epq essay tips

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How to Write an EPQ Essay

Writing an EPQ essay can seem like a daunting task, which is why we’ve written this nine-step guide to help make the whole process easier.

In addition to the A-Levels you’re already doing, you can choose to take an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). An EPQ is an independent research project, and it’s extremely beneficial as it counts towards UCAS tariff points.

Consisting of around 5,000 words, an EPQ essay is an in-depth assignment which takes about 120 hours to complete.

That may seem like a lot of extra work to take on alongside your existing studies, however it can be hugely beneficial when applying to get into university.

Choosing to undertake independent research and reading can prove to future educators that you’re willing to take on extra work to really show what you can do academically, as well as demonstrating that you have interests that go beyond the curriculum. An EPQ sits nicely with a summer school course such as a law summer school , business summer school , engineering summer school and medicine summer school . During your course you have the chance to explore and understand your subject further, demonstrating your commitment to your studies, and develop ideas for your EPQ.

How do you write an EPQ essay?

To write an EPQ essay, you need to: come up with a compelling idea that you’re interested in, write down everything you know about the subject to generate further ideas, find the best essay question to use, reference your sources properly, write a sharp introduction and conclusion, get feedback on your essay, and make sure you double-check your work before submitting it.

The key to writing any extended document is planning, which is why we’ve written this nine-step guide to help you write the best EPQ essay.

Read on for our top tips on how to write an extended project essay.

9 steps to write your EPQ essay

1. come up with an idea.

One of the main reasons students fail their EPQ is because they’ve chosen the wrong subject matter. It’s vital that you choose a topic you’re genuinely interested in, otherwise you won’t have any motivation to work on it. Because of the extra workload, many students choose to start their EPQ over the summer holidays, and with all the distractions that summer brings (trips to the beach, sunbathing in the garden or hanging out with friends in the park) there’s even more reason to pick a subject you don’t find boring, or you’ll just look for any excuse to avoid doing it. Before finalising your topic, you might want to discuss your ideas with your supervisor so they can check you’re on the right track.

2. Write down everything you know about the subject.

Before doing any extra reading, it’s really helpful to write down everything you already know about your chosen subject. This can help to get your thoughts and ideas – which are often jumbled up – out of your head and down onto a piece of paper or computer screen so that you can begin to organise and make sense of them. This is also useful for identifying any gaps in your knowledge. However, if the gaps in your knowledge are vast and your chosen topic isn’t giving you enough inspiration, don’t be afraid to abandon your original idea entirely and come up with something new. It’s better to start again from scratch at this stage, rather than 2,000 words in.

3. Think of a question

Whatever your chosen topic, you’ll need to think of a question to answer. This is an extremely important part of your EPQ and will form the basis of your essay, so it really is worth thinking long and hard about. The way in which you phrase your question or hypothesis will affect the structure and flow of the whole essay. For example, some typical essay question formats include ‘Compare and contrast’, ‘Critically evaluate’ and ‘Analyse and conclude’. The type of question you want to answer will affect whether you need to highlight and critique a number of theories or evaluate how useful a particular concept is. And remember that your extended project essay needs to be approximately 5,000 words long, so you should choose a question that allows for extended research and arguments. It’s also worth bearing in mind that questions without definitive answers are better as there will generally be much more to write about.

4. Research the topic

Next, you should start thinking about the main body of the essay and how you’re going to go about fleshing out your ideas. Ideally, this step should take up half the amount of total time you spend working on your EPQ essay. You should spend a good deal of time reading books, papers and online journals that have been written about your chosen subject. The Internet is an excellent source of information, but anyone can write anything and publish it online, so make sure your sources are credible and recognised by the examining body. Wikipedia, for example, should be avoided as a reliable source of information as anyone can edit the text that’s been written there. While doing your research, you’re going to come across many different opinions and arguments and it’s all going to come from a variety of sources. So now is also a good time to think about how you’re going to organise it all.

5. Remember to reference your sources

As with any piece of academic work, referencing your sources is vital so the examiners can check you’re not plagiarising. It’s also good to demonstrate that your information has come from a range of places so the person marking your essay can see that you’ve researched your topic widely and have considered several different viewpoints. You’ll need to provide a bibliography at the end of your EPQ essay and if you can’t say where your information has come from, you’ll be unable to use it, so it’s a good idea to get into the habit of doing this as you go along. Whether you choose to create a spreadsheet on your computer or annotate photocopies and clippings with a pen, it doesn’t matter how you go about doing this as long as you remember to do it. It’ll make your life so much easier in the long-run!

6. Create subsections

Splitting your essay up into sections can help to make sure you’re writing enough and exploring the topic in as much depth as possible. Keep your word count in mind when dividing up your essay and try to split each section equally. But while mini topics are good for breaking the 5,000 words down into more manageable chunks, you have to make sure each one relates back to your original question, otherwise you could risk wasting some of those words on irrelevant information. Don’t sacrifice the important stuff by shoehorning facts and figures into your chosen subsections. It’s worth thinking about the order of these sections too. It’s usually best to write in a ‘news story’ format, with the most important subtitles at the top and the less relevant stuff filtering down to the bottom, however you could consider working chronologically if that works better for your chosen topic.

7. Write an introduction and a conclusion

As strange as it sounds, it can be helpful to write your introduction and conclusion paragraphs once you’ve completed the main body of the essay. This is because your thoughts on the subject matter are more likely to be more organised, therefore it will be easier to summarise the main points clearly and concisely. Your first paragraph should introduce the subject matter, briefly expanding upon your question and how you’re going to go about answering it, while your conclusion should refer back to the title and answer the question you asked at the beginning of your essay. Ensure that both paragraphs are as direct and succinct as possible, in order to show that you have a clear understanding of your topic.

8. Ask for feedback

Whether it’s a friend, a relative or – even better – your course tutor, it’s a good idea to have your work checked over by someone else. Because you’ve spent hour upon hour absorbed in your subject matter, you can lose sight of certain things, so it makes sense to have your EPQ essay looked at from a different viewpoint. A second opinion can ensure that everything you’ve written is concise and accurate and the person checking your work can give you advice on what to leave out or add in; especially if they already have some knowledge on the subject matter.

9. Double-check everything before submitting your work

It’s a good idea to leave it a day or so before coming back to your essay to proofread it so that you’re viewing it with a fresh pair of eyes. We recommend going over it a couple of times – once to check that you’ve covered everything in terms of the subject matter and another for housekeeping. You want to ensure that you don’t lose any marks for basic things like spelling, punctuation and grammar. You should also take this time to make sure footnotes are accurate, as well as checking over any graphs, charts, diagrams and images.

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this step-by-step guide and we’re confident that you now have everything you need to go on to successfully write an EPQ essay. Good luck!

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

How To Use Mind Maps Effectively For GCSE And A-Level Revision

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!

About Chris Rand

How to get a 100%, A* EPQ mark – some tips

20 August 2019 27 June 2024

My son did his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in 2018, at Hills Road Sixth Form College, Cambridge, and it was really interesting to watch. For something worth just half an A-level (and in reality when it comes to university applications, worth nothing), it required an astonishing amount of work. For busy sixth-formers to find the time or the motivation requires some dedication. That said, the EPQ is a good introduction to doing a properly planned and structured research project, so I encouraged my son to take the trouble. He did so, and his project was eventually marked 100% (A*) in 2019.

My best advice is to reverse-engineer the whole exercise. Remember, the EPQ is not about your project itself, but about the process of planning and executing it. So get the detailed marking scheme from the exam board’s website, and painstakingly go through every single item, noting what needs to be done to get full marks. Keep this in mind throughout the project.

Show how you’ve developed a range of skills by creating as much supporting material around the project as you can. For example, the core product from my son’s project was always going to be a dissertation. But along the way he also created a blog (to use as the project diary), a video and a podcast. He interviewed real people for comments, created an illustration in Adobe Illustrator and found out how to use Microsoft Excel for a Gantt Chart. All of these gave him new things to learn, and more importantly to write about.

There’s no way around it: if you want to get a really top mark in your EPQ, you’re going to have to devote all the time they suggest, and possibly more. But it can be an interesting experience.

My son’s project was eventually picked up by a campaigning group which I belong to, and published on their website . However, the best place to see the project in full is at the website he created to showcase the work here .

3 thoughts on “How to get a 100%, A* EPQ mark – some tips”

Hi, great tips. I will definitely use these.

