JotCast | Year 12 RfE - EPQ 04.07.19

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Guest

4:25

Hiya so I was hoping to centre my EPQ project around psychology as this is what I want to pursue at university however I have had some trouble coming up with ideas.

I had initially been thinking about serial killers however I now realise that this is a bit of common topic and won't appear all that imaginative (though are you allowed to do the same topic as previous EPQs as long as it is all your own research?)

Some ideas I've had are
- Is Britain doing enough to prevent paedophilia
- Should psychopaths be held legally responsible for their actions?

My interests revolve around the morbid side of life and I'd really like my EPQ to centre on such topics however I'm still unsure whether they'll be any good

Any ideas?

Molly

4:27

Hi @Guest, your EPQ is usually completed over the period of a year, with 30 hours supervised work and 90 hours unsupervised. It might spread over both Y12 and 13, but that's down to the centre you're completing it with - again your tutors would be best placed to know this.

Matthew

4:28

Hi @Guest. I can't recommend a question as such, but I suggest that you start by simply doing as much independent research (online, articles, books) into these areas as possible. That way you can build up your knowledge in these areas before formulating a specific question. Trust me, once you start reading and research the question will come much more easily! Make such you choose something you're passionate about and that interests you as this will make your project much more engaging.

laraib

4:28

Thank you!

Guest

4:28

I am having trouble choosing the general topic for a veterinary themed EPQ. There are plenty of examples and resources for medicine but not so much for vet med. I was wondering what other veterinary applicants/ students have done for their EPQs to get an idea of what sort of topics I could do. As I understand it, many people don't tend to do very theoretical topics about certain diseases but prefer selective breeding, ethics in practice etc.

Matt

4:30

Hi @guest. I think its important to go through multiple different questions to see what area you are really passionate about. It does not matter if someone has already done that before, but I think doing a project which is unique to your interests will show your individual passion for Psychology. The ideas you have suggested could work. The question I would ask is what research is already out there on it? (is there enough for you to form a clear debate?). Use websites like Google Scholar to look at how much information is out there currently. My last tip would be - think about how you want to present the argument. With whatever question you decide it should demonstrate that you have considered a range of different opinions to come to your conclusion. I think with those titles suggested you could be able to do that.

Molly

4:34

@Guest this is a really specific question that you'd need to discuss with an appropriate tutor unfortunately. What I would say is that your EPQ topic shouldn't be the same as anyone else's, so there's not that much point in looking at other people's work for inspiration. As Matt said before, the topic needs to be something you're passionate about and interested in, so if that's not selective breeding/ethics then I'd avoid those topics. Choosing a topic is important, so get all the help you can from your tutors and make sure you've thought properly about what you're interested in, not just what you think would be a good topic or what would get you a better mark.

4:38

Do you know your EPQ topic?

Yep - known since birth. (25% | 2 votes)

I've got a few ideas so I'm working on narrowing my focus. (50% | 4 votes)

Not a clue, but I'm doing some thinking! (25% | 2 votes)

Total Votes: 8

Jennifer

4:40

I have completed my EPQ and based it on genetic engineering(medical and ethical aspect) is this relevant to medicine or genetics.

Matthew

4:42

Hi @Jennifer. The short answer is yes!

Matt

4:43

Hi @Jennifer. Just to add - make sure you link the specific elements you have discussed and learnt about in your EPQ to the chosen degree course as that is a key skills they will be looking for.

Matthew

4:45

Thanks Matt! Anything can be made relevant @Jennifer it just depends how you frame and present it to admissions staff.

Molly

4:45

@Jennifer but also @all - what you need to remember is that the things you do are only as relevant as you make them. It's how you discuss them at interview and how you write about them in your personal statement that make them worthwhile - just a list of all the things you've done or written is not what's going to get you in to uni.

Matt

4:47

How confident are you with academic journals?

I find them easy to read and get the information I want (0% | 0 votes)

It takes me a while to read them but I tend to get the information I need (75% | 3 votes)

I really struggle accessing the information I need from them (25% | 1 vote)

Total Votes: 4

MAJ

4:53

So if we're doing EPQ do we have to talk about it in personal statement as well or just put in qualifications on UCAS then

Matthew

4:55

Hi @MAJ. You're obviously not obliged to talk about it in your personal statement but I would highly recommend it as it's your chance to demonstrate exactly the kind of skills they'll be looking for at university.

MAJ

4:56

so what if you dont have space

Jennifer

4:58

Thank you

Matthew

4:58

No problem @Jennifer.

Molly

4:59

@MAJ your personal statement is quite short it's true, but you can definitely make things fit. It doesn't have to be anything incredibly long winded - everything needs to be as concise as possible in your statement so you can definitely fit in a few things about your EPQ. See how you go when it comes to writing your statement and come along to our surgeries in September to get help and advice from the team about what to include and what to take out.

Last minute for questions!

Matthew

5:00

Thanks guys!!

Molly

5:00

Thanks everyone for your questions! Anything else drop us an email :)

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