The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is one of the most powerful ways for students in the UK to explore a personal interest, showcase independent research skills, and gain up to 28 UCAS points. But with so many possible directions to take, it can be difficult to choose the right EPQ topic.
This guide shares 295 EPQ ideas across 15 subjects. Whether you’re passionate about history, science, art, medicine, or technology, you’ll find an EPQ project that fuels your curiosity and fits your future goals.
If you’d like guidance throughout the process, our A-Level Tutors are experienced mentors with a deep understanding of your chosen field of study. They can help you from the beginning of your project as you’re selecting a topic and they stick by you right through the final presentation.
An EPQ is also a great way to boost your university application, especially for competitive courses. Our University Admissions Tutors can support you with your project alongside providing bespoke guidance on personal statements, admissions tests, and/or interviews. Join the +95%* who received an offer from their first or second-choice.
*Source: Respondents to The Profs Client Feedback Survey 2025.
Is street art a form of rebellion or a commercial trend?
Can AI-generated work be considered real art?
The ethics of exhibiting controversial pieces.
How has war influenced 20th-century design?
Art as therapy: does it work?
Exploring gender in classical sculpture.
Is fashion a legitimate artistic discipline?
The influence of architecture on visual composition.
Can art be truly original in the digital age?
What is the role of colour in psychological design?
Cultural appropriation in visual art.
Should museums return looted materials?
Does modern art reflect social issues better than historical art?
The impact of censorship on creativity.
Art and propaganda: who controls the narrative?
What defines artistic “value”?
Has social media changed the way we critique art?
Should public funding support controversial installations?
Can photography still influence public opinion in the age of video?
Is the gallery model outdated in the modern world?
20 EPQ ideas for English Literature
The role of dystopian fiction in reflecting political fears.
How is power portrayed in Shakespeare’s tragedies?
Gender dynamics in Gothic novels.
Literary representations of mental health.
Postcolonial perspectives in modern literature.
The evolution of the unreliable narrator.
Literature as a form of resistance.
How does literature portray human behaviour and morality?
Fanfiction and its literary legitimacy.
The effect of censorship on literary development.
Women writers and their impact on literary movements.
Exploring loneliness through poetry.
The influence of religion in early English literature.
Can literature impact public policy?
Analysis of trauma narratives in post-war fiction.
Literature and class structure in Victorian England.
The power of metaphor in political literature.
Multilingualism and its impact on literary creativity.
How has technology changed the way we engage with literature?
Can AI produce meaningful creative writing?
20 EPQ ideas for History
Was the British Empire a force for development or oppression?
How did religion shape political power in Medieval Europe?
The role of women in the French Resistance.
Causes and consequences of the Russian Revolution.
How has the portrayal of WWII changed in education?
What was the impact of propaganda in shaping Nazi ideology?
How did the Cold War influence global education?
Reassessing Churchill: hero or problem figure?
Decolonisation and its legacy in Africa.
Exploring history through documentary film.
How have museums shaped historical narratives?
The ethics of commemorating controversial figures.
The evolution of social rights in the 20th century.
How did the media influence perceptions of the Vietnam War?
Can we trust oral history as a source?
Was the fall of the Berlin Wall inevitable?
The historical impact of pandemics.
What does historical fiction teach us about the past?
The role of the church in the slave trade.
How has the internet reshaped historical memory?
Best EPQ Ideas for Sciences and Engineering
25 EPQ ideas for Biology
The role of gene editing in modern medicine.
Can humans live without sleep?
Is intelligence hereditary?
The ethical implications of cloning.
How does the gut microbiome affect mood?
Can science slow the ageing process?
The impact of fast food on global health.
Exploring antibiotic resistance.
What are the biological effects of stress?
How does physical activity influence brain development?
The link between sleep and immune function.
Can schizophrenia be genetically predicted?
How do hormones influence decision-making?
Are allergies increasing due to urban lifestyles?
Can CRISPR be used in agriculture?
How do viruses evolve?
What are the environmental effects of industrial farming?
Can we predict cancer based on genetic data?
The biology of addiction.
How does climate change affect biodiversity?
Genetic testing: opportunity or ethical minefield?
How does the body adapt to extreme environments?
Can wearable health tech improve patient outcomes?
Are there biological differences in learning styles?
Should we edit embryos for disease resistance?
20 EPQ ideas for Chemistry
The chemistry behind pharmaceuticals.
