approaches of Successful Companies
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership and Organizational Success
• Supply Chain Resilience: Lessons Learned from Global Disruptions
• Corporate Governance: Evaluating the Relationship Between Boards and Performance
• The Role of Innovation in Sustainable Business Practices
• The Effects of Consumer Behavior on Marketing Strategies and Branding
• Business Analytics: Leveraging Data for Informed Decision-Making
• The Impact of Diversity and Inclusion on Organizational Performance
• The Circular Economy: Shifting Towards Sustainable Business Practices
• Financial Technology (Fintech): Revolutionizing the Banking and Finance Industry
• Strategies for Managing Organizational Change: Case Studies and Best Practices
• The Role of Leadership Styles in Organizational Culture and Productivity
• The Influence of Corporate Culture on Employee Engagement and Performance
• Economic Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions: A Comparative Analysis
• The Role of Branding in Consumer Loyalty and Market Positioning
• The Integration of Blockchain Technology in Business Operations
• Corporate Innovation: Strategies for Fostering Creativity and Adaptability
• The Impact of Trade Policies on Global Business Operations
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Employee Training and Development Programs
• Business Resilience in Times of Crisis: Strategies for Sustainability
• The Role of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems in Enhancing Business Success

EPQ Ideas for Medicine

• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosing Medical Conditions
• The Impact of Telemedicine on Healthcare Accessibility
• Precision Medicine: Tailoring Treatments Based on Genetic Factors
• Exploring the Ethics of Human Gene Editing in Medicine
• The Relationship Between Gut Microbiota and Mental Health
• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Vaccination Programs in Preventing Diseases
• The Role of Stem Cell Therapy in Regenerative Medicine
• The Implications of CRISPR Technology in Genetic Medicine
• The Use of Nanomedicine in Cancer Treatment
• The Psychological Impact of Chronic Illness on Patients
• Global Health Disparities: Challenges and Solutions
• The Role of Artificial Organs in Transplantation Medicine
• The Intersection of Medicine and Artificial Intelligence in Imaging Diagnosis
• The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Cardiovascular Health
• The Rise of Antibiotic Resistance: Causes and Strategies for Mitigation
• The Role of Epigenetics in Disease Development and Prevention
• The Ethics of Organ Transplantation: Allocation and Donor Criteria
• The Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Healthcare Disparities
• The Use of Virtual Reality in Medical Training and Patient Care
• The Relationship Between Mental Health and Inflammatory Disorders
• Exploring the Potential of CRISPR in Treating Genetic Disorders
• The Impact of Climate Change on the Spread of Infectious Diseases
• The Application of 3D Printing in Medicine: Customized Implants and Prosthetics
• The Role of Medical Imaging in Early Disease Detection
• The Ethical Considerations of Human Cloning in Medicine
• The Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Function and Mental Health
• The Use of Robotics in Surgery: Advancements and Challenges
• The Psychological Factors in Patient Adherence to Treatment Plans
• The Impact of Social Determinants on Maternal and Child Health

EPQ Ideas for Engineering

• The Future of Sustainable Transportation: Electric Vehicles and Beyond
• Smart Cities: Integrating Technology for Urban Development
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Design and Automation
• Renewable Energy Integration into the Power Grid: Challenges and Solutions
• Biomimicry in Engineering: Learning from Nature for Innovative Design
• 3D Printing in Aerospace: Advancements and Applications
• The Impact of Internet of Things (IoT) on Industrial Automation
• The Use of Drones in Civil Engineering: Monitoring and Surveying
• Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking): Engineering Challenges and Environmental Impacts
• The Advancements in Materials Science for Aerospace Applications
• Designing Resilient Infrastructure: Strategies for Mitigating Natural Disasters
• The Role of Engineers in Space Exploration: Challenges and Contributions
• The Integration of Blockchain Technology in Engineering Systems
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Autonomous Vehicles
• The Future of High-Speed Rail: Technological Developments and Challenges
• Biomedical Engineering: Innovations in Medical Devices and Prosthetics
• The Use of Virtual Reality in Engineering Design and Simulation
• The Impact of Climate Change on Civil Engineering Infrastructure
• The Potential of Quantum Computing in Solving Complex Engineering Problems
• Carbon Capture and Storage: Engineering Solutions for Climate Change
• The Application of Machine Learning in Structural Health Monitoring
• The Role of Engineers in Disaster Response and Emergency Management
• Human-Centric Design in Robotics: Enhancing Human-Machine Interaction
• The Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Smart Grids
• The Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Engineering
• The Impact of 5G Technology on Communication Networks and Infrastructure
• The Engineering Behind Sustainable Architecture and Building Design
• The Future of Transportation: Hyperloop Technology and Maglev Trains
• The Role of Engineering in Water Treatment and Environmental Conservation
• The Challenges of Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure Systems

