Writing a successful Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Writing a successful and stress-free Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) requires clear planning, good organisation, and reflection throughout. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan, organise, and succeed in your project:

1. Choosing the Right Topic

Tips:

Choose something you are genuinely interested in, even better if this links to a potential career pathway.
Make sure your topic area is researchable and has enough depth for analysis.
Link project to your future studies or career if possible.

Avoid:

Topics that are too broad or too narrow.
Topics that lack reliable sources or credible data.
Any subject area that is covered in any of your current subject specifications – if in doubt check with your subject teacher, this is very important.

2. Planning Your Project

Create a Timeline:

Break your EPQ down into the relevant stages as shown in your production log:

Initial ideas and title
Research and reading
Planning and structuring
Writing the project
Editing and finalising
Preparing your presentation

Use a Gantt chart or spreadsheet to stay on track. See additional support for creating a timeline below.

Set SMART goals:

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound

3. Conducting Research

Use a range of sources:

Books
Academic journals
Websites (check reliability!)
Documentaries/interviews/observations
Surveys or experiments (if applicable)

Organise your research:

Keep a research log, this is very important for your production log
Record references as you go using a system like Harvard (as directed by your course leader)
Annotate and highlight key points

4. Structuring Your Project

For a written report (usually 5,000 words), structure suggestion:

Title page
Contents page
Introduction – What is your project about? Why is it important?
Literature review / Research section – What did you find out?
Analysis / Discussion – What does it mean? Critical thinking here!
Conclusion – What have you discovered or concluded?
Evaluation – Reflect on your process and outcomes
Bibliography – List of all your sources
Appendices – Any surveys, interview transcripts, etc.

5. Writing the Report

Key writing tips:

Write formally and objectively
Use evidence to support your points throughout
Include citations
Be critical, not just descriptive

6. Completing the Production Log – story of your journey, be honest! Detailing any errors and changes to your project with reasoning should be included.

This is essential for marks and includes:

Planning stages
Decision-making
Challenges and how you overcame them
What you learned from the process

Top Tip: Fill it in as you go. Do not leave it until the end.

7. Preparing Your Presentation

You will deliver a 10-minute presentation with a Q&A at the end.

What to include:

Your project title and aims
What you discovered
What you learned about the topic and the research process
Any changes you made along the way

Practice speaking clearly and confidently to an audience and/or in front of a mirror. Cues cards could be helpful. Prepare yourself for possible questions.

8. Evaluating and Reflecting

The EPQ is not just about the final product — it is about the process.

Reflect on:

What went well
What you would do differently if you were to do your project again
How it developed your skills (e.g., research, time management, independence)

Success Tips:

Stick to your timeline – Do not fall behind!
Ask your supervisor for feedback and to meet with you regularly.
Stay organised – keep your research, notes, drafts tidy and in date order.
Use feedback from your supervisor/course leader to improve.
Keep your EPQ log up to date at every stage, do not complete it all at the end.

EPQ timeline that breaks your project into manageable stages, spread over approximately 6–8 months. You can adjust the dates based on your school’s deadlines or how much time you have.

EPQ Timeline: Month-by-Month Breakdown

Month 1: Project Proposal & Planning