A Level EPQ OCR

This subject is broken down into 17 topics in 2 modules:

  1. Essay 9 topics
  2. Product/Artefact 8 topics
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  • 2
    modules
  • 17
    topics
  • 6,484
    words of revision content
  • 50+
    minutes of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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EPQ

Essay

Choose a topic and title

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Choose a topic and title

Choosing a Topic

  • Consider your interests: Begin by thinking about the subjects that fascinate you. The essay will require a substantial amount of research and writing, so it's better to choose a topic about which you are passionate or have a keen interest.
  • Align with future ambitions: If you have a clear vision of your future career or university course, consider a topic that will provide valuable foundation knowledge or skills. Evidencing this strategic approach in your EPQ can also impress admissions officers or employers.
  • Breadth versus depth: EPQ essays can explore a broad field, or delve into a specific area in depth. Both approaches have their merits. Consider which is most appropriate for your chosen topic.
  • Ensure availability of resources: Before settling on a topic, do some preliminary research to ensure there are enough credible resources available. An extreme niche topic may lack sufficient sources to produce a well-researched EPQ.
  • Originality vs practicality: Striking the balance of picking a topic that is original yet practical enough to see through to completion can be a challenge. Don’t be afraid to think creatively, but remember the feasibility of your research.

Choosing a Title

  • Clarity is key: Your title must accurately represent the content and focus of your EPQ essay. Titles should be clear and concise but specific enough to convey your chosen angle or argument.
  • Avoid overly complex or technical language: Pithy, plain language can be remarkably effective. It's important that reviewers are able to grasp your topic and approach swiftly from the title alone.
  • Pose a question: Some choose to make their title a question they will aim to answer within their essay. This approach can provide a clear structure and direction for the EPQ.
  • Enhance with descriptors: Descriptive adjectives, specifics about location or population, or the context and time period can make your title more informative and inviting.
  • Refine as you go: Your essay title isn’t set in stone. As you delve further into your research and refine your argument or focus, don’t hesitate to revise your title to ensure it remains an accurate reflection of your work.

Course material for EPQ, module Essay, topic Choose a topic and title

EPQ

Product/Artefact

Choose a topic

🤓 Study

📖 Quiz

Play audio lesson

Choose a topic

Choosing a Topic for the Product/Artefact

Identifying Subject Areas of Interest

  • Begin by uncovering your passions. What subjects or areas are you particularly enthusiastic about?
  • You might be inspired by something you're studying in school, but don't limit yourself to your current curriculum.
  • Think about issues that matter to you personally. This could be anything from climate change to fashion design.

Researching Further

  • Once you've identified a few potential areas, explore them further. Read books, articles, and online sources to learn more.
  • Look for existing issues or gaps in the field that could be addressed or filled by an artefact or product.
  • For example, if you're interested in sustainability in fashion, maybe there's a need for a new type of eco-friendly fabric or a sustainable design process.

Reflecting

  • Evaluate whether you're truly interested and invested in this topic. You'll be spending a lot of time working on this project, so it should be something you genuinely want to explore.
  • Is there a viable artefact or product you could realistically develop as part of this project? It needs to be something that allows you to demonstrate a range of skills, and should be appropriately challenging for this level of education.

Finalising Your Choice

  • Discuss your potential topic with your EPQ Supervisor, they can provide valuable input and guidance to ensure your project is feasible.
  • Make sure your topic is suitably complex. It needs to be more than just a summary of existing knowledge. It should involve analysis and critical thinking.
  • Finally, consider how this project might align with your future goals. Perhaps you're planning to study engineering at university, so designing and building a drone would be a relevant and beneficial project.

Course material for EPQ, module Product/Artefact, topic Choose a topic

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