EPQ Ideas for Teaching

• The Impact of Technology on Classroom Learning: Opportunities and Challenges
• Inclusive Education: Strategies for Catering to Diverse Learning Needs
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Effective Teaching Practices
• Examining the Efficacy of Flipped Classroom Models in Education
• The Influence of Teacher Expectations on Student Performance
• Integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into the Curriculum
• The Use of Gamification in Education: Engaging Students through Games
• Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Remote Teaching and Learning
• Culturally Responsive Teaching: Creating Inclusive and Equitable Classrooms
• The Impact of Early Childhood Education on Cognitive Development
• Teacher Burnout: Causes, Prevention, and Strategies for Well-being
• Assessment Methods in Education: A Comparative Analysis
• The Role of Mindfulness in Teacher Professional Development
• Parental Involvement in Education: Its Influence on Student Success
• The Integration of Project-Based Learning in the Classroom
• The Effectiveness of Cooperative Learning Strategies in Primary Education
• Teacher-Student Relationships: Their Impact on Academic Achievement
• The Influence of Educational Leadership on School Culture
• The Impact of Standardized Testing on Curriculum and Instruction
• The Role of Educational Technology in Special Education
• The Importance of Teacher Training in Addressing Learning Disabilities
• The Psychology of Motivation in Education: Strategies for Student Engagement
• Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom: Strategies and Approaches
• Teacher Professional Development: Models for Continuous Learning
• The Benefits of Outdoor Education: Enhancing Learning through Nature
• The Role of Educational Psychology in Teaching and Learning
• Innovative Teaching Methods: Exploring Unconventional Approaches
• The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Educational Attainment
• The Influence of Teacher Feedback on Student Performance
• Educational Policies: Examining Their Effects on Classroom Practices

EPQ Ideas for Art

• The Evolution of Street Art: From Vandalism to Recognized Art Form
• Art and Activism: The Role of Visual Arts in Social Change
• Analyzing the Impact of Technology on Contemporary Art Practices
• The Influence of Cultural Diversity on Artistic Expression
• The Relationship Between Art and Mental Health: Exploring Therapeutic Benefits
• Art Conservation and Restoration: Balancing Preservation and Intervention
• The Intersection of Art and Artificial Intelligence: Creative Collaborations
• Feminist Art Movements: Examining Gender Representation in Art
• Surrealism in Contemporary Art: Resurgence and Modern Interpretations
• The Influence of Japanese Woodblock Prints on Western Art
• The Role of Public Art Installations in Urban Spaces
• The Representation of Identity in Contemporary Portraiture
• Exploring the Aesthetics of Environmental Art: Eco-conscious Creations
• The Impact of Photography on Traditional Painting: A Comparative Study
• Digital Art: Challenges and Opportunities in the Age of Technology
• The Psychological Impact of Color in Visual Arts: A Cross-Cultural Analysis
• Street Photography: Documenting Urban Life Through the Lens
• The Legacy of Abstract Expressionism: Influences on Contemporary Art
• The Role of Art in Holocaust Memorials and Commemoration
• Art as a Form of Protest: Examining Political Artistic Movements
• Cubism and Beyond: The Influence of Geometric Abstraction in Art
• The Impact of Social Media on Contemporary Art Practices
• The Intersection of Art and Science: Bioart and Technological Innovations
• Artistic Responses to Global Crises: War, Pandemics, and Climate Change
• The Representation of Women in Renaissance Art: Challenging Stereotypes
• Graffiti as an Artistic Expression: Breaking Down Stereotypes
• The Art Market: Commercialization and its Effects on Artistic Integrity
• The Influence of Indigenous Art on Modern and Contemporary Art Movements
• The Role of Museums in Shaping Artistic Discourse and Public Perception
• Art and Philosophy: Exploring the Relationship Between Visual and Conceptual Expression

