Extended Project Qualification Level 3
About this course
What is the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification?
ASDAN’s Level 3 Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a nationally recognised, regulated, project-based qualification for learners aged 16–19. Taken alongside A levels, T Levels or other Level 3 study, it carries up to 28 UCAS points.
Learners choose a topic connected to their studies, interests, career plans or work experience. They complete a dissertation of no more than 5,000 words or produce a performance or artefact accompanied by a written report of at least 1,000 words. Every learner also presents their completed project.
The EPQ develops independent research, critical thinking, project management, analysis, evaluation and presentation skills. These skills can support progression to higher education, apprenticeships, training or employment.
ASDAN provides a fully resourced suggested delivery model, including a 30-hour taught element and the option to connect the project to a work placement. The qualification is available for delivery in England and internationally.
Watch our briefing below to discover all you need to know about the Extended Project Qualification:
| Learner age | 16+, 16–19 |
| Level (indicative for non-regulated courses) | Level 3 |
| Key Stage | Key Stage 5 |
| Education setting | Mainstream school, Further education, Academy / Multi-academy trust, Independent school, Secondary |
| Guided learning hours | 120 hours |
| Regulated | Qualification |
| Certification | Externally certificated, hard-copy only |
| Location | International (including Channel Islands and Ireland), Scotland, Wales, England |
| UCAS points | UCAS points available |
| Available on Equitas | No |
| Pathway | Personal Effectiveness |
Helpful information
Who is EPQ for?
The ASDAN Level 3 Extended Project Qualification is designed for learners aged 16–19 who are studying full time. It can be taken alongside A levels, T Levels and other Level 3 academic, technical or vocational qualifications.
There are no formal entry requirements, although learners are expected to have achieved four GCSEs, including English and mathematics at grades 9–4 or A*–C.
The EPQ is suitable for learners who want to:
- explore a subject or career interest in greater depth
- develop independent study and project management skills
- connect their learning to work experience
- prepare for higher education, apprenticeships, training or employment.
Facts and figures
- Regulated by Ofqual for use in England and internationally
- 120 hours total qualification time, including a pre-project taught element (30 hours)
- UCAS Tariff points are available on the Extended Project Qualification. For more information, please refer to this information sheet.
- Students choose the topic for their project – it can be linked to their programme of study or a work placement
- Develops study skills and employability skills for progression to higher education and employment
- Supported by high quality teaching and learning resources
What does the EPQ involve?
Learners plan, research, develop and review a project based on a topic they have chosen. The topic can complement their existing studies, explore an area of interest or connect to work experience and future career plans.
Projects can be completed individually or as part of a group. In a group project, each learner must contribute at every stage, complete an individual written report and presentation, and meet all four assessment objectives.
Why choose ASDAN's EPQ?
The qualification:
- gives learners the freedom to choose and shape their project
- offers dissertation, performance and artefact project formats
- includes the option to complete a project linked to work experience
- develops research, critical thinking, planning and presentation skills
- carries up to 28 UCAS points
- is supported by a fully resourced suggested delivery model.
How long does the EPQ take?
The EPQ has 120 guided learning hours and 120 hours of total qualification time.
| Element | Hours |
|---|---|
| Taught element | 30 hours |
| Independent learning, supervision and review | 90 hours |
| Total | 120 hours |
The taught element helps learners develop the research, project management and study skills needed to complete their project successfully.
How is the EPQ assessed?
Learners must meet four assessment objectives:
- AO1. Manage (20%)
- AO2. Use resources (20%)
- AO3. Develop and realise (40%)
- AO4. Review (20%)
The EPQ is internally assessed and marked by the centre, internally moderated and externally moderated by ASDAN. It is graded A*, A, B, C, D or E, with an Unclassified result where the required standard is not achieved.
Become a member
To deliver this course, your organisation must be an ASDAN member. Visit our membership page to find out what is included and how to apply.
Register your interest in ASDAN membership
Create a cohort
Once your organisation is an ASDAN member and has approval to deliver this course, you can create a cohort of learners in the members’ area. You will need to specify a course coordinator, the expected completion date and the number of learners taking the course.
Learners should be registered within 60 days of starting any ASDAN course and before any assessment takes place.
Access resources
ASDAN provides a wide range of supporting resources, including course standards with guidance and assessment materials. All resources related to your course can be found on the course webpage.
Quality assurance
All ASDAN courses are assessed through portfolios or projects, instead of exams. Appropriate internal quality assurance (IQA) and external quality assurance (EQA) will take place according to the course and you will be guided on this by our team.
Training is mandatory for centres delivering the Extended Project Qualification. It provides guidance on planning and delivering the taught element, supervising projects, assessment and internal moderation.
Training is included in ASDAN membership for organisations joining or renewing after 1 April 2026, excluding tailored INSET.
Book training in the members area
ASDAN members can also take part in our special interest groups. These online sessions focus on specific areas of practice and provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration and networking with other members.
All registration costs are per learner.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Extended Project Qualification Level 3 | £60 |
Public funding for ASDAN qualifications delivered in the UK
Course resources
Qualifications internal quality assurance guidance
Qualifications internal quality assurance cycle
Qualifications internal quality assurance pre-delivery check (with guidance)
Qualifications internal quality assurance sampling plan
Qualifications internal quality assurance feedback report template
Qualifications internal standardisation meeting template
Qualifications EQA/external moderation sample centre checklist
EPQ teacher guide
EPQ suggested delivery model (taught element)
EPQ learner guide: areas of interest
EPQ learner guide: work experience
EPQ graded exemplar project
EPQ exemplar project with supervisor/assessor marks: dissertation
EPQ exemplar project with supervisor/assessor marks: artefact
EPQ exemplar project with supervisor/assessor marks: mandatory paperwork