I don’t know how I got here, but this was a really interesting read with good insight and advice. Congratulations to your son. My daughter did an EPQ in engineering materials and biomimicry and was very proud of it. Unlike you, I didn’t get to see it! She was a shy worker. So much work and dedication can go into such a project (including travel to attend a conferences, writing to researchers, waiting for replies, etc). She messed up a bit in her A level results, but her EPQ helped get accepted on her course. So in her case it did count. She ended up being a top mark student in her university course.

Really interesting that the EPQ counted for something, Mari. And so pleased your daughter’s hard work paid off!

EPQ Tips from an A* Student

Featuring log book, essay & art artefact examples

Jennifer Leigh | 26th July 2020

EPQs and HPQs are, despite not nearly as well-known as GCSEs or A levels, a pretty significant qualification for a student to undertake during Senior School or Sixth Form. These project-based qualifications require a large amount of independent study and dedication outside the classroom, and this is why many students struggle to make the grades they aim for or sometimes never complete them.

I submitted my AQA Extended Project Qualification in 2019 and received an A*, with a mark of 48 out of 50. My EPQ was art-based with my sketchbook submitted as my artefact. You can view my submitted artefact and read my final essay here , which analysed different 19th century artists and considered what techniques and methods made an artist typically “Impressionist”. My sketchbook showed my entire EPQ journey, from initial mind maps to a set of paintings that offered a visual representation of what Impressionism looked like.

This article outlines 5 important tips I think all EPQ/HPQ students should know, whether they are writing an essay or creating an artefact. I've also included multiple excerpts from my log book, a key component of an EPQ which is often rushed or left to the last minute. I hope this can make the EPQ process less daunting to those who are unsure where to start or lacking support in their project.

1. A clear, research-based title

Your EPQ is all about research. It's so important to have this at the forefront of your mind throughout your project, otherwise it's easy to drop marks. For an artefact in particular, you could create the most ground-breaking invention ever, or draw something worthy that Picasso would marvel at, but if you haven't got some sort of research or development to back it up, then you will struggle to pick up top marks.

So, in order to stay on track, a research-based title can really help focus your project. For my EPQ, my title focus shifted a lot, becoming more and more focused with each revision. This allowed me to find a niche which set up a clear area to research.

Students must choose a topic, plan, research and develop their idea and decide on their finished product. The AQA Extended Project Qualification

Consider the following two working-titles for my EPQ project:

What makes a true Impressionist artist?
Is use of light and colour the sole feature that defines the Impressionist art era, or are there more significant motives behind the movement?

Which of these sounds clearer to you? Which would be easier to research? Granted, they seem like pretty different topics but, upon closer inspection, the latter title became a much more focused version of the former. While the former is very subjective, and could be written largely as an opinion piece, the second requires some level of research and professional sources which are necessary in an EPQ.

Generally, I have stuck to my initial concept to focus on three key Impressionist artists, looking at the extent they can be considered “true Impressionists”, based on the artistic techniques used. I have continued to display my research process through my sketchbook, including studies, gallery research and initial ideas for my final piece. I continue to plan to complete my project with a painting (or multiple) which reflects what I have learnt about Impressionist art during my EPQ.

However, I have found, through researching further into these artists, that there are features besides the use of colour in art which make artists Impressionists, deviating away from my initial plan to focus on how all artists use light/colour. Hence I have changed the title of my EPQ to reflect to what extent can light/colour be considered the main feature of Impressionist art, which I believe more accurately demonstrates what I have learnt from studying Monet, Degas and Cézanne.

2. Depict a journey

Since you aren't exactly being taught lessons on your EPQ subject, it is important to show some sort of progression during your project. Did you initially plan to give one argument, but changed paths based on new research you uncovered? Did you feel your EPQ taught you time management skills through having to create your own time plan? Have your research abilities improved by undertaking an EPQ? While the latter two are great points to talk about in your 'Summary and reflection', the former should be something you constantly consider throughout completing both your log book, and maybe even your essay.

Originally, I planned to have a large series of paintings that demonstrate the key ideas of the Impressionists; however, after discussion with the school’s art department, I decided to reduce this to a series of two paintings, in order to develop these as fully as possible in the time I have, while still showing the contrast evident in so many Impressionist works.

[...] Another way in which I have changed my EPQ is making my sketchbook my artefact, rather than my final painting; I feel that my sketchbook is a better demonstration of the amount of research that has gone into my EPQ and has become a visual representation of my project. I plan to include photos and documentation of my final piece so that my sketchbook will show the full journey of my EPQ.

3. Understand the Assessment Objectives

This ties in pretty well with the first two points, but in order to score highly, you should try to regularly check the assessment objectives for your EPQ and make sure you've got plenty of high-level evidence for each AO. Here's a breakdown of the AQA EPQ Assessment Objectives (as of 2020), along with how you can pick up marks on each one.

Manage : Make sure you show evidence of planning your time and your project. Your 'Planning review' is perfect for this - you can try a detailed timeline or even a Gantt chart, but make sure every stage of your EPQ is spelt out in advance.
Use Resources : This is your research AO. You should use multiple sources, critically assess them and consider their strengths and weaknesses.
Develop and Realise : This makes up a whooping 40% of your grade and is the bulk of your work - essentially, you need to take your planning and research stages, and make them into something that tackles your specific EPQ area. This is the difference between simply stating your sources, and drawing thoughtful conclusions from them.
Review : Lastly, this AO assesses your evaluation of the EPQ. It includes primarily your presentation and your log book 'Summary and reflection'. Consider what has gone well during your project and whether or not you've achieved the aims set out at the beginning of your EPQ.

4. Find a range of reliable sources...

...even if it means scouring some hidden nocks in your school's art department for every last book on Impressionist art methods! I spent more hours in the art room than the A Level artists some weeks, just so I could skim art history books with the hopes of finding something that could be relevant to techniques rather than the life history of specific artists.

I was able to collect research from the National Art Gallery, including photos, first-hand observational studies and the gallery’s book for the exhibition. Degas is one of the more famous Impressionists, who frequently experimented with colour as well as composition, which could make him a useful artist to research further. Generally, it is important to look at art first-hand in order to analyse and appreciate it best, hence why I plan to go to local art galleries, which are easily accessible, in order to gain further research about the Impressionists.

[...] I hope to look at a wide array of sources and books in order to find the most reliable information; these books all focus on Impressionism (or an Impressionist) which would imply they are well researched. By looking at more than one book on Monet and other Impressionists, I hope to obtain a better idea of what techniques they used in their artworks. [...] I plan to research and focus on a number of key paintings which I find are distinct to the Impressionist era. As someone who has concentrated on still life in the past, I thought looking in more detail at one of Monet’s few still life paintings could be a good starting point for researching his technique.

Remember that despite how easy it is to just go online to research on Wikipedia, it's also important to check who has written the source, and why. There might be some bias that could lead you to false conclusions. Try to look at books or research papers where you know that the authors are well-known in their field. You should still analyse bias in their work, but at least you can trust that its well-written and contains a reasonable argument.

5. Trust your supervisor

They do mark your projects, after all.

With any coursework-based assessment, it is always important to listen to your supervisor or teacher, even if you don't necessarily agree with them. Since they are ultimately the ones giving you your grades, any advice that they give you which you don't follow will only cost you marks. Since EPQs are 100% coursework-based, this is absolutely one of the best pieces of advice I can give.

Similarly, if you have the opportunity to meet with your supervisor frequently, take it! Continue to ask them the question "what can I do to make this better?" or "what grade am I currently working at?" - having that kind of clarity during your EPQ is really helpful and avoids any particularly unexpected surprises come results day.

At the end of the day, completing an EPQ can be a hugely rewarding project, but it's helpful to know what you're getting into. Hopefully these tips are useful to those starting out or struggling with their project.

Below you can read my full 'Summary and reflection' from my log book, the final section which analyses your EPQ process from start to finish. Again, my essay and artefact are also online and available to view here. I hope this article has been somewhat helpful and I wish you the best with your HPQ/EPQ.

If you're new to my blog, welcome! My name is Jenny and I'm an artist, studyblogger and maths student currently at University. Please consider subscribing to my blog for new articles (just scroll down) or checking out my Instagram @pastel.inspire for regular content. Have a great day!

Summary and reflection

The purpose of my EPQ was to analyse Impressionist artists’ work and conclude whether or not use of light and colour is the sole feature that defines the Impressionist art era, or whether there more significant motives behind the movement. My artefact was a sketchbook that documented the entire process of my EPQ, from initial research and art studies to planning for a final painting. Part of my project included a series of two paintings, based upon the techniques and aims I’d learnt as part of my research, to get a first-hand insight into the thought process of the Impressionists and develop my understanding of the artists.

