If you’re a UK student, you’ll have likely heard of the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). It’s the best way to demonstrate independent research, get noticed in university applications, and even pick up additional UCAS Points. If you’re taking the AQA EPQ, Edexcel EPQ, or another board.

Just like every other blog, we at Uninist have curated this guide to equip you with 200+ EPQ ideas. From basic details to tips on how to crack it, we have got you covered in everything. While you figure out student accommodation in UK, let us take care to provide you with 200+ EPQ ideas. Keep on reading students, we have covered it all! So, without any more delay, let’s get right into it.

What is an EPQ?

• EPQ means Extended Project Qualification.
• It is a secondary qualification studied along with A-levels or similar courses in UK.
• Offered under various exam boards like AQA EPQ and Edexcel EPQ.
• Students select their own title, conduct research, and write a 5,000-word essay or produce an artefact/project along with a report.
• Facilitates the development of research, analysis, and project management skills.

Why is an EPQ Important?

• UCAS Points: An EPQ can gain you a maximum of 28 UCAS Points, which could benefit university offers. The UCAS points help you in getting an offer from your dream university. 
• Enhances University Applications: EPQ is favored by universities and they take the EPQ in consideration while making a firm decision on your application.  since it indicates independent study abilities the EPQ becomes very important. 
• A EPQ Example Impact*: A good EPQ grade can even mean less university offers.
• Facilitates Finding Out Interests: You are able to investigate an interest that interests you, which makes studying more interesting.
• Preparation for Further Studies: It prepares you in academic writing, referencing, and project management.

How is EPQ Assessed?

• AQA EPQ Mark Scheme and Edexcel EPQ criteria emphasize:
• Planning and project management.
• Research quality and depth.
• Development of arguments and analysis.
• Presentation of findings.
• Reflection and evaluation.
• Assessment is both written essay/report and oral presentation.

What Are the Types of EPQ Projects

Essay-Based EPQ

• A 5,000-word academic research essay.
• Most suitable for students who like writing and research.

Artefact-Based EPQ

Make something concrete such as a short film, fashion product, computer software, or piece of music with an accompanying report.

Investigation/Experiment-Based EPQ

Bargain for science students who like hands-on research.

How to Select the Correct EPQ Topic

• Choose something that you really care about.
• Ensure it is focused enough to research thoroughly.
• Ensure that there are sufficient credible sources out there.
• Connect it to your future job or university topic for best effect.

200+ EPQ Ideas by Subject

Now it’s time to discuss the main topic. If you are searching for EPQ ideas then you can find everything you need here. Here is the list of idea topic-wise: 

• Science EPQ Ideas
• Medicine & Health EPQ Ideas
• Technology & Computing EPQ Ideas
• History & Politics EPQ Ideas
• Literature & Arts EPQ Ideas
• Business & Economics EPQ Ideas
• Psychology & Sociology EPQ Ideas
• Environment & Geography EPQ Ideas
• Law & Criminology EPQ Ideas
• Education EPQ Ideas
• Sports & Fitness EPQ Ideas
• Media & Communications EPQ Ideas
• Philosophy & Ethics EPQ Ideas

This is the just the domain, but don’t worry Uninist never leave the students with half information. So, now let’s see each of the topics domain wise. 

Science EPQ Ideas

• Is genetic modification likely to put an end to world hunger?
• How good is CRISPR in treating genetic illness?
• Can artificial intelligence diagnose better than human physicians?
• Are vaccines always safe and always effective?
• The future of cancer treatment using nanotechnology.
• Can nuclear power be used instead of fossil fuels?
• Can lab-grown meat prevent ethical problems with food production?
• Is colonizing space within the next 100 years a possibility?
• Should humans attempt to bring back extinct species?
• Is time travel theoretically possible?
• Could dark matter explain the mysteries of the universe?
• Are human space missions worth the risks compared to robotics?
• Is life possible outside our solar system?
• Should genetic engineering in humans be banned?

Medicine & Health EPQ Ideas

• The morality of euthanasia today.
• Should organ donation be made compulsory?
• How do pandemics affect global healthcare systems?
• Can mental health care be completely digital?
• Is the NHS viable in its present structure?
• The connection between diet and cancer prevention.
• Is universal healthcare a reality on a global scale?
• Should alternative medicine be integrated into the NHS?
• How effective are wearable health trackers?
• Is antibiotic resistance the biggest medical challenge of our time?
• Should cosmetic surgery be regulated more strictly?
• Can gene therapy cure cancer?
• Are mental health services underfunded in UK?

