THE EPQ AT HNC: YOUR CHANCE TO WORK ON A PASSION PROJECT
10.09.2026Have you ever wondered what undertaking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) entails? At HNC, students from across the curriculum who are enrolled on the College’s XL Programme have the opportunity to undertake an EPQ, a project that not only allows students to work on a topic they’re passionate about, it also boosts progression opportunities, with the qualification worth the equivalent of an AS Level in UCAS points.
Students taking part in the EPQ have the opportunity to work on a topic of their choice, with some choosing a subject closely aligned with their subject choices and wider career ambitions, and others choosing a topic far beyond their study programmes. In either case, students work with the College’s EPQ Mentor to develop an idea that will culminate in a final outcome, which could be either an artefact, or a 5000-word essay, similar to a dissertation.
Year 13 student Joshua has recently completed his EPQ project – a Bradford City AFC Fanzine – showcasing that an EPQ really can be a genuine passion project! Joshua shares more about his EPQ experience at HNC “As part of the College’s XL Programme, I was invited to take part in the EPQ. Although most people write an essay, I decided I wanted to do something a bit different. As a season ticket holder for Bradford City, I decided to focus my project on their 2024-25 promotion, creating a fanzine to celebrate their success. As well as researching the clubs history, I also proactively contacted the Club’s kit man, which lead to me being able to arrange an interview with the Club’s CEO. Ryan Sparks – which was an absolutely amazing opportunity! The final outcome for my EPQ was a glossy Fanzine that I created in Canva, alongside an essay that evaluated the artefact I created and the processes behind it. I am incredibly proud my EPQ work. I have been so inspired by the project that I have now based my progression plans around it, and after a gap year where I aim to build on my work experience and travel Europe, I plan to study Sport and Business Management at University. Taking part in the EPQ has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend taking part”.
Jan Kikezos, Teacher of English and EPQ Mentor, comments “Undertaking an EPQ is challenging but rewarding! Throughout their time on the EPQ, students work hard to decide on a topic and produce a final outcome, developing their skills in research, data collection and academic writing, which is excellent preparation for the rigors of degree level study. We have had some fantastic projects thi8s year, and students like Joshua demonstrate just how broad and exciting an EPQ can be! I am already looking forward to hearing more about our next EPQ cohorts ideas”.
In Year 11? Join us at our Open Event on Saturday 10 October to discover more about the experiences you can expect as a student at HNC. You can find out more information here.
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