Originally, the focus of my project had been to discuss to what extent various artists of that time period could be considered “true Impressionists”, however I soon found that this topic was too vague as I struggled to analyse all areas of an artist’s style and technique. I then decided to focus on the use of light and colour by artists, as I initially assumed that capturing light using colour was the main motive of the Impressionists. Hence, I began by focusing on Claude Monet, as I knew he was a key Impressionist of the time. However, as I developed my research, I found that Monet’s focus on capturing light was due to another, much broader motive: capturing a moment in a scene. Following this discovery, I found that Monet associated creating an impression not only with atmospheric colours, but in other areas of his paintings, such as with liberal, broad strokes leaving undefined features in his works.

Following this discovery, I adjusted my area of research to a more critical analysis of how use of light and colour could not be considered Impressionist on its own– it had to be part of the greater aim to capture a spontaneous moment in time. I decided to research in depth two artists from the Impressionist era with very different styles, to support my idea that Impressionist art was defined by creating an impression rather than unique use of colour. I analysed Edgar Degas, who had a very different style to Monet, preferring to focus on the human form rather than colourful landscapes; despite this, I learnt that Degas shared that same aim with Monet to capture a moment, yet achieved this in a very different way, using cropped compositions and loose soft pastel sketches. In contrast, I also researched Paul Cézanne to support my statement that colour was not enough to define an artist as Impressionist. While Cézanne is widely considered an Impressionist by the public today, due to his bright colour palette, various art historians actually believe that Cézanne led the Post-Impressionist movement, since he focused on creating a crystalline composition with a carefully planned composition; this approach is very different to that of Monet and Degas, with Cézanne aiming to capture a period of time rather than a moment. This supported my revised argument that creating an impression was the main feature and aim of Impressionist artists, with Cézanne giving evidence as to why the Impressionist era was unique to any neighbouring art era.

As a result of my project, I’ve learnt a huge amount about the history of the Impressionists. I began my EPQ assuming that art eras were defined by the techniques an artist used, while in reality they are based upon the aims and thought processes of the artists. As the mindset and approach the artist takes changes, so do the techniques and stylisation, which results in a new era of art. Over my project, I have developed a much more critical eye towards art and further appreciation as to how no two artists of the same art era have the same technique. I have really enjoyed learning more about why various Impressionist artists developed certain styles, such as how Degas’ use of cropped compositions was due to his fascination with how the newly-invented camera captured moments of unsuspecting dancers or members of the public. Despite starting my EPQ late in the year, I am glad to have completed my project, although I wish I had started it earlier, since it has been difficult to work on my project during the UCAS process and the added stress of A Levels. Having a plan which forced me to complete most of my research before the start of Year 13 really helped, despite having been both ahead and behind of my plan at various points in my project.

Initially, my project lacked a definitive purpose or clear idea of what area of Impressionism to focus on, so I struggled to collet research and was overwhelmed with the amount of information at my disposal. However, once I decided I would only focus on three key artists and decided on a specific title and aim of my project, the research became significantly more manageable. I began my research by looking for books on general Impressionism, however I found that many of my resources focused on the history of the movement, rather than on the artists’ techniques. In order to learn more about the Impressionists’ techniques themselves, I visited multiple exhibitions on Impressionism, including exhibitions specifically on Degas and Monet. This proved to be just as useful as all the written resources, as it offered evidence as to how the artworks made me feel as a viewer. If I could undertake a similar project in the future, I would focus on exhibitions as my primary source of research, as it gave me a chance to analyse and understand the paintings from up close. I also found that art exhibitions offered useful art commentary, including written analysis of the art that I struggled to find in many books. Despite this, I did find that using multiple art exhibitions and art history books meant that my findings were generally supported with evidence from other sources.

I also began my artefact sketchbook with initial research pages of Impressionism, art studies of paintings by various Impressionists and artist research, yet felt that this did not sufficiently depict the amount of research I’d done, leading me to add short essays of analysis on my three key artists, to show how my research progressed throughout my project. I found that recreating artworks by artists really helped me gain an understanding as to why and how the artists worked; painting in the style of Cézanne felt significantly more rigid and structured than painting in the styles of Monet or Degas, supporting my argument with first-hand evidence as to how these artists differed.

Overall, I really enjoyed my project and feel that it was a valuable learning opportunity to understand what defines Impressionist art. Despite changing my focus of my EPQ specifically to an argument on light and colour, I still believe that this project has given me a better understand of what makes a “true Impressionist”. I also feel that my project has developed my artistic ability, forcing me to notice and understand subtle variations in art style between artists of the same period of art. Changing the focus of my project to a specific analysis of light and colour really helped develop my project and I would recommend to anyone undertaking an art EPQ to find a clear area to focus on. I also would encourage a full documentation of an art-based EPQ with a sketchbook, instead of simply a final artwork, as it offers a much better insight into the amount of research you’ve done. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Impressionist art through my EPQ project and feel I have developed as a researcher and artist from this experience.

How To Write An EPQ Essay & Dissertation (9 Steps)

Writing an EPQ essay involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and compelling piece.

Here is a 9-step guide to help you write an effective EPQ essay:

Brainstorm EPQ topic ideas : Choose an engaging topic that interests you and is relevant to your academic or career goals.
Conduct research : Gather information from various sources to support your arguments and provide evidence.
Create a structure : Organise your essay with a clear introduction, main body, and conclusion. Outline the main points and arguments you will cover in each section.
Write an introduction : Begin your essay with an introductory paragraph that introduces the topic, outlines the scope of the essay, and provides an overview of the structure 4 .
Develop the main body : Write the main body of the essay, focusing on presenting your arguments, evidence, and analysis. Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence and flows logically from one point to the next.
Use proper referencing : Cite your sources correctly to avoid plagiarism and demonstrate your research skills.
Write a conclusion : Summarise your main points and answer the question you posed at the beginning of the essay.
Review and revise : Proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Ensure your arguments are clear, coherent, and well-supported 1 .
Seek feedback : Ask a teacher, tutor, or peer to review your essay and provide constructive feedback to help you improve your work

The article below is designed to help you develop a strong foundation for writing your EPQ essay by providing practical tips and guidance from an expert in the field.

You’ll learn about key elements such as structure, formatting, research methods, argumentation techniques and more so that you can craft a compelling paper that stands out from the crowd.

By following these steps, you’ll have all the tools necessary to make sure your EPQ essay stands out and meets its desired goals.

1 Understanding The EPQ Essay Requirements
2.1 Organizing Ideas
2.2 Outlining Content
3 Formatting Your Essay
4 Researching For Your Essay
5 Developing Your Argument
6 Crafting A Compelling Conclusion
7 Writing a good EPQ essay

Understanding The EPQ Essay Requirements

Navigating the world of EPQ essay writing can be intimidating, and even overwhelming at times! But never fear – with a little bit of knowledge and preparation you’ll find yourself soaring towards success.

At its core, crafting an effective EPQ essay comes down to analyzing expectations and exploring options. It’s important to take into account the specific requirements for your topic or course; many professors will have different standards that need to be met.

Once you’re clear on what needs to be accomplished, it’s time to get creative – start brainstorming ideas and looking for relevant sources that support them. Be sure to record everything as you go along so you don’t forget any key details later on in the process.

Research is essential here, but make sure not to lose sight of the bigger picture: Your paper should still reflect your unique perspective and originality. With this approach, you can create an engaging work that will stand out from the crowd — one which takes readers on a journey of exploration through freedom-filled imagination!

Structuring Your EPQ Essay

Organizing your ideas is an important part of writing an EPQ essay.

Start by making a list of the main points you want to make and then organize them into groups that fit with your argument.

Once you have your ideas organized, you can start outlining the content. This will help you create a logical flow of information and ensure that your essay is structured in a clear and concise way.

It’ll also make it easier to write the actual essay, and make sure that you haven’t skipped any important points.

Organizing Ideas

Organizing your ideas is an important part of writing a successful EPQ essay. Before you start jotting down notes or typing away on your computer, identify the sources that will be most useful in completing your project.

Ask yourself questions like “what do I already know?” and “where can I find more information?” By identifying these sources early on, you’ll ensure that all the research needed to write a quality paper has been done ahead of time.

Once you’ve identified the best source material for your project, it’s time to develop a structure for your essay. Think about how each point should flow logically from one to another and what order would make the most sense when reading through your work.

As with any type of academic writing, having an outline helps keep everything organized and makes it easier to create well-structured argument points throughout your paper.