Technology & Computing EPQ Ideas

• Should artificial intelligence be regulated by governments?
• The effect of social media on mental well-being.
• Can cryptocurrency eliminate conventional banking?
• Is data privacy a reality in the age of AI?
• Should we be afraid of artificial general intelligence?
• The future of technology in education after COVID.
• Are autonomous vehicles really safe?
• The emergence of cyber warfare: a threat indeed?
• Should AI replace teachers in classrooms?
• Is virtual reality the future of education?
• Are cryptocurrencies sustainable in the long run?
• Should governments use facial recognition?
• Is transhumanism (merging humans with tech) ethical?
• Are robots replacing too many jobs?

History & Politics EPQ Ideas

• Was the Cold War inevitable?
• How did colonialism influence contemporary Africa?
• Could World War II have been prevented?
• Do statues of problematic historical figures belong?
• Is democracy the optimal political system?
• The function of propaganda during war.
• Does history repeat itself?
• Did the Treaty of Versailles cause World War II?
• Could the British Empire have ended peacefully?
• Should history be rewritten from a non-European perspective?
• How did the printing press change society?
• Is Brexit beneficial or harmful for UK?
• Should political leaders be held accountable after leaving office?

Literature & Arts EPQ Ideas

• How has feminism impacted contemporary literature?
• Should Shakespeare still be taught at school?
• Is digital art as valuable as traditional art?
• Is music censorship ever acceptable?
• How has Netflix revolutionized the film industry?
• The influence of social media on poetry.
• Is fashion more business or art?
• Should controversial books be banned?
• Has social media created a new form of literature?
• Is graphic design more art or communication?
• How has hip-hop influenced modern poetry?
• Should art be funded by taxpayers?
• Do film adaptations ruin classic books?

Business & Economics EPQ Ideas

• Is capitalism viable?
• Do billionaires have a moral duty to redistribute wealth?
• Can small companies compete with global corporations?
• The emergence of ethical consumerism: is it genuine or just a trend?
• Is remote work the future of business?
• How does inflation influence student life?
• Should fast fashion be banned by governments?
• Is capitalism responsible for income inequality?
• Should governments regulate multinational corporations more strictly?
• Is a universal basic income a solution to automation job loss?
• Do billionaires harm or help society?
• Should cryptocurrencies be regulated by governments?
• Does globalisation help or harm small businesses?

Psychology & Sociology EPQ Ideas

• Are humans violent or peaceful by nature?
• How can childhood trauma impact adulthood?
• Should mobile phones be banned in schools?
• The psychology of social media addiction.
• Does personality change throughout one’s life?
• Nature vs. nurture: which is more important?
• Is intelligence fixed or malleable?
• Can happiness be scientifically measured?
• Do violent video games encourage aggression?
• Is intelligence inherited or developed?
• Should social media use be limited for teenagers?
• Are introverts disadvantaged in modern society?
• Can psychology predict criminal behaviour?

Environment & Geography EPQ Ideas

• Can climate change be reversed?
• Should plastic be banned altogether by countries?
• The UK’s future of renewable energy.
• Is overpopulation more of a risk than climate change?
• Can environmentally friendly fashion minimize harm to the environment?
• The government’s role in combating global warming.
• How does tourism affect the environment?
• Should rich countries do more to fight climate change?
• Is fast fashion the biggest environmental issue today?
• Can eco-tourism really be sustainable?
• Should plastic packaging be completely banned?
• How does deforestation affect indigenous communities?
• Is water scarcity the next global crisis?

Law & Criminology EPQ Ideas

• Does prison reduce reoffending?
• Should police wear body cameras at all times?
• Is UK legal system biased against minorities?
• Should self-defence laws be expanded?
• Are hate crime laws effective?
• Should capital punishment return in severe crimes?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is the UN effective in enforcing international law?
• Are current copyright laws outdated?
• Should trial by social media be considered harmful?
• Should jury members be trained in law?
• Should whistleblowers be protected legally?
• Is restorative justice effective?
• Should graffiti be treated as art or crime?
• Should criminal records be wiped after rehabilitation?
• Should curfews be imposed on young offenders?
• Are prison sentences too lenient?
• Should cyberbullying carry criminal charges?
• Can AI judges be fairer than humans?
• Is plea bargaining ethical?
• Should revenge porn laws be stricter?
• Are white-collar crimes punished less severely?
• Should corporal punishment be reintroduced in schools?
• Should gun laws be stricter in UK?
• Is life imprisonment more humane than the death penalty?
• Should international courts intervene in domestic crimes?
• Should prisons have better education programs?
• Is trial by jury outdated?
• Should laws evolve with technology faster?
• Is prison overcrowding a failure of the system?

Education EPQ Ideas

• Should exams be replaced with continuous assessment?
• Is homework beneficial for students?
• Do private schools give unfair advantages?
• Should mobile phones be banned in schools?
• Is online learning as effective as classroom teaching?
• Should university be free for everyone in UK?
• Are traditional teaching methods outdated?
• How does class size affect learning outcomes?
• Should coding be a mandatory school subject?
• Do grammar schools improve social mobility?
• Should grammar schools be abolished?
• Do boarding schools damage children’s mental health?
• Is university worth the debt?
• Should schools run year-round instead of term-based?
• Should boys and girls be taught separately?
• Does standardised testing harm creativity?
• Should teachers be paid more?
• Do schools prepare students for real life?
• Should sex education be compulsory?
• Is homeschooling more effective?
• Should exams be open-book?
• Is GCSE grading fair?
• Should schools have uniforms?
• Is bilingual education beneficial?

