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 Northern Ireland.
Read the EPQ specification, additional approval guidance and view key dates.
| 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), Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England |
| UCAS points | UCAS points available |
| Available on Equitas | No |
| Pathway | Personal Effectiveness |
Discover all you need to know in our Extended Project Qualification briefing
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.
- EPQ specification
- EPQ key dates for centres
- EPQ Suggested delivery model
- EPQ additional approval guidance
- EPQ learner guide
- EPQ parent guide
Approved centres can access further delivery and assessment resources through the members area, including mandatory forms, exemplar projects, resources for the taught element and guidance for employers.
Getting started
New to ASDAN?
Your first step is to become a member of ASDAN. Read more about our membership tiers and the benefits of being a member.
Already a member?
If you are on our qualifications membership and your centre has been approved to deliver qualifications, you can get started by purchasing materials below.
Please note that someone from your centre must have attended a mandatory training session or INSET prior to delivering this course.
You can upgrade your membership at any time under account settings.
ASDAN members' area
You can manage your courses, learners, orders and account settings in the members’ area. This also contains all the essential documents, forms and updates that you will need to deliver your course.
Assessment
After students' work has been internally moderated, centres must submit candidate marks and send projects for external moderation, which is carried out by post. ASDAN will issue certificates following successful external moderation.
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 as part of ASDAN membership for organisations joining or renewing after 1 April 2026, excluding tailored INSET.
All learner registration fees shown below are per learner, unless otherwise stated.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Extended Project Qualification Level 3 | £60 |
Public funding for ASDAN qualifications delivered in the UK
Public funding may be available for the ASDAN Level 3 Extended Project Qualification. Eligibility depends on the learner, provider and current funding rule:
- England - Education and Skills Funding Agency, ESFA
- Northern Ireland - Department for the Economy
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