What are the ethical concerns of chemical weapons?
How do polymers impact environmental sustainability?
Exploring green alternatives to petroleum-based fuels.
Can chemistry improve food shelf life safely?
The role of catalysts in industrial development.
Is nuclear energy chemically sustainable?
How do chemical reactions impact human health?
The chemistry of happiness: fact or fiction?
What are the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners?
Can we reverse ocean acidification?
The chemistry of water purification.
The development of biodegradable plastics.
How do cosmetics affect hormonal balance?
The chemistry of taste and flavour.
How does chemical composition affect air quality?
Can we create materials that mimic nature?
What makes a chemical explosive?
Exploring nanotechnology in medicine.
How are chemical processes managed in space?
20 EPQ ideas for Physics
Can time travel exist according to known laws
Is there a limit to how small matter can get?
How do black holes affect spacetime?
Can fusion energy power the future?
What are the implications of quantum computing?
The physics of invisibility.
How does sound travel in different materials?
The science of rollercoasters: physics and engineering.
Is perpetual motion possible?
How do waves behave in complex environments?
The physics behind musical instruments.
Can we create artificial gravity in space?
How does radiation impact long-term health?
The use of physics in medical imaging.
How do lenses work in vision correction?
Why do things fall at the same rate?
The mathematics of fractals in nature.
What causes auroras?
What limits the speed of light?
How is physics used in renewable energy?
20 EPQ ideas for Engineering
How can we build safer bridges using biomimicry?
What is the future of sustainable architecture?
Can we 3D-print human organs?
The role of AI in structural engineering.
How is data used in civil engineering?
What are the ethics of autonomous vehicles?
Can we engineer climate-resistant buildings?
How do aerodynamics shape transport design?
The evolution of materials in aviation.
Engineering the perfect sports shoe.
Can energy efficiency be improved in skyscrapers?
How does vibration affect structural safety?
Exploring the future of offshore wind turbines.
The design process behind earthquake-resistant buildings.
Can we recycle construction waste more effectively?
Engineering challenges in space exploration.
How are drones changing disaster relief?
Smart materials in robotics.
Are vertical farms viable engineering projects?
How do engineers measure long-term safety?
Best EPQ Ideas for Social Sciences and Education
20 EPQ ideas for Psychology
How does childhood trauma influence adult behaviour?
Is there a link between social media use and teenage anxiety?
Can personality tests predict career success?
What causes irrational phobias?
Do video games impact aggression levels?
Is intelligence fixed or flexible over time?
How does colour affect mood and productivity?
What are the long-term effects of sleep deprivation?
Can meditation improve memory and focus?
How does birth order affect personality?
The impact of loneliness on health and brain structure.
How do humans form trust?
Are criminals born or made?
How does music influence human behaviour?
What is the role of dopamine in motivation?
Can social anxiety be inherited?
Do mirror neurons explain empathy?
How do childhood friendships shape adult relationships?
Does the placebo effect reveal the power of the mind?
Can AI replicate emotional intelligence?
20 EPQ ideas for Sociology
How has family structure changed in the UK since the 1950s?
Is class still the most influential factor in UK education?
What impact does religion have on gender roles?
Does prison reform reduce reoffending?
What explains rising political polarisation in society?
How do beauty standards affect self-esteem in teenagers?
Is homelessness a result of systemic failure?
How do social movements use the internet to organise change?
Does race impact access to healthcare?
Is poverty a cause or a consequence of crime?
How does the education system reinforce inequality?
What impact has feminism had on fatherhood?
Can sociology predict voting behaviour?
Are young people less religious than previous generations?
How do schools deal with cultural diversity?
Is marriage still relevant in modern society?
How does the media construct gender norms?
What are the effects of unpaid labour on women’s rights?
Are moral panics a feature of media bias?
How does social media influence political discourse?
15 EPQ ideas for Education
Should homework be banned?
Is streaming students by ability fair or harmful?
Can technology make classrooms more inclusive?
How does teacher burnout affect student performance?\
What is the best way to assess learning: exams or coursework?
Does the school calendar benefit families?
Are single-sex schools outdated?
Should emotional intelligence be taught in schools?
Does school uniform promote discipline?
How do teaching styles impact engagement?
Should students help design the curriculum?
What’s the impact of school inspections on teaching quality?
Is university still worth the investment?
Can gamification improve classroom learning?
Do classroom layouts influence behaviour and attention?
