One great way to prepare for university and boost your A-levels in Sixth Form is by taking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). After all, this standalone qualification allows students to showcase their personality and independent research skills, on top of scoring up to 28 additional UCAS points. What’s more, you have the freedom to choose any topic you want, which can be both exciting yet overwhelming at the same time.
But with so many possible paths you could embark on, how do you know what EPQ topics work best to complement your A-levels? If anything, it actually makes it rather tricky to narrow down your choice. Whether you’re planning to do a 5,000-word dissertation or produce something accompanied by a shorter 1,500-word report, consider this article your source of inspiration for 60+ of the best EPQ topic ideas, questions, and examples across a range of A-level subjects, from medicine and law to business and the arts.
Key Takeaways
- A good EPQ idea is arguable, focused, researchable, and personally interesting, and ideally connects to your intended university course.
- Phrase your EPQ as a question using stems like ‘To what extent…’ or ‘How far does…’ to invite analysis rather than description.
- There are strong EPQ ideas in every A-level subject, from medicine and psychology to law, history, engineering, and the arts.
- The EPQ does not have to be an essay; the artefact route lets you create a product, performance, or event alongside a shorter report.
- A* EPQs show genuine independent analysis and reflection, not just a polished result, but evidence of how you researched and thought.
- At Lord Wandsworth College, EPQ students are supported through every stage by a supervisor, building skills that strengthen university applications.
What Makes a Good EPQ Idea?
In order to brainstorm and pick strong ideas for EPQ, it’s important to learn what qualities make it a good topic in the first place. From being heavily researchable to aligning with your personal interests, here are a few criteria your Extended Project Qualification ideas should have:
| Quality | What It Means | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Arguable | Has a genuine debate or tension to explore | Avoid questions with one obvious answer |
| Focused | Narrow enough to answer in 5,000 words | Avoid ‘Is climate change real?’ – too broad |
| Researchable | Enough reliable sources exist | Avoid topics with little credible material |
| Personal interest | You genuinely care about it | You’ll spend months on this – choose well |
| Course-aligned (ideal) | Links to your intended degree | Strengthens your UCAS personal statement |
Want to learn more about the EPQ before choosing your Extended Project Qualification ideas? Dive deeper into “What is an EPQ” in this article.
How to Turn an EPQ Idea into a Strong Question
The best EPQ ideas become successful projects when they’re framed as clear, focused questions that encourage evaluation rather than description. A well-written research question helps keep your project manageable whilst giving you enough scope to demonstrate critical thinking and independent analysis.
Use Question Stems That Invite Analysis
The strongest EPQ questions ask students to weigh evidence, compare viewpoints, or evaluate arguments instead of simply explaining a topic. This naturally creates opportunities for deeper analysis, which examiners reward. Here are a few EPQ examples of how to frame your questions:
- ‘To what extent…’ — invites weighing evidence on both sides.
- ‘How far does…’ / ‘Is X the most significant factor in…’ — built-in analysis.
- ‘Should…’ — invites an ethical or evaluative argument.
- Avoid pure ‘What is…’ questions — they describe rather than argue, and score lower.
Narrow a Broad Topic Into a Focused Question
Notice how, when the topic is too broad, it becomes more difficult to write for? Hence, it’s always better to narrow down your EPQ project ideas into a specific issue, location, timeframe, or audience. This makes your research more manageable and helps produce stronger arguments. See how we turn broad Extended Project Qualification ideas into a specific, focused question below:
EPQ example 1:
- Broad: Climate change.
- Focused: To what extent can carbon capture realistically offset UK aviation emissions by 2040?
EPQ example 2:
- Broad: Social media and mental health.
- Focused: How far does Instagram-use correlate with anxiety in UK teenagers?
EPQ example 3:
- Broad: Artificial intelligence.
- Focused: Should AI-generated artwork receive the same copyright protection as human-created work?
60+ EPQ Ideas and Examples by A-level Subject
If you’re looking for Extended Project Qualification ideas, the best place to start is with subjects you already enjoy. The examples below are designed as arguable research questions that can be adapted into your own EPQ project ideas.
Medicine, Biology & Health Sciences
These EPQ ideas are ideal for students interested in healthcare, scientific research, and tackling real-world medical challenges.
- To what extent should gene editing be used to prevent inherited disease?
- How far can artificial intelligence replace human judgement in medical diagnosis?
- Is a sugar tax an effective way to reduce childhood obesity in the UK?
- To what extent is antibiotic resistance the greatest threat to modern medicine?
- Should animal testing continue to play a role in medical research?
- How effective are current NHS strategies in tackling mental health waiting times?
- To what extent could personalised medicine transform cancer treatment?
Psychology
These psychology EPQ ideas explore behaviour, mental health, and human development whilst encouraging balanced evaluation.
- How far does childhood attachment predict adult relationship patterns?
- To what extent is social media responsible for rising anxiety in teenagers?
- Can memory be considered reliable enough to use as criminal evidence?
- Is there a meaningful link between personality type and academic success?
- How effective is cognitive behavioural therapy compared with medication for treating depression?
- To what extent do video games affect aggression in young people?
- Should schools introduce compulsory mindfulness programmes?
Law & Politics
These are strong EPQ ideas for law and politics students interested in justice, ethics, and government.
- Should the UK lower the voting age to 16?
- To what extent does freedom of speech require legal limits?
- Is the prison system effective at reducing reoffending?
- Should assisted dying be legalised in the UK?
- To what extent has Brexit strengthened UK sovereignty?
- Should juries continue to play a central role in criminal trials?
- Is the Human Rights Act still fit for purpose?
History
If you’re looking for good EPQ topics, history offers plenty of opportunities to debate the causes, consequences, and significance of major events.