Additionally, if there are sections where multiple topics require further discussion, consider breaking them up into separate paragraphs so readers can easily digest each idea independently.

Writing an EPQ essay doesn’t have to be overwhelming; by taking proactive steps to organize ideas before starting the actual writing process, you’re sure to craft an impressive piece of work!

Outlining Content

Once you’ve identified the sources and outlined your structure, it’s time to start brainstorming techniques for what content should be included in your essay.

This is an important step to ensure that all the key points are covered in a logical order. Brainstorming can include anything from writing down ideas as they come to mind or even mapping out each section with bullet points.

Additionally, if there are any specific topics you’d like to discuss further, consider breaking them up into separate paragraphs so readers can easily digest each idea independently.

No matter which strategy works best for you, it’s essential to make sure that each point has been thoroughly researched beforehand—this will guarantee that only quality information is presented throughout your paper.

Writing an EPQ essay doesn’t have to be daunting; by taking proactive steps such as outlining the content of your project ahead of time, you’re sure to craft an impressive piece!

Formatting Your Essay

The formatting of your essay is as important as the structure. When structuring, you made sure all the pieces were in place and ready to go; now it’s time to make them look nice.

You should consider several stylistic choices when formatting:

Word choice – Use precise language that adds power and meaning to each sentence without detracting from its original intent
Font size – Choose a font size that looks professional yet comfortable for reading
Headers/subheaders – Create visual breaks between sections using headers or subheaders with interesting titles that capture readers’ attention
Margins – Establish margins so your reader can easily find where one section ends and another begins

By implementing these subtle but powerful formatting techniques, you will improve the overall quality of your EPQ essay and ensure a successful submission!

Researching For Your Essay

The research phase of an EPQ essay is one of the most important steps to ensure you can write a quality paper. Defining your objectives clearly and citing sources accurately are essential for success. As such, it’s important to take your time during this step, as any mistakes here will be difficult to recover from later on in the writing process.

When researching for your essay, begin by getting organized. Gather all pertinent information related to your topic and compile them into separate folders or files so they’re easy to access when needed.

Once that’s completed, start reading up on relevant materials and taking notes along the way – summarize each source and make sure you properly cite authors at the end of each note taken. Doing so will help you save valuable time looking back through books or articles once you move onto actually putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys).

Ultimately, if done correctly, research should provide a solid foundation which allows you to create an innovative and unique piece of work without having to worry about accuracy or plagiarism issues!

Developing Your Argument

Having completed your research, it’s time to develop your argument.

To do this, start by brainstorming ideas about the topic and evaluating sources for their relevance and suitability. Consider which evidence is best placed to support your position on a particular issue or idea.

After gathering all of your information from various sources, try to identify the common themes that emerge in relation to the topic you are researching. In order to form an effective argument, you will need to assess how each piece of evidence fits together in order to demonstrate its relevance and importance.

This could include looking at different perspectives on an issue or comparing multiple results of research studies into a specific field. Additionally, make sure that when forming your argument you take note of any counter arguments which may be presented as these can help strengthen your overall conclusion.

Once you have identified all relevant points related to your argument, consider how they work together and analyse them more deeply – this will allow you to draw meaningful conclusions from the data available.

Crafting A Compelling Conclusion

The conclusion of your EPQ essay is essential to summarizing all the points you have made and discussing their implications. It’s important to remember that this section should be both succinct and clear, so as not to confuse or distract from the main message of your paper.

When writing a compelling conclusion, start by restating your thesis statement in a different way than you did at the beginning of your paper.

Take some time to review each point discussed throughout the body paragraphs and summarize them briefly. This will help remind readers what they just read and why it matters.

Additionally, make sure to tie up loose ends, such as unanswered questions, by either providing an answer or referring back to prior sections.

Finally, conclude with a strong sentence that drives home the importance of your topic while offering insight into future research possibilities or other relevant discussions.

Writing a good EPQ essay

In conclusion, writing an EPQ essay is a unique challenge that requires serious attention and hard work.

With the right structure, research, argumentation, and conclusion in place however, you can put together a compelling piece of writing that will impress even the most discerning master’s student.

One interesting statistic to consider when crafting your essay is that only 50% of students who submit an EPQ are successful in achieving their desired grade.

This serves as a reminder to emphasise quality over quantity in your work: focus on making sure each element of your essay is thoroughly researched and well-written before submitting it for review.

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600 EPQ Ideas and Examples – The Ultimate List

Published May 1, 2024

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) presents a unique opportunity for students studying in sixth form or college. Not only can you earn extra UCAS points to get into university, but you can also develop strong research and writing skills.

The first step is to come up with a great project idea, which is easier said than done. Fortunately, the choice is yours–you can complete your project on whatever topic you want. On the other hand, with so many possibilities, it can be tricky to narrow it down.

Want to better understand EPQ? Read our guide: What is an EPQ.

This article will give you 600 EPQ topic ideas on a range of subjects to help you choose a good question and, more importantly, get an A*.

How to Choose a Good EPQ Idea

Getting a good grade in the EPQ relies on several factors, including meticulous planning, solid time management, and strong essay writing skills .

Your idea is important, too. Here are some tips for choosing an idea:

Pick your passion: Choose a topic you’re genuinely passionate about to maintain motivation.
Be specific: You only have 5000-6000 words for your dissertation. This might sound like a lot, but it can be difficult to cram all your ideas into this space. Being specific will help.
Push boundaries: Markers like to see topics they haven’t encountered before. If your topic is more popular, try to look at it from a unique angle.

Below are 600 EPQ ideas (including artefact EPQ ideas) organised by subject (in alphabetical order). Some of these ideas are much more vague than you should be for your EPQ; it’s important to put your own spin on these ideas and find an interesting angle. If you’re struggling, your supervisor can help you narrow down a topic.

25 EPQ Ideas for Anthropology

How does cultural relativism shape anthropological perspectives on human behaviour?
To what extent does language influence cultural identity?
In what ways do rituals and ceremonies reflect cultural beliefs and values?
How has globalisation impacted indigenous cultures and traditional practices?
To what extent can anthropology shed light on the evolution of human social structures?
What role does gender play in shaping cultural norms?
How do human migration patterns impact cultural exchange and identity?
What can the food consumption of a society tell us about its cultural values and social structures?
Can anthropology contribute to our understanding of human prehistory?
How has technology altered the dynamics of anthropological fieldwork?
Can anthropology address issues of cultural appropriation and stereotyping?
What impact does climate change have on indigenous knowledge, and vice versa?
To what extent can anthropology contribute to conflict resolution?
How does the class system in the UK differ from those of other countries?
In a post-pandemic world, what role can anthropology play in medicine?
Is it important to preserve endangered cultures?
What impact does tourism have on local communities?
Is it important to respect cultural practices that may harm people?
How do kinship systems influence social organisation?
How has urbanisation affected the social structure of large human groups?
Is it possible to define a singular, homogenous British culture?
What can consumption patterns tell us about a particular society?
What’s the difference between society and culture?
Can language shape the way we view the world?
Can online spaces like the Metaverse be considered their own society?

25 EPQ Ideas for Architecture

How can architecture foster community engagement?
What role does cultural identity play in shaping architectural design?
How does sustainable architecture contribute to environmental conversation?
In what ways can architectural design mitigate the impact of natural disasters?
How does urban planning influence the mental well-being of city dwellers?
Can changing architecture serve as a catalyst for economic development in urban areas?
How do historic preservation strategies balance tradition and innovation?
What factors should architects consider when designing for aging populations?
How can architecture promote a healthier lifestyle?
What challenges and opportunities does inclusive design present for architects?
How does the style of council housing feed into stereotypes about class?
How can architects revitalise abandoned urban spaces?
How does architecture influence human behaviour in public spaces?
What impact does architectural iconography have on the identity of a place?
What lessons can architects learn from pandemic responses in designing for health?
Was the Grenfell Tower a complete architectural failure?
What can architecture tell us about politics?
In what ways does minimalist architecture correspond with contemporary societal values?
What is the effect of feminism on architecture?
How can architects incorporate biophilic design principles into modern urban environments?
To what extent is architectural design a form of art?
How can technologies such as VR and AR benefit the architectural industry?
Were the houses of the past of higher quality?
How does architectural lighting impact the perception of spaces?
How can architects design for climate resilience in vulnerable regions?