Best EPQ Ideas for Maths, Technology, and Computing
20 EPQ ideas for Mathematics
Is there a mathematical explanation for coincidences?
How do algorithms make decisions in our daily lives?
Why are prime numbers important in cryptography?
Can game theory help resolve conflict?
The role of probability in financial forecasting.
Is mathematics a universal language?
Can we prove that time is a dimension mathematically?
How does chaos theory apply to weather prediction?
Can statistics lie?
Is infinity a useful concept in real life?
What’s the math behind viral marketing?
How is calculus used in medicine?
Can mathematical modelling prevent pandemics?
What are the ethics of predictive policing algorithms?
Why is the Fibonacci sequence found in nature?
How are decisions influenced by probability bias?
Can maths solve traffic congestion?
What is the role of statistics in clinical trials?
How do mathematicians define fairness?
What makes an equation “beautiful”?
20 EPQ ideas for Computer Science
How does artificial intelligence learn from data?
What are the ethical limits of surveillance technologies?
How do recommendation algorithms affect free will?
Can programming languages be racist?
Is facial recognition biased against certain groups?
Can blockchain prevent identity theft?
How do online platforms collect and use your data?
Can we create software that understands humour?
Is open-source software better for society?
Are virtual assistants making us lazy?
What’s the future of quantum computing?
How do you design a user-friendly website?
The evolution of human-computer interaction.
Can virtual reality treat trauma?
How do video game mechanics exploit psychology?
What role does encryption play in modern life?
What’s the difference between machine learning and deep learning?
Should children be taught to code before learning handwriting?
Are internet blackouts a human rights issue?
Can software fix bias in hiring practices?
Best EPQ Ideas for Medicine and Health
25 EPQ ideas for Medicine
What ethical concerns arise from gene editing?
Should euthanasia be legal in the UK?
Can AI outperform doctors in diagnosis?
How has COVID-19 changed healthcare systems globally?
What’s the future of organ donation?
Can placebos be used in modern medicine?
Are wearable health trackers effective?
What is the link between diet and disease prevention?
Should vaccinations be mandatory?
What are the risks of overprescribing antibiotics?
Can apps replace mental health therapy?
The challenges of providing healthcare in conflict zones.
What role do genetics play in addiction?
Is personalised medicine the future?
How can public health campaigns be made more effective?
Should medical treatment ever be denied due to lifestyle choices?
How do different cultures view mental illness?
How can doctors reduce unconscious bias?
What is the role of palliative care?
How has medicine changed for transgender patients?
The effects of stress on the immune system.
What’s the future of telemedicine?
Are health inequalities widening in the UK?
Can doctors use social media responsibly?
How do global pandemics shape medical ethics?
Best EPQ Ideas for Sports, Media, and Society
15 EPQ ideas for Sports
Does hosting the Olympics benefit a country’s economy?
Should transgender athletes compete in gendered categories?
How does sport influence national identity?
The ethics of performance-enhancing drugs.
What impact does youth sport have on mental health?
Should athletes be political role models?
Is winning everything? The psychology of elite athletes.
Can esports be considered a real sport?
Do certain sports reinforce gender stereotypes?
How does sponsorship shape sporting priorities?
How is AI used in sports analytics?
Should footballers be paid more than doctors?
Does sport offer a path out of poverty?
How do injuries affect long-term performance?
How does climate change impact outdoor sports?
15 EPQ ideas for Media and Communication
How do deepfakes threaten trust in journalism?
What is the impact of media bias on democracy?
Should influencers be held to advertising standards?
Can social media cause political polarisation?
How do TikTok trends shape youth culture?
What is the role of propaganda in modern elections?
How does reality TV shape our expectations of relationships?
Should celebrities be political activists?
How does YouTube affect childhood development?
Is podcasting replacing traditional radio?
What are the psychological effects of doomscrolling?
Has the internet democratised information?
Are online platforms responsible for misinformation?
Can media coverage influence court verdicts?
What’s the future of print journalism?
Frequently Asked Questions About EPQ Topics and How to Choose an EPQ Topic
Completing an EPQ is more than writing 5,000 words or producing a creative artefact. It’s a journey that encourages you to explore the universe of ideas beyond your curriculum, demonstrate your skills, and showcase your passion to future universities or employers.
What subjects can I do an EPQ on?