Sports & Fitness EPQ Ideas

• Should transgender athletes compete in their chosen category?
• Should rugby be banned in schools due to injuries?
• Should athletes be role models?
• Should gambling be banned in sports?
• Is Formula 1 environmentally sustainable?
• Should physical activity be mandatory daily?
• Do professional sports harm athletes’ health?
• Should athletes be allowed to protest during matches?
• Should VAR be scrapped in football?
• Should Paralympic athletes get equal pay?
• Are contact sports too dangerous?
• Should Olympic athletes be amateurs only?
• Should sports be free-to-air on TV?
• Should alcohol sponsorship in sports be banned?
• Do mega-events like the Olympics justify their costs?
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Should universities prioritise sports over academics?
• Should chess be an Olympic sport?
• Should referees be replaced by technology?
• Should women’s sports receive equal funding?
• Should betting companies sponsor football?
• Should sports betting be banned?
• Should fans be banned for violent behaviour?
• Should athletes be forced to retire at a certain age?
• Should stadiums go cashless?
• Should marathon running be made safer?
• Should boxing gloves be banned for safety?
• Do mega-salaries corrupt sports?
• Should Olympic hosting rotate permanently?
• Should eSports be in schools as PE?

Media & Communications EPQ Ideas

• Should celebrities’ private lives be off-limits to the media?
• Should advertising to children be banned?
• Does social media increase political polarisation?
• Should violent films be age-restricted more strictly?
• Do memes count as a new form of communication?
• Should newspapers go fully digital?
• Is TikTok bad for creativity?
• Should online anonymity be banned?
• Do influencers manipulate consumer behaviour?
• Should paparazzi be banned?
• Should deepfake technology be restricted by law?
• Does censorship harm creativity?
• Should reality TV be banned?
• Should Facebook regulate political posts?
• Should celebrities be fined for misinformation?
• Is radio still relevant today?
• Should video game addiction be recognised as a disorder?
• Do movies glorify violence too much?
• Should governments regulate streaming platforms?
• Should AI create films?
• Do advertisements promote stereotypes?
• Should Twitter ban political leaders?
• Should fake news be treated as a crime?
• Is influencer marketing ethical?
• Should podcasts replace traditional radio?
• Should Hollywood films dominate global cinema?
• Should advertising during children’s shows be banned?
• Do awards shows have value anymore?
• Should clickbait be banned?
• Do social media algorithms limit free will?

Philosophy & Ethics EPQ Ideas

• Should assisted suicide be legal everywhere?
• Is morality possible without religion?
• Do humans have true free will?
• Should humans colonise space?
• Is war ever justified?
• Should cloning be banned?
• Do animals have rights equal to humans?
• Should parents choose their child’s genetics?
• Is artificial intelligence conscious?
• Should robots have rights?
• Is lying always wrong?
• Should happiness be the ultimate goal of life?
• Is killing in self-defence ethical?
• Should religions be taxed?
• Can money buy true happiness?
• Is beauty subjective or objective?
• Is immortality desirable?

EPQ Tips to Achieve an A*

• Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until the end and complete what’s important first. Waiting till the end will decline your chances. 
• Maintain a Project Diary: AQA EPQ mark scheme favors comprehensive planning records and plan accordingly. 
• Make use of Credible Sources: Journals, books, and academic journals are the best ways to find information. These are credible and trusted sources, so benefit from as much as you can. 
• Be Specific: Don’t overdo your project. The best way to achieve an A* is to be to the point and not circling around the topic with meaningless words. 
• Practice Presentations: You need confidence in presenting your findings, so make your presentation with the belief that it will be great and practice it so you can be confident while presenting. 

EPQ VS UCAS Applications

• An EPQ carries additional weight on your application.
• Most universities decrease A-level offers if you get an A or A* in EPQ.
• Highlighting your EPQ in your UCAS personal statement demonstrates passion and interest.

What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a topic that’s too broad or vague.
• Utilizing non-reliable sources such as random blogs without proof.
• Not handling time effectively.
• Not using the project logbook.
• Relying too much on internet sources instead of books or academic papers.

Conclusion 

The EPQ is an excellent way to make your academic journey stand out in the crowd. From earning UCAS points to giving you real-world research skills, it is one of the best decisions you can make alongside A-levels. 

In this blog, we covered almost every aspect related to EPQ and not just this we also provided you with 200+ ideas which you can use according to your domain. So, take help from this blog and write the best EPQ.

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