25 EPQ Ideas for Art

How does art reflect and influence cultural identity?
To what extent does street art challenge traditional notions of public space?
How can art be utilised as a form of social and political commentary?
In what ways does the digital age impact contemporary art creation and consumption?
To what extent can images created by artificial intelligence (AI) be considered art?
Can art serve as a therapeutic outlet for mental health expression and recovery?
How did impressionism reflect the sociopolitical environment of the late 1800s?
What role does public art play in enhancing urban environments?
How does art education impact development in children and adolescents?
How can art contribute to environmental awareness and sustainability?
What impact does public funding have on the accessibility of art institutions?
How does art respond to and reflect changing gender norms?
How can art museums adapt to the digital age to enhance visitor engagement?
In what ways does art challenge or reinforce stereotypes?
What role does art play in shaping public memory and commemoration?
How has globalisation influenced contemporary artistic trends?
Can art bridge the generation gap?
Who decides what is defined as ‘art’?
Should street artists be allowed to graffiti on walls?
What can the vandalism of Barnett Newman’s Who’s Afraid of Red, Yellow, and Blue tell us about the way people view art?
Who determines the value of art?
Why do humans create art, and why have they done so for thousands of years?
Can art be considered a form of language?
Who determines the meaning of artwork, the creator or the viewer?
Is it worth creating art if nobody sees it?

25 EPQ Ideas for Biology

How do genetics influence self-esteem?
How can gene editing technologies revolutionise medicine?
How do neurotransmitters contribute to mental health disorders?
Can synthetic biology offer solutions to environmental challenges?
In what ways does the gut-brain axis influence mental well-being?
What is the biology of laughter?
To what extent can CRISPR technology be applied ethically and safely in humans?
What genes have an influence on human behaviour?
What factors contribute to the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria?
Why do some people use parasites for weight loss, and what are the implications of this?
How do circadian rhythms affect human health and performance?
Could genetic engineering address environmental pollution?
Is addiction a genetic or social issue?
Will brain transplants ever be viable?
How does the UK’s changing climate affect biodiversity?
How can hormones influence behaviour?
Can biotechnology address the global food insecurity crisis?
Can gut microbiota affect the host’s appetite?
To what extent can animal evolutionary traits inspire innovations in technology and engineering?
What impact has the grey squirrel had on the distribution of native red squirrels in the UK?
Are animals as “smart” as humans?
What are the ethical implications of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in our food supply?
How does air pollution affect the respiratory health of a given population?
What is the role of the immune system in auto-immune diseases?
Why do humans living in “Blue Zones” have lower incidences of chronic disease than elsewhere?

25 EPQ Ideas for Business

How does corporate social responsibility impact consumer perceptions and purchasing behaviour?
To what extent can employee motivation impact organisational performance?
Can environmentally sustainable business practices lead to long-term financial success?
How do social media marketing strategies influence consumer decision-making?
How does leadership style impact employee productivity?
In what ways does corporate governance affect organisational success?
Can entrepreneurship drive economic development in local communities?
What role does emotional intelligence play in effective business leadership?
In what ways can businesses effectively manage and leverage diversity?
Can AI enhance business operations and efficiency?
Should businesses outsourcing to developing countries pay workers the same they would at home?
Should businesses pay apprentices more?
What has changed for women in the workplace since 1900?
To what extent can the government be considered a business?
Should there be a salary cap for CEOs?
How has e-commerce affected physical retail locations?
Will Amazon Go change supermarket shopping forever?
Should the government lower the corporate income tax?
How has social media changed the landscape of marketing?
To what extent can football clubs be considered businesses?
How can AI contribute to informed decision-making for business owners?
What makes a successful start-up?
How ethical are Amazon’s business practices?
What responsibility do businesses have to their consumers?
To what extent do small businesses rely on digital marketing strategies?

25 EPQ Ideas for Chemistry

How can green chemistry principles contribute to sustainable industrial practices?
To what extent can nanotechnology revolutionise drug delivery systems?
In what ways do catalysts impact reaction rates in chemical processes?
Can chemistry provide solutions for efficient energy storage?
How did chemistry help us understand the COVID-19 pandemic?
Can an understanding of chemistry help in the development of anti-aging products?
What impact does polymer chemistry have on materials science and engineering?
How does fluoride impact the water supply?
How does analytical chemistry contribute to forensic science and criminal investigations?
How can green solvents impact the environmental sustainability of chemical processes?
At what point does a chemical become a hallucinogen?
How did optical isomerism impact the drug Thalidomide, which caused fetal abnormalities?
To what extent can chemotherapy drugs be targeted using medicinal chemistry techniques?
How do organometallic compounds contribute to catalysis in industrial processes?
How do metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) contribute to gas storage and separation?
Can cheminformatics improve the prediction of chemical properties and toxicity?
How can click chemistry be used to improve drug synthesis?
How do photovoltaic cells work?
Did the discovery of pharmaceutical chemicals change the course of history?
Can cannabis use in adolescence cause mental health issues like schizophrenia?
What are the benefits of computer-based, fragment-aided drug design?
Why doesn’t plastic decompose?
What are the chemicals involved in the human conception of love?
Project: Make a collection of pleasant-smelling esters.
Project: Extract limonene from a range of citrus fruits.

25 EPQ Ideas for Computer Science

How can machine learning algorithms improve fraud detection in financial transactions?
In what ways does natural language processing contribute to the development of intelligent chatbots?
To what extent can blockchain technology enhance data security and integrity?
To what extent can explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) improve trust in AI systems?
Should we teach children to code in school?
Are AI-assessed job applications inevitably biased?
Will AI create or diminish the number of jobs available?
What impact does cybersecurity have on the reliability of Internet of Things (IoT) devices?
To what extent can machine learning predict and prevent cyber attacks?
What role does augmented reality (AR) play in enhancing the user experience of mobile apps?
How accurately can AI writing assistants (like Grammarly) express human language?
Are AI-powered robots responsible for their own actions?
The impact of technology on the future of law enforcement and criminal justice?
Has technology made our daily lives more or less secure?
Has widespread technology led to an increase in crime?
How will 5G change our lives?
How does parallel computing improve the performance of computational models?
In what ways can deep learning algorithms contribute to medical image analysis?
What role does computer vision play in image recognition and object detection?
How does edge computing address challenges in real-time data processing?
Can artificial general intelligence (AGI) be achieved?
Can AI models be applied ethically to facilitate sensitive decision-making?
How can we improve human-computer interaction to increase accessibility?
Is internet access a human right?
Project: Create a website and code it yourself.

25 EPQ Ideas for Economics

Should the government implement a universal basic income?
How does automation impact employment rates and income distribution in developed economies?
Is capitalism ethical?
Can economic incentives effectively address environmental issues?
How has the Russo-Ukrainian war impacted the global trade economy?
What would be the economic implications of a country adopting cryptocurrency as its official currency?
Should countries prioritise economic growth or environmental sustainability?
How does income inequality affect social cohesion?
Can the circular economy model contribute to long-term economic sustainability?
What economic factors contribute to the success or failure of international development aid programs?
To what extent does government intervention influence economic stability during times of crisis, like the COVID-19 pandemic?
How does an ageing population impact a country’s economic prospects?
Is the concept of a ‘sharing economy’ a viable solution to address times of financial hardship?
To what extent does access to education influence economic mobility?
What impact did Brexit have on the UK economy?
What factors contribute to the success or failure of economic sanctions as a foreign policy tool?
How do interest rate changes impact consumer spending?
Should governments prioritise economic growth or economic stability during times of crisis?
How does income inequality impact access to healthcare and health outcomes?
Why is paying taxes important?
To what extent does the gig economy contribute to financial insecurity?
How often should the minimum wage be reviewed?
How does the rise of e-commerce impact brick-and-mortar retail and local economies?
Does hosting a global event, such as the FIFA World Cup, benefit a country’s economy?
How can the government address the housing crisis?

25 EPQ Ideas for Education

How does technology impact student learning outcomes in primary education?
To what extent does the quality of early childhood education influence later academic success?
How can inclusive education practices benefit students?
How does the school environment contribute to student engagement and academic performance?
Is project-based learning an effective approach to enhancing critical thinking skills in secondary school students?
What role does teacher training play in addressing the challenges of multicultural classrooms?
To what extent does standardised testing accurately reflect student abilities?
How does the flipped classroom model impact student achievement?
Is the education system indoctrinating students?
Should school uniforms be enforced?
How can the education system better cater to students with high-functioning autism?
Does banning mobile phones in school do more harm than good?
Should parents have a say in what children are taught at school?
Can schools effectively teach mental health and well-being?
Do exams unfairly advantage boys, and why?
How can schools address the digital divide?
To what extent do extracurricular activities impact the development of secondary school students?
Can outdoor education programs enhance creativity and problem-solving skills in primary students?
Can alternative education models, such as homeschooling or unschooling, provide effective learning environments?
What impact does the student-teacher relationship have on learning outcomes?
What role does parental involvement play in student success?
To what extent does parental socio-economic status influence educational opportunities?
How important are creative subjects, like art and music, in secondary school?
Should sports be compulsory at secondary school?
How can teachers account for different learning preferences?