You can do an EPQ on almost any subject that interests you—from business and computer science to geography, economics, ecology, and even quantum mechanics. You don’t have to stick to what you’re already taught at A-level. In fact, the EPQ is a fantastic opportunity to explore a topic outside your school syllabus or future university-level subject area.
How do I choose a good EPQ topic?
When choosing your EPQ topic, start with a quick brainstorm or Google search of general topic ideas that spark your curiosity. Then narrow it down by asking yourself:
Does this topic link to my future career or university course?
Is it a real-world issue I care about?
Will it allow me to develop critical thinking skills or use data analysis?
Can I find enough sources to support it?
The best EPQ titles let you delve into complex questions, explore different perspectives, and present your findings clearly. It’s a chance to take full responsibility for your learning and write like an expert.
Is the EPQ Project worth it?
Yes! The Extended Project Qualification is worth up to 28 additional UCAS tariff points, and universities across the United Kingdom often consider it a strong indicator of academic potential — especially for competitive courses like law, finance, and business. A successful EPQ can also help you:
Build confidence in writing a university assignment
Stand out in interviews with a unique discussion topic
Showcase leadership, organisation, and project management skills
What kind of EPQ projects can I do?
There are two main options when undertaking an EPQ:
A traditional dissertation or long-form essay (up to 5000 words) that explores an academic question.
A creative or practical artefact (e.g. a podcast, design, computer program, short film, photography project, or scientific prototype) supported by a shorter written report (1000+ words).
This flexibility means EPQs can suit a wide range of subjects and learning styles. If you’re not a fan of long essays, you can still earn extra UCAS points by producing something original in your chosen topic. Whether you’re interested in fashion, engineering, or digital art, there are EPQ ideas around every subject.
For college and sixth form students, the EPQ journey provides the perfect chance to dive deep into a subject you’re passionate about. You could:
Record a podcast series on mental health in the United States.
Choreograph and perform a contemporary dance exploring the impact of social media on self-image.
Create a photography blog exploring cultural identity and representation.
These kinds of creative outputs can showcase your initiative and originality. The EPQ can provide a platform to explore topics you could never cover in standard subjects, and really get more specific about the things you care about.
Whatever project type you choose, you’ll gain valuable skills beyond the classroom such as independent researching, time management, and critical thinking. Depending on your project, you’ll also practise applying scientific methods to draw clear conclusions.
Can I do an EPQ on something outside my A-levels?
Absolutely. The EPQ is designed to let A-level (United Kingdom) students explore a broader or deeper range of subjects than the standard curriculum. Many students use it to show their passion for learning, demonstrate interest in future careers, or even build a portfolio for creative courses.
For example:
A student applying for medicine might investigate public health policy
A future engineer might build a model or explore renewable energy
A student applying for English might compare literary representations of power
In all cases, the EPQ gives you a chance to make informed decisions and strengthen your application with thoughtful, relevant project ideas.
What’s the first step in starting an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)?
The first step is to choose an EPQ topic you’re genuinely excited about. This is a unique opportunity to demonstrate your interest in a subject that matters to you, whether it’s politics, law, wealth, corporate social responsibility, or a phenomenon you’ve always wanted to explore.
Then:
Discuss your idea with a supervisor, EPQ coordinator, or our Academic Writing Tutors. This early conversation can help you refine your EPQ question.
Define your research question or hypothesis. Your thesis should reflect your thirst for knowledge and offer an opportunity to delve into a broad subject.
Start researching and writing, drawing on studies, articles, books, or even your own experiment.
Keep a log of your process, timeline, and the skills you developed that prepare you for the world of university.
Submit your final paper, artefact, or presentation and present your findings confidently.
An EPQ involves writing 5000 words, spending significant time researching and writing, and learning to manage deadlines, making it an experience that mirrors university-style study and can give you a head start in higher education. It’s particularly valuable for A-level students preparing their university application, as an EPQ can earn you up to 28 additional UCAS points.
Some universities may even make admission offers with a lower grade requirement if you’ve successfully completed an EPQ. That’s why many students say their EPQ is worth it; it offers a real opportunity for students to develop skills beyond the A-level, explore a range of subjects, and impress universities with a polished final project.
If you’re not sure where to start, try a quick Google search of “top EPQ ideas” or browse our list of EPQ topic ideas. You’ll find inspiration across topics such as English Language, corporate social responsibility, and more. We’ve also compiled resources to help you choose a topic, make your EPQ stand out, and write a truly great EPQ.
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