- Was the Industrial Revolution ultimately beneficial for British society?
- To what extent did propaganda determine the outcome of the Second World War?
- Was the Treaty of Versailles the main cause of the Second World War?
- How significant was the role of women during wartime Britain?
- To what extent did the British Empire shape modern Britain?
- Was the Cold War inevitable?
- How accurately do historical films portray real events?
Maths & Engineering
These EPQ project ideas combine mathematical thinking with engineering and innovation, making them ideal for students who enjoy solving practical problems.
- Can renewable energy realistically meet the UK’s future electricity demand?
- Should self-driving cars become legal on UK roads?
- To what extent can engineering solve global water shortages?
- Is nuclear power essential for achieving net-zero emissions?
- How far could 3D printing change the future of manufacturing?
- Which bridge design provides the greatest structural efficiency?
- Should space exploration receive greater public funding?
Business & Economics
These ideas for EPQ examine markets, finance, entrepreneurship, and consumer behaviour through contemporary business and economic issues.
- To what extent does remote working improve employee productivity?
- Are subscription business models more profitable than traditional retail?
- Should governments impose higher taxes on multinational technology companies?
- To what extent do influencers affect consumer purchasing decisions?
- Is inflation the greatest challenge facing UK businesses today?
- Should companies prioritise profit over environmental sustainability?
- How effective are loyalty programmes at increasing customer retention?
Computer Science & Technology
The best EPQ ideas for computer science and technology students to explore are emerging technologies, digital ethics, and innovations that are shaping the future.
- Should artificial intelligence be regulated more strictly?
- To what extent is facial recognition technology an invasion of privacy?
- Can quantum computing transform cybersecurity?
- Should schools rely more heavily on AI-powered learning tools?
- To what extent do social media algorithms contribute to political polarisation?
- Is cryptocurrency likely to replace traditional banking?
- Should governments ban anonymous online accounts?
English, Philosophy & the Arts
These EPQ topic ideas encourage critical thinking and creativity by exploring literature, ethics, culture, and artistic expression.
- To what extent should classic literature remain compulsory in schools?
- Can artificial intelligence create genuine art?
- Is censorship ever justified in modern society?
- Should museums return artefacts to their countries of origin?
- To what extent does dystopian fiction reflect real-world political concerns?
- How far should artists separate their work from their personal lives?
- Can music significantly improve mental wellbeing?
Sport & Geography
Some good EPQ ideas for sport and geography include global issues, environmental change, and sporting performance through questions that invite thoughtful analysis.
- Should elite athletes be allowed to use performance-enhancing technology?
- To what extent can cities become fully sustainable?
- Is hosting the Olympic Games economically worthwhile?
- How effective are national parks at protecting biodiversity?
- To what extent does climate change threaten winter sports?
- Should professional football introduce salary caps?
- Can ecotourism genuinely benefit local communities?
EPQ Artefact Ideas: The Non-Essay Route
Not every EPQ has to be a written dissertation. The artefact route lets you create something — a product, performance, event, or piece of creative work — alongside a shorter written report. Here are some artefact Extended Project Qualification ideas:
| Artefact Type | Example Artefact EPQ Ideas |
|---|---|
| Design & Technology | Design and build a sustainable phone stand / Prototype an assistive device for elderly users |
| Art & Media | Produce a short documentary on a local issue / Create an original photography portfolio exploring identity |
| Music & Drama | Compose and perform an original piece / Write and stage a short play on a chosen theme |
| Computing | Build a working app or website that solves a real problem / Develop a simple game with an educational purpose |
| Events & Enterprise | Plan and run a charity fundraising event / Design a small business plan and pitch |
Considering BTEC because you prefer practical, project-based work over writing essays? Learn about the differences between BTEC vs A-level before you decide.
What Does a Strong (A*) EPQ Look Like?
A strong, A*-grade EPQ combines a focused, genuinely arguable question with thorough, well-referenced research, clear independent analysis, and honest evaluation of the process. The highest marks go to projects that show genuine intellectual curiosity and reflection — not just a polished final product, but evidence of how the student thought, researched, and adapted along the way.
The Qualities Examiners Reward
Whilst your final essay or artefact is crucial, what examiners really look for is your ability to think critically instead of simply collecting information, how well you organise the project and evaluate sources, and the way you explain your idea development. Below are four key qualities examiners reward, which help students score well in their EPQ topic ideas:
- A clearly defined, focused question that is fully answered.
- Wide, credible research with proper academic referencing.
- Genuine independent analysis — not just summarising sources.
- Honest reflection on the process in the production log and presentation.
How Lord Wandsworth College Supports EPQ Students
Taking an EPQ is an ambitious challenge embraced by many LWC students when joining Sixth Form. You’ll receive structured guidance, yet still remain firmly in charge of your own project. Led by Head of EPQ, Helen Shedden, dedicated Sixth Form supervisors and pastoral staff support students at every stage: from refining research questions and managing timelines to developing the independent learning skills that prepare them for university.
Independent Research, Properly Supported
Every student works closely with a supervisor throughout their EPQ. No matter what topics for EPQ you ultimately decide on, you’ll be taught how to conduct proper research, reference sources, and present your work at a higher, more professional level, whilst getting regular feedback.
Why an EPQ Strengthens a University Application
Your EPQ, especially when well-executed, gives you an edge amongst other candidates as it demonstrates skills that universities highly value: independent learning, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. This comes in handy when applying for competitive courses or to elite institutions, as you’ll have compelling experiences to discuss in personal statements and interviews.
Considering a Sixth Form where independent academic projects like the EPQ are part of the culture? Explore Lord Wandsworth College’s Sixth Form, or come to an Open Morning to see it for yourself.