Classroom of kids with teacher in a lesson

25 EPQ Ideas for Engineering

How can sustainable engineering practices be implemented in urban development?
To what extent can artificial intelligence enhance predictive maintenance in industrial engineering?
How does 3D printing impact traditional manufacturing processes in the aerospace industry?
Can engineering solutions effectively address the challenges of renewable energy storage?
How can smart materials revolutionise civil engineering?
In what ways can engineering design optimise water treatment and purification systems?
Should the focus of transportation engineering shift toward autonomous modes of transport like self-driving cars?
Why is there a gender imbalance in engineering?
What’s the relation between architecture and engineering?
Did the Titanic sink due to engineering faults?
Can engineering innovation improve accessibility for people with disabilities?
Would it be possible to run the UK entirely on energy from wind farms?
How can engineering solutions address climate change challenges in coastal areas?
In what ways can engineering principles be applied to enhance disaster resilience in infrastructure?
What does it mean to be ethical as an engineer?
How can a better understanding of robotics enhance efficiency and safety in manufacturing?
How does bioengineering contribute to advancements in prosthetics and medical devices?
What role does materials engineering play in developing sustainable packaging?
What does the future of transport look like?
How can advancements in aerodynamics and materials engineering help to create a more energy-efficient Formula 1 race car?
What role does geotechnical engineering play in addressing challenges related to soil stability and landslides?
Is genetic engineering the future of medicine?
Should children be taught engineering in primary school?
Project: Build a model plane or boat.
Project: Design a modern solution for plastic recycling.

25 EPQ Ideas for English Literature

How does the portrayal of female characters in classic literature reflect changing societal attitudes toward women?
To what extent does the use of symbolism contribute to the depth and meaning of Shakespearean tragedies?
How does post-colonial literature challenge established perspectives on identity and power?
How has the representation of mental health evolved in literature?
Is it important to teach media literacy?
What role does the unreliable narrator play in shaping the reader’s interpretation of a story?
How does magical realism contribute to the themes and messages of contemporary literature?
In what ways do graphic novels challenge the traditional notions of literature and storytelling?
How has the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters evolved in literature, and how does this impact societal perceptions?
To what extent does the setting contribute to the atmosphere and mood in Gothic literature?
How does the use of dialect and language contribute to the authenticity of regional literature?
Can a study of literary adaptions for film and television provide insights into changing audience expectations?
How does the concept of the ‘Byronic hero’ persist in modern literature and popular culture?
To what extent does F. Scott Fitzgerald’s use of narrative perspective impact the portrayal of the American Dream in ‘The Great Gatsby’?
How does the narrative structure in Virginia Woolf’s ‘Mrs Dalloway’ enhance the exploration of time and consciousness?
Can the analysis of allegory and satire in George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’ offer insights into political and societal commentary?
What does the popularity of TikTok’s ‘BookTok’ hashtag tell us about changing literary preferences?
To what extent does the use of magical realism in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ contribute to the portrayal of Latin American culture?
The author John Green frequently says that “books belong to their readers”. Is this true?
How do platforms like Wattpad change what it means to be an author?
Can fan fiction be considered a form of literature?
Can works of literature oppress their female characters?
What books should be taught in schools, and why?
What makes a novel ‘great’?
How does the portrayal of gender roles in Charlotte Brontë’s ‘Jane Eyre’ challenge or conform to Victorian societal norms?

Hand holding a literature book, while friend watches

25 EPQ Ideas for Ethics

How can we address the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in policing?
To what extent does the use of biometric data in surveillance impact individual privacy?
How does the ethical framework of medical consent adapt to the challenges posed by telemedicine and remote healthcare?
What are the ethical challenges posed by social media algorithms and their impact on information dissemination?
Is it ethical to use autonomous drones in warfare and surveillance?
Are designer babies ethical?
How can we address the implications of deepfake technology?
Do businesses have a responsibility to act sustainably?
Do humans have a right to explore space?
Should embryos have protected rights?
Should students be taught ethics in school?
Who decides what is ethical?
Is it ethical to test for disabilities like Down’s Syndrome in unborn babies?
Is cloning ethical?
Should people undergo an assessment to vote?
Do consumers have an ethical obligation to consider where material goods come from?
Can ethical principles guide international cooperation in addressing public health crises?
What are the ethical implications of using AI during the hiring process?
Should people be able to sue their parents for bringing them into the world?
Are morals innate or socially conditioned?
Do celebrities have a right to privacy?
Do countries have an obligation to take on refugees?
Is it ethical to experiment on animals?
Can the ends ever justify the means?
Can ethics improve the world?

25 EPQ Ideas for Geography

How does climate change influence migration patterns?
How can GIS technology address urban sprawl and land-use planning?
Can sustainable agriculture mitigate the impact of food insecurity?
How did the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami affect tourism in Thailand?
How does the study of cultural landscapes inform heritage conservation?
To what extent can sustainable tourism protect biodiversity in fragile ecosystems?
How does water scarcity contribute to geopolitical tensions?
Can better urban planning prevent the development of slums?
Does the earth belong more to humans or animals?
Does the placement of global supply routes inherently cause economic inequality?
Is tourism good or bad?
Should international borders exist?
Can the study of coastal geography inform effective strategies for managing and adapting to sea-level rise?
How does climate change influence patterns of disease migration?
What are the environmental and social impacts of fracking?
How do historical factors shape migration patterns and refugee flows?
Can the study of plate tectonics help us predict earthquakes?
What role does geopolitics play in shaping global resource distribution?
What impact does infrastructure development have on regional economic disparities?
What are the challenges presented by aging populations?
Does the concept of sustainable development apply to resource extraction industries?
Will Antarctica ever be habitable?
Can a developing country ever become a developed nation?
How does agriculture affect soil health?
Should active volcanoes be tourist spots?

25 EPQ Ideas for History

How did the Industrial Revolution transform social structures in 19th-century Britain?
How did colonialism shape the cultural, economic, and political development of Tanzania during and after independence?
Can the study of historical pandemics offer insights for future action?
What role did propaganda play in influencing German public opinion during World War II?
To what extent did the women’s suffrage movement contribute to advancements in gender equality?
How did the Age of Enlightenment influence the development of political thought and institutions in Europe?
How did the Reformation impact religious practices in 16th-century England?
How did the Silk Road facilitate cultural exchange and economic development between the East and West?
Who was Jack the Ripper?
Are school history textbooks biased?
How has fashion changed in the UK since the Middle Ages?
Are works of fiction and art valid historical sources?
How did the Scientific Revolution challenge traditional beliefs?
Can the study of historical urbanisation patterns inform contemporary urban planning?
What singular invention changed the course of history?
Is history important for the future?
How did the Cold War impact political ideologies and power dynamics?
What can mainstream media tell us about historical political conflicts?
To what extent did the Spanish Inquisition contribute to religious intolerance in Europe?
How did the intellectual movements of the 1920s shape the character of the Roaring Twenties?
How did the Opium Wars influence the socio-economic and political trajectory of 19th-century China?
Did historical maritime exploration directly contribute to the establishment of modern global trade networks?
Can the study of historical diplomacy offer insights into contemporary geopolitical challenges?
How did the Green Revolution impact global agriculture and food production in the mid-20th century?

25 EPQ Ideas for Languages

How did modern English come to be?
What can cultural differences in ‘baby talk’ tell us about language acquisition?
Can languages be considered alive?
Is it important to preserve endangered languages?
Can language influence our perceptions of time and space?
How does bilingualism impact cognitive function?
What role does translation play in understanding foreign literature?
Is Scots a language or a dialect?
How does technology aid in language learning?
Should English have a language academy like The French Academy?
Why did the Esperanto language policy fail?
Is the Latin alphabet a good writing system?
Can studying linguistic variation contribute to more effective education approaches?
Is body language universal?
Should learning sign language be mandatory?
Is brail a language?
Should we develop a universal lingua franca?
How does the evolution of slang reflect societal changes and trends?
How do language ideologies shape language policies?
Are multilingual people more successful?
Can language use reflect your identity?
Is there a ‘correct’ way to speak a language?
Will AI change the way we translate languages?
How far back can we trace languages?
Why is English so widespread?