EPQ Ideas for Politics

• The Impact of Social Media on Political Campaigns and Public Opinion
• Globalization and Its Effects on National Sovereignty
• The Rise of Populism: Causes, Consequences, and Challenges
• The Role of Women in Politics: Breaking Barriers and Redefining Leadership
• Climate Change Policy: Assessing International Cooperation and Challenges
• The Impact of Political Polarization on Democracy
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in International Relations
• Examining the Effectiveness of Electoral Systems: Proportional Representation vs. First-Past-The-Post
• The Ethics of Political Lobbying: Balancing Influence and Transparency
• The Relationship Between Economic Inequality and Political Instability
• Human Rights in the Digital Age: Challenges and Protections
• The Impact of Political Advertising on Voter Behavior
• The Influence of Political Cartoons on Public Perception
• Nationalism vs. Globalism: Debates and Implications in Contemporary Politics
• The Role of Political Satire in Shaping Public Discourse
• The Evolution of International Institutions: United Nations and Beyond
• The Impact of Cyber Warfare on International Relations
• The Rise of Authoritarianism: Global Trends and Regional Variances
• The Relationship Between Religion and Politics: Secularism vs. Theocracy
• Political Corruption: Causes, Consequences, and Strategies for Prevention
• The Politics of Immigration: National Security, Humanitarian Concerns, and Economic Impact
• The Impact of Disinformation on Elections and Democratic Processes
• The Role of Supranational Organizations in Shaping Global Governance
• The Politics of Climate Change: International Agreements and Domestic Policies
• The Influence of Political Ideologies on Policy Decision-Making
• The Role of Political Satire in Challenging Authoritarian Regimes
• The Impact of Political Activism and Protest Movements on Policy Change
• The Politics of Identity: Ethnicity, Race, and Nationalism
• The Role of Youth in Shaping Political Movements and Change
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Political Decision-Making

How Many UCAS Points are in an EPQ?

The EPQ carries up to 28 UCAS points, depending on what grade you achieve.

Essentially, the EPQ is worth half the UCAS points of an A-level. Here are the different UCAS points you’ll get for different grades on your EPQ:

How Many UCAS Points in an EPQ?

Is the epq the right step for you.

An EPQ is time consuming, but the UCAS points and its other benefits could very well be worth the effort.

The question you’ll need to ask yourself is can you comfortably dedicate the time needed for it? Are the extra UCAS points needed for your dream university?

Speak with one of our expert advisors to find out if an EPQ is the right step for the perfect application. Students working with Crimson are 7x more likely to gain admission to their dream university!

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A* (53/54 )Extended Project Qualification (PEARSON EDEXCEL) L3 (EPQ)

Subject: English

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Unit of work

Last updated

2 July 2019

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This is an A* EPQ dissertation for anyone taking part in the Edexcel variation. The piece received 53/54 marks and was also moderated to ensure it was a high A grade. * This is 50 page, and approximately 17000 word document. This is an an EPQ dissertation fully meeting every criteria outlined in mark scheme, clearly laid out and includes a fully descriptive and analytical activity log , which is the bulk of the marks for the EPQ. The question I answered was: ‘Public offenders deserve the right to rehabilitative programs in preference of being punished in prison or given lengthy sentences’. This is a great resource for any student doing an EPQ on law/crime/justice etc.

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A website to support students and teachers of A-Level Politics

How to answer the 30 Mark Essay Question (Edexcel)

Note: This guidance should not be treated in any way as official Pearson Edexcel guidance.

There are four 30 Mark Essay Questions in the three 2-hour exams that you will take at the end of your A-Level course. This means 120 marks, 48% of all available, will be awarded based on the 30 Mark Essay Question. For this reason, it is really important that you are able to tackle it correctly. This post builds upon the following post on the Assessment Objectives:

What are the Assessment Objectives in Edexcel A-Level Politics?

You may also find the posts on the different Assessment Objectives useful:

What is AO1 and how do you achieve it? (Edexcel)

What is AO2 and how do you achieve it? (Edexcel)

What should the overall structure of the 30 Mark Essay Question look like?

It is important to note that there are no set criteria for what a 30 Mark Essay should look like. Examiners are not allowed to look for a certain template. However, this does not mean that there are not ways to approach the question that are better suited to meeting all of the assessment objectives.

The two broad options are:

• A For and Against Approach

A candidate could choose a traditional for and against approach, whereby they start by considering arguments for the statement and then consider the arguments against it. The candidate can then weigh up the arguments and come to a conclusion. This approach can be tempting to students because it is familiar (in may be used on other subjects and have been used in GCSE exams) and because it is simple.

The problem with this approach is that while it may allow candidates to show off their knowledge to the examiner (thereby scoring high AO1 marks), candidates are less likely to be effectively develop this knowledge into AO1 and AO2.

For 30 Mark Essay questions the marks are weighted equally across all three Assessment Objectives and all need to be given equal consideration.

