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OIC Brighton
10 June, 2025

The Academic Benefits of the Extended Project Qualification

The Academic Benefits of the Extended Project Qualification | OIC Brighton - The Academic Benefits of the Extended Project Qualification

Dr Gemma Hannan, Deputy Principal Academic, explains about the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) — a highly regarded academic enrichment opportunity offered to students at OIC Brighton. 

What is the Extended Project Qualification?

The EPQ allows students to explore a topic of their choice in depth, develop independent research skills and produce a dissertation, investigation, artefact or performance. It not only fosters intellectual curiosity and critical thinking but also mirrors the kind of academic work expected at university level. 

“The students themselves found it so exciting to be able to develop a research project that was at the cutting edge of some of our knowledge in that area”, explains Dr Gemma Hannan. “ They were able to present their findings and quite often the most important finding they discover is a little bit more about themselves”. 

Cheryl, Year 11, also offers a deeper insight into her project topic, reflecting on how the Extended Project Qualification is supporting her in working towards her future academic and career aspirations. 

The qualification is widely recognised by top universities, many of which view the EPQ as evidence of a student’s ability to thrive in an independent learning environment.

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