25 EPQ Ideas for Law

To what extent do privacy laws adequately protect individuals in the digital age?
Who is responsible for implementing and upholding laws in the Metaverse?
How has international law addressed the challenges of cyber warfare?
How does the concept of corporate personhood impact legal liability in business?
Can legal frameworks effectively address challenges in AI, such as algorithmic bias?
How effective is international humanitarian law in mitigating humanitarian crises?
Is there a legal responsibility to regulate emerging technologies?
How do intellectual property laws balance the rights of creators in the digital era?
How does the legal concept of self-defense apply to cyber-attacks?
What impact do extradition laws have on transnational crime and terrorism?
Does the legal system protect individuals’ rights in the context of surveillance technologies and mass data collection?
How has the legal definition of marriage evolved and how does this impact society?
How can environmental laws address the challenges of biodiversity loss?
Should gene editing be legal?
How do antitrust laws contribute to maintaining competition and preventing monopolies in the digital age?
In what ways do laws regarding data protection and privacy impact the development of smart cities?
Do animals deserve legal rights?
How can legal frameworks address the challenges of regulating self-driving vehicles?
How can the law address racial and ethnic discrimination in the criminal justice system?
Are juries inevitably flawed?
How does the law help society?
How can freedom of speech laws adapt to the challenges presented by social media?
What needs to be considered when creating a new law?
Who should the law protect?
How do laws that address gender-based violence contribute to social attitudes about gender inequality?

25 EPQ Ideas for Maths

How can mathematical models predict climate change?
To what extent can mathematical models enhance cybersecurity measures?
How does the application of mathematical techniques improve supply chain efficiency?
Can mathematical modeling provide insights into the spread and containment of infectious diseases like COVID-19?
Should students be forced to take maths at A-Level?
How do mathematical concepts influence the development of AI?
How can mathematical modelling inform traffic management?
How can game theory shape strategic decision-making in business?
Can number theory principles be applied to enhance the security of cryptographic systems?
What has been the most impactful mathematical discovery to date?
How does the study of chaos theory inform our understanding of complex systems in nature?
How useful is generative AI for solving mathematical problems?
Should maths education focus more on applied mathematics?
Has maths always existed?
Can mathematical analysis contribute to the optimisation of renewable energy systems?
How does graph theory contribute to the optimisation of network design and communications systems?
Can mathematical principles guide fair voting systems in democratic processes?
What impact does mathematical symmetry have on artistic disciplines?
What role does probability theory play in risk management?
Is the concept of infinity useful?
What was the role of maths in the code-breaking at Bletchley Park?
How does maths inform the systems behind cryptocurrencies?
To what extent can mathematical analysis contribute to predicting and managing financial market fluctuations?
Can mathematical algorithms enhance personalised learning experiences?
Should maths be optional in secondary school?

25 EPQ Ideas for Medicine

Is personalised medicine the way forward?
To what extent can telemedicine improve healthcare accessibility?
Can machine learning and AI be effectively used in medical diagnostics?
What role do social factors play in health disparities?
How can robotics benefit minimally invasive surgical procedures?
How can medical professionals balance patient autonomy with ethical considerations in end-of-life care?
Is there a place for alternative medicine in Western healthcare?
What impact do lifestyle factors have on longevity?
Is gene therapy a viable option for managing genetic diseases?
Were the public health interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic sufficient?
Is nanomedicine the future of targeted drug delivery?
Can medical interventions address the rising global prevalence of non-communicable diseases like diabetes?
How does medical anthropology contribute to the understanding of healthcare?
Could 3D printing technology provide the solution for personalised medical implants and prosthetics?
Why are girls underdiagnosed when it comes to autism?
Do government health incentives like putting calories on menus affect public health outcomes?
Is plastic surgery a solution to body dysmorphic disorder?
What is the effect of race and ethnicity on health outcomes during hospital treatment>
What are the arguments for legalising medical cannabis?
Did the Ancient Egyptians truly understand illness and medicine?
Are we treating mental health disorders correctly?
How can advancements in neurotechnology contribute to the treatment of brain injuries?
Is preventative healthcare more important than treatment?
Should healthcare be public?
Should organ donation be mandatory?

25 EPQ Ideas for Physics

How does quantum entanglement challenge our understanding of particle physics?
Can string theory provide a unified explanation for the fundamental forces in the universe?
Is the study of the universe important?
Can advancements in quantum computing revolutionise information processing?
Is time linear?
Is nuclear power a viable future resource?
Can the study of gravitational waves contribute to our understanding of black hole mergers?
Can physics prove (or disprove) the existence of God?
Could the moon be a tourist destination?
How far can humans realistically travel in space?
Is physics a male-dominated field and why?
What role does physics play in daily life?
Are any laws of physics breakable?
Do parallel universes exist?
What implications do the laws of physics have on free will?
How can concepts in physics, like light and colour, influence art?
How does physics inform our understanding of the origins of the universe?
What was the role of Mileva Meric, Albert Einstein’s wife, in his findings?
Should we eliminate nuclear weapons?
What is the most important discovery in physics?
How can physics be used to prevent climate change?
What is the role of physics in medicine?
What happens when the Sun dies?
Will humans ever live on another planet?
Project: Design and build a robot.

25 EPQ Ideas for Politics

How does the voting system affect representation in democratic elections?
To what extent do political debates influence public opinion?
How do local policies impact the daily lives of citizens?
Can political cartoons effectively convey complex political issues?
What role does diplomacy play in resolving international conflict?
How do modern political campaigns leverage social media?
How can citizens actively participate in local government decision-making?
What impact does the media’s portrayal of political leaders have on public perception?
Should politics prioritise the needs of marginalised communities?
How does the electoral college system influence presidential elections in the United States?
How can governments increase youth participation in politics?
Should politics be mandatory in schools?
Should businesses be allowed to lobby governments?
Should freedom of speech be protected at all costs?
Do we need new political systems to govern international cyber-space (e.g. the Metaverse)?
Should National Service be mandatory?
Is the government’s responsibility to address climate change?
Should there always be a separation of church and state?
What were the main factors that led to Brexit?
Does the government have a right to ban protests?
How can the government reduce voter apathy?
Is the national government more important than councils?
Should Scotland be allowed a second referendum?
Is there a fair representation of working-class people in the government?
Should there be a global system of governance?

25 EPQ Ideas for Psychology

How does the nature vs. nurture debate help us understand human behaviour?
How do cultural factors influence mental health?
Can cognitive psychology help us understand memory disorders?
What makes humans happy?
Can psychological research contribute to the prevention of substance abuse and addiction?
What impact does sleep have on cognitive function?
How does evolutionary psychology explain human mating behaviours and relationship dynamics?
Can psychology explain the motivations for bullying and cyberbullying?
What were the effects of isolation during COVID-19 lockdowns?
Do gender-neutral toys give children less restrictive views of gender?
Can education in psychology prevent bullying in schools?
Does the media portrayal of mental health issues make it hard for teenagers to seek help?
Do ethical constraints on research hinder our understanding of psychology?
Can cannabis use cause schizophrenia?
Is psychology a science?
What effect does bipolar disorder have on the family of the patient?
Do our genes or our experiences shape who we are?
Do different cultures see mental health in different ways?
Can psychology help us break bad habits?
Why does the placebo effect happen?
Is future criminal behaviour always evident in childhood?
Why do people fall in love?
How does online behaviour affect mental well-being?
Can talking therapy help with anxiety?
Is a full state of focus feasible for the human brain?

25 EPQ Ideas for Religious Studies

Are science and religion the same?
What role do religious rituals have in fostering a sense of community?
Do Muslims and Christians share the same God?
How do religious beliefs influence moral decision-making?
Can religious texts explain cultural values?
Is there an afterlife?
What impact do religious teachings have on attitudes toward the environment?
Is religious teaching the best way to create peace?
In what ways do art and architecture reflect religious beliefs?
How do religious practices contribute to individual well-being?
How does the concept of forgiveness vary across different religions?
How do religious leaders contribute to community development?
Why is Christianity declining in the United Kingdom?
What role does storytelling play in religious traditions?
Why do some religions spread while others remain small?
Why are certain animals considered sacred?
How do holidays and festivals strengthen religious identity?
Can the concept of karma influence ethical behaviour?
What impact does religious pluralism have on society?
How does Catholicism address the concept of suffering?
What’s the difference between a cult and a religion?
Does religion have a place in politics?
How did the history of the church shape today’s society?
Why are there different branches in major religions?
Can studying religious history prevent future conflicts?