2. A Thematic Approach

Consequently, the best approach for a candidate to take will be a thematic approach. Candidates should look for themes which allow them to consider the arguments in favour of the statement and those that are contrary to it. This enables candidates to develop arguments (achieving AO2) and to come to substantiated judgements (achieving AO3). Importantly, AO3 will be possible throughout the essay, rather than candidates simply relying on their final conclusion. The 2023 Examiners Report made clear that this was still a key area for improvement for students:

‘ Essay questions were generally structured well, but we are still seeing AO3 as the weakest AO across the board’. (Paper 1 Examiners Report – 2023) ‘ Essay questions were generally structured well looking to develop a real sense of debate that engaged with the question. There is still a need to develop a stronger sense of A03 – realistically the reader should be able to write the conclusion in their head having read the essay, and it should match the conclusion written by the candidate’. (Paper 2 Examiners Report – 2023) See bottom for acknowledgement.

The following partial response from the 2022 examination report highlights effective interim judgements (mini-conclusions):

What then should the general structure of an essay look like?

Whilst there will be some essays in which a different approach should be taken, generally a general structure should look as below. For illustration purposes, the following Exemplar Question has been used – Evaluate the extent to which direct democracy is unhelpful in Liberal Democracy (30 Marks).

• Introduction : An introduction to an A-Level Politics essay has three purposes. Firstly, it sets the tone for your essay and for the examiner reading it. Examiners read many exams per day and, frankly, some of what they read will not be very good. Starting in a positive way is really important and gets them interested in your answer. Showing off some knowledge and being able to define any key terms will also help to do this. Secondly, it should lay out the things you will discuss in your essay. By the end of your introduction the examiner should have a clear idea of what your essay will look like. Finally, your introduction should set out the argument that you are going to be putting forward in your essay.

A way to structure this is to remember the mnemonic D.T.A:

D – Define any key terms and describe the issue in the question

T – Set out the themes/things you are going to be discussing in your essay

A – Set out the argument you are ultimately going to be presenting throughout your essay.

Introduction example

Direct Democracy refers to a system in which citizens decide directly on policies themselves. In Britain, one example of Direct Democracy is the use of referenda. To answer this question the following needs to be considered: the tyranny of the majority, the dangers of populism, the problems of the representative system and public engagement. Ultimately, although representative democracy has its faults, direct democracy is too easily infiltrated by Populism that can lead to decisions being made that are not in the national interest.

The following introduction was highlighted in the 2022 examiners report as being strong:

2. Three x Body Sections : You should aim for three sections, each focusing on a particular theme. Within this, you should look explore a point and a counterpoint. At the end of each section, you need to come to a judgement (often called a mini-conclusion). It is essential you are making judgements throughout your essay and not just leaving it to the conclusion. In recent exam series Examiners Reports have highlighted the importance of this. You should also look to prioritise your arguments, with your best arguments used first. This means if you run out of time you are doing so on your weakest section. There isn’t a set way to structure within the paragraph, but mnemonic that students have found helpful is:

P.E.A.C.E – Point, Evidence, Analysis, Counterpoint, Evaluation.

Section Example

One reason that it could be argued that more direct democracy should be deployed in the UK is because it encourages participation in the political process. Recent developments of direct democracy in the UK have had the impact of increasing participation in British politics. For example, the e-petitions process has led to public opinion on key political issues being clearly shown – for instance when 6.1 million people signed a petition calling for Brexit to be abandoned. This might influence the policies of political parties (for example the Lib Democrats chose to run on a manifesto of abandoning Brexit). In addition, recent referendums have resulted in significant turnout such as the Scottish Independence Referendum (84%) and the EU Referendum (72%). Increased participation is significant for the political process as it makes any decision that is eventually taken more legitimate. This means that, in terms of increasing participation, direct democracy should be encouraged wherever possible in the UK.

On the other hand direct democracy arguably puts too much power in the hands of people who are not politically well-informed and therefore might not make decisions in the interests of the country. People can be too easily swayed by populism and self-interest. This was seen in the Brexit Referendum of 2016 which was emotionalised and arguably people did not fully understand what they were voting for. It is notable that the most googled term on the day after the Brexit Referendum was ‘what is the EU’. Further to this, not everyone has equal interest in Politics. Direct democracy gives equal say to those with little to no interest as those who have intense interest.  This can lead to political positions in which there is more activism taking precedence at the expense of more moderate positions. This delegitimises the decisions that are taken as they are defined by levels of interest, not levels of expertise. Ultimately, whilst direct democracy may increase participation it does so at the expense of direct expertise at an issue. Whilst representative democracy can be frustrating, it allows for an educated political class to make decisions about complex issues. Therefore, it should be argued that the use of Direct Democracy should be limited.

This example from the 2022 Examiner’s Report shows a candidate looking at both sides of the argument before coming to a considered judgement:

3. Conclusion : The purpose of a conclusion is to summarise your arguments, to compare their relative strengths and come to a clear overall judgement. You shouldn’t be adding any extra information in your conclusion, new material should be in the body of your essay. In addition, try not to make it a binary issue, try to consider the extent to which you are making your judgement. Remember, the command word in the question is ‘Evaluate’, this means examiners want you to place a level of value on the statement you are being asked to consider.

A way to structure this is to remember the mnemonic J.A.R:

J – Make sure you start the conclusion with a clear overall judgement on the question.

A – What is the potential alternative to the judgement that you have come to.

R – Return to your judgement and explain why you have decided it is superior to the alternatives.

Conclusion example

There can be no doubt that, although appealing in principle, direct democracy is deeply flawed. In order to make an issue accessible for ordinary systems it has to be simplified, often to the point that it no longer reflects the realities of the issue in question. However, direct democracy can sometimes play a role in supplementing direct democracy, for example, petitions are a useful way of alerting representatives to the issues that matter to their constituents. Yet, ultimately, although limited direct democracy can support a representative system, the normalisation of its use on deciding big issues is dangerous and can lead to political confusion.

The following was highlighted in the 2022 examiners report as being part of a Level 5 essay:

Frequently asked questions

Q. Do I have time to plan my answer?

Yes, and you really must do so. Planning your answer is important and will save you time throughout your essay. It also allows you to prioritise your argument and be sure which side of the debate you are going to fall down on.

During exams it can be disconcerting to see other candidates scribbling away. However, if you were able to stop and just watch, you would notice that those candidates who do not effectively plan their answer take lots of pauses and thinking time during their exam. Effectively planning your essay can actually save you time.

Q. How long should this take?

You will have around 45 minutes to complete this in your final exams. However, do not worry if it is taking much longer to do this at the moment. It always does and any former A-Level student will tell you it just takes time to get confident under the exam conditions. (That said, practice helps significantly!).

Q. I’ve been told I need to use synoptic points ?

There is a requirement to use synoptic points in the 30 Mark Essay Paper for Paper 2: UK Government. You do not need to do this for Paper 1: UK Politics. The essay question will have this intruction:

In your answer you should draw on relevant knowledge and understanding of the study of Component 1: UK Politics and Core Political Ideas. You must consider this view and the alternative to this view in a balanced way.

However, do not panic about this. An answer that does not do this cannot reach Level 5 (although few answers will reach Level 5 anyway and you do not necessarily need to reach Level 5 to achieve an A* grade). But, Politics is an inherently synoptic subject and you are likely to be doing this anyway. Just leave time to check at the end of your paper that you have done so.

Some students even underline their synoptic points to highlight them to the examiner. You do not have to this, but there is no harm in doing so.

Q. How important is political terminology?

You should deploy political terminology wherever you can, and some political terminology will make you stand out. For example, you might refer to elective dictatorship or populism. However, remember that political terminology also refers to any language a non-politics student would not know, so you are using political terminology all the time.

Q. What does a strong response look like?

One of the best ways to see strong responses, or strong elements of responses, is to look at the material shared by the board in their Examiners’ Reports. These are linked here: Edexcel Past Papers – Politics Teaching .

In 2022, the board published the following resource .

Full Exemplar Answers can be found here: Exemplar Answers .

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments below.

Copyright : Any copyrighted material in this article is used under the fair use provisions of Section 32 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988). Unless otherwise indicated, all material is freely accessible on https://qualifications.pearson.com/ .

2023 Examiners Reports:

Paper 1 – https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/a-level/politics/2017/exam-materials/9pl0-01-pef-20230817.pdf?144156492690031

Paper 2 – https://qualifications.pearson.com/content/dam/secure/silver/all-uk-and-international/a-level/politics/2017/exam-materials/9pl0-02-pef-20230817.pdf?844852502034141

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2 responses to “how to answer the 30 mark essay question (edexcel)”.

Does writing 2 very detailed paragprahs instead of 3 less detailed paragraphs cap your marks? Thank you 🙂

There is no cap the examiners automatically reply. If within those two paragraphs there is both depth and breadth (coverage of a range of issues surrounding the question) you could still do very well.

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