25 EPQ Ideas for Sociology

Is the nuclear family structure important?
How does education enforce or challenge social inequality?
Does social media perpetuate negative perceptions of body image?
Would studying sociology prevent bullying in schools?
Why does racism exist?
Is social media eroding our social skills?
Does class really have an impact on access to opportunities?
How do gender roles influence career choices?
Can studying subcultures provide insights into youth identity?
How does migration impact cultural diversity?
Why do certain communities experience higher crime rates?
How does socialisation contribute to individual identity?
Can sociology help us understand voting patterns?
Can sociology create positive social change?
Does globalisation have a positive or negative impact on local cultures?
How do religious beliefs influence social attitudes?
Why are certain occupations gender-dominated?
Can sociology inform effective public health campaigns?
What is the next wave of feminism?
Why do certain age groups experience social isolation?
Who is to blame for poverty?
What effect could polyamorous families have on children?
How does technology impact social interactions among different generations?
Has sociology neglected the study of emotions?
How do social expectations influence individual choices about marriage and family?

25 EPQ Ideas for Sport

What role does teamwork play in the success of a sports team?
How important are grassroots sports for social inclusion and community engagement?
How do sports influence cultural identity and national pride?
Why are some sports more popular in specific countries?
Why do people engage in recreational sports?
Why has women’s football been so slow to develop in the UK compared to men’s football?
Do popular sports enforce or challenge gender stereotypes?
Should trans athletes be allowed to compete in standard leagues?
What can sports rivalries tell us about cultural tensions?
Can football ultras be considered a subculture movement?
What are the effects of an international event like the Olympics on the host country?
How does the accessibility of sports facilities impact participation rates?
Should sports be mandatory in secondary schools?
Can sports promote cultural exchange between nations?
Is Financial Fair Play (FFP) an effective tool for enforcing fairness among football clubs?
Do sports contribute to the development of social skills in children?
Why do people engage in sports fandom?
Why do female footballers experience higher rates of ACL injury than their male counterparts?
What can sports history tell us about society at the time?
Should sports clubs make more effort to be diverse and inclusive?
Who decides what is a sport?
Do high-level athletes have a responsibility to be role models?
Should professional athletes be paid more than medical professionals?
How can we fix the pay gap in sports?
What is the impact of genetics on sporting success?

Which EPQ Topic Should You Choose?

The ideas above are just a taster for popular EPQ subjects to inspire you. Remember, you can choose any topic you like. Since you’ll be spending six months researching and writing an essay about your chosen topic, it needs to be something you’re interested in.

Hopefully, these EPQ ideas have helped you figure out how to form an interesting question. By putting your own personal spin on an interesting idea, you can start down your pathway to getting a great EPQ grade.

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How to Write an EPQ essay (including lessons I’ve learned from writing my book)

Having just finished re-writing my book, The Ten Step Guide to Acing Every Exam You Ever Take (due to be published in February 2017) I thought now was the perfect time to share the lessons I've learned from doing an extended piece of writing like this so you can apply them to writing your EPQ essay.

How to write an EPQ essay – 9 Steps

1. your idea.

I did exactly this with my book. I want to become known as an expert in study skills and exam skills. The perfect way to do this is to write a book about it. Hopefully lots of new people will find me as a result of reading my book and want to work with me . My book is furthering my long-term aims (as well as being something I've always wanted to do – yippee for being a published author!).

2. Brain dump

Once you've come up with an idea brain dump everything you already know about it. This is important because your current knowledge is the foundation of where you're going to go next. It will also enable you to identify the gaps in your knowledge and therefore what further research you need to do.

Believe it or not, over the last eighteen months or so my brain dump has been my blog ! As I've listened more and more to my readers to hear what they need help with and what problems they have I have learned more and understood more about the field of study skills. I've researched, thought and read to improve my knowledge and understanding and put all that knowledge into my blog.

3. Identify your title or question

The next step is having some idea of what your title might be or what question you want to answer with your work. Throughout your research you need to ensure that you're finding information that will help you to answer this question.

With my book, the title dictated the structure that the book would take. It helped me to stay focused on what I needed to include as well as exclude.

4. Create a structure for your finished piece

From what you know already and the title you have identified you can create a draft structure or plan for your finished piece of work. Again, this structure will help to keep you focused on what research you need to do to properly answer your question. However, remember that you can always change your structure if what you find in your research deems it necessary.

When I was writing my book I had the overall structure which started with four parts and the ten chapters were divided up between those four parts. When I sat down to write each chapter I wrote a list of what I wanted to include in each of those chapters and decided in what order it was logical and sensible to write about each of those things. Doing this made the actual writing part easy – the book almost wrote itself!

5. Do your research

Now is the time to fill in the gaps in your knowledge by doing your research. Make sure you stay focused on your title and structure all the time that you're doing your research. It's also really important to keep a clear record of where you've gained your information for your references and bibliography. I remember in my early days at university writing endless notes that then got in a muddle and I could never identify the source text which meant I couldn't use that information in an essay because I couldn't reference it. I learned my lesson and soon put a system in place so that I could always identify where my notes, ideas and quotes came from!

With my book my research was listening to my readers and clients and reading books that helped me to solve the problems that they were dealing with. For example, I read a book called ‘Mini Habits' by Stephen Guise – and used that book as the basis for a blog post. I have now incorporated those ideas into the book.

6. Review your structure

As you're doing your research, and particularly once you've finished it, you'll need to review your structure. Your structure is essentially a summary of the argument you want to make in your essay. If the information you've found has lead you to an opinion that you can't express through your original structure then the structure needs to be altered or changed. This is the time when you need to be 100% sure that your structure provides with the framework to say exactly what you want to say in answer to the question or title you have set yourself.

I have found this to be particularly important with my book. The original version of my book was written before I even started my blog. The ten steps I included were all the clearest things I'd learned from my own experience as a student and from teaching geography in schools. However, through my blog, reading and coaching I gained more insights about my own experience and what really helped others. This meant that when I came to re-write the book I had more to say so that I had to change the structure to accomodate all this new understanding and knowledge.

7. Allocate a word count to each section of your structure

You know your essay has to be 5,000 words long and you know which sections you want to put into it because you've planned your structure. To make life easy for yourself you should now allocate a word count to each section. This means that you won't fall into the dreadful trap of writing way too much and having to cull all your hard work to be within the word limit.

I did this for my book. My publisher said that he'd like a 30,000 word book. The original book was about 14,000 words so I had to more than double it. I knew that I had ten basic chapters plus an introduction, foreword and other bits and pieces. So, I set myself the target that each chapter should be approximately 3,000 words. In the end some of the chapters are slightly shorter and others are slightly longer than this but I easily hit the 30,000 word marker by making sure I was reaching the word count for each chapter as I went along.

Can you believe we got to number eight before you actually started writing? Well, this is because all the planning and research you've done up until now will make the writing process really, really easy. The essay should almost write itself!

This is what I found with my book. My plan was so detailed and I'd done so much research over the preceeding eighteen month period that the writing bit was just easy. I sat down for between one and two hours a day for just eighteen days and the first draft of the book was written. It was utterly painless. I then spent two weeks reviewing and editing as well as writing the introduction.

9. Get feedback

The final step is to get feedback on your work. Give it to a friend, parent or mentor to read it through and give you some feedback. The more they know about your subject and academic writing the better. Listen carefully to the advice that they give you and incorporate it as best you can into your work.

The first person to read my book after I'd finished it was my editor. She was thrilled with it and said that ‘it reads wonderfully' and that there was very little she had to change. I credit my thorough planning process for this praise. I hope that your thorough planning leads to the same type of praise.

Some useful EPQ resources from the web

This information from The Student Room gives some really useful background information about the EPQ: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Extended_Project_Qualification

This post from the UCAS student blog helps you with where to start with your EPQ: https://www.ucas.com/connect/blogs/epq-where-start

You can download this essay guide from the TES website: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/epq-guide-essay-structure-6359383

If you know of any other really useful EPQ resources then leave a link in the comments below.

Over to you

I hope these tips really help you to write a brilliant EPQ as easily as possible. I've learned how to structure and organise my work in this way through years and years of experience researching, writing, reading and marking essays. Hopefully you won't have so much trial and error!

Leave me a comment below to tell me what you're studying in your EPQ and what challenges you're facing with it at the moment. I'll be sure to reply to every comment.

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The Dos and Don’ts of Writing an Academic Essay (EPQ Advice #4)

Thursday 21 march 2019, applicant.