EPQ Ideas & Examples for All Subjects

Choosing your Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) topic can feel overwhelming. You have total freedom to research anything you're passionate about, and it might seem a bit much. 

Don't worry – we've got you covered. This guide is packed with EPQ ideas across every subject you can think of. Whether you're pursuing science, humanities, creative subjects or something else, you'll find plenty of inspiration.

Key Takeaways

• Subject-specific ideas. We've organised EPQ suggestions by subject, from Biology to Sociology, so you can jump straight to what interests you most.

• Essay and artefact options. Each section includes both research essay ideas and creative artefact projects you could make.

• Practical refinement tips. Learn how to turn a vague interest into a focused, achievable research question.

• UCAS gold. Find out how to use your EPQ to strengthen your personal statement and nail university interviews.

How to Choose the Right EPQ Topic

The perfect EPQ topic ticks four important boxes:

You actually care about it. You'll be spending months on this project. So, pick something that genuinely excites you. If you're only choosing a topic because it sounds impressive, you'll struggle to stay motivated.

It's academically solid. Your EPQ should show off your ability to think critically and research independently. Choose something with enough depth to analyse properly, not just describe.

The scope is manageable. "How can we solve climate change?" is way too broad. "How effective are school-based recycling schemes at reducing plastic waste in London?" is focused and doable.

It links to your future plans. If you know what you want to study at university or which career path interests you, your EPQ is a brilliant chance to explore that area. It's also a way of showing admissions tutors you're serious.

EPQ Ideas by Subject

We've organised these ideas by subject to help you find inspiration quickly. Each subject includes both essay-based research questions and artefact project suggestions where relevant.

Remember, these are starting points. You'll need to narrow them down and develop your own unique angle. We'll show you how to do that later in the article.

EPQ Ideas for Biology

Biology EPQs let you explore everything from tiny cells to entire ecosystems. Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

Essay-based ideas:

• Should the UK allow gene editing in human embryos to prevent hereditary diseases?

• How effective are rewilding projects at restoring biodiversity in the UK?

• To what extent did epidemiological modelling influence COVID-19 policy decisions?

• Can synthetic biology offer sustainable solutions to plastic pollution?

• How do different conservation strategies compare in protecting endangered species?

• What are the ethical implications of using CRISPR technology in agriculture?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Create an educational resource explaining antibiotic resistance for Year 7 students

• Design a citizen science app concept for tracking local pollinator populations

• Produce a documentary investigating local habitat loss and restoration efforts

• Build a working model demonstrating sustainable aquaponics systems

EPQ Ideas for Chemistry

Chemistry EPQs can explore the molecular world and its real-world applications. These topics range from pharmaceuticals to environmental science:

Essay-based ideas:

• How can green chemistry principles reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceutical manufacturing?

• What role does chemistry play in developing sustainable battery technology?

• To what extent are biodegradable plastics a viable alternative to traditional polymers?

• How effective are different water purification methods in developing countries?

• What are the chemical mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease? How might they inform drug development?

• Can nanotechnology revolutionise targeted cancer treatments?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Create a series of safe home experiments demonstrating acid-base reactions (with full risk assessments)

• Design an infographic explaining the chemistry of climate change for policymakers

• Produce a podcast series exploring the chemistry behind everyday products

• Develop educational materials about food chemistry and nutrition

Safety note: Any practical chemistry work must be supervised and properly risk-assessed. Check with your EPQ supervisor before planning hands-on experiments.

EPQ Ideas for Physics

Physics EPQs can tackle mind-bending theoretical concepts or practical engineering challenges:

Essay-based ideas:

• Is nuclear fusion a realistic solution to the global energy crisis?

• How do different renewable energy technologies compare in terms of efficiency and environmental impact?

• What are the implications of quantum computing for cybersecurity?

• To what extent could space-based solar power solve Earth's energy needs?

• How accurate are current theories about dark matter and dark energy?

• What are the physics and ethics of autonomous vehicle collision algorithms?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Build a working model demonstrating renewable energy generation

• Create a computer simulation of planetary motion or gravitational systems

• Design an educational resource explaining quantum mechanics to non-specialists

• Produce a video series exploring the physics of everyday phenomena

EPQ Ideas for Maths

Maths EPQs shine when they explore real-world applications or unexpected connections:

Essay-based ideas:

• How is mathematical modelling used to predict and prevent disease outbreaks?

• To what extent can game theory explain human behaviour in economic systems?

• What role does cryptography play in protecting digital privacy? Can quantum computers break it?

• How accurate are mathematical models in predicting climate change?

• Can mathematical patterns in nature (like the Fibonacci sequence) be explained by evolution?

• What are the mathematical principles behind successful sports strategies?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Create a working mathematical model predicting traffic flow in your local area

• Design a data visualisation project exploring patterns in real-world datasets

• Develop an educational game teaching probability concepts

• Build a programme demonstrating encryption algorithms

EPQ Ideas for Psychology

Psychology EPQs let you investigate how our minds work and why we behave the way we do:

Essay-based ideas:

• How effective are mindfulness interventions in reducing exam anxiety among sixth form students?

• To what extent does social media use affect body image in teenagers?

• What psychological techniques are most effective in changing environmental behaviours?

• How do cognitive biases influence jury decision-making in criminal trials?

• Can video games improve cognitive function, or do they impair it?

• What role does attachment theory play in understanding adult relationships?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Design a mental health awareness campaign for your school

• Create a series of educational videos explaining common psychological phenomena

• Develop a wellbeing app concept based on psychological research

• Produce a podcast exploring the psychology of decision-making

Ethics note: If your EPQ involves collecting data from people, you'll need ethical approval from your school. Never conduct psychological experiments without proper supervision.

EPQ Ideas for English Literature

English Literature EPQs give you the chance to dive into texts, themes and literary techniques:

Essay-based ideas:

• How do contemporary dystopian novels reflect anxieties about climate change?

• To what extent did the Gothic novel challenge Victorian social norms?

• How is trauma represented across war poetry from different historical periods?

• What role does unreliable narration play in modern psychological thrillers?

• How have feminist retellings of classic myths challenged patriarchal narratives?

• To what extent does postcolonial literature reclaim cultural identity?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Write a creative piece inspired by a literary movement, with a critical commentary explaining your choices

• Create an anthology of poems exploring a specific theme, with analytical annotations

• Produce a video essay analysing the use of symbolism across multiple texts

• Design a graphic novel adaptation of a classic text. Include an essay explaining your interpretative decisions

EPQ Ideas for History

History EPQs give you an opportunity to investigate the past and challenge accepted narratives:

Essay-based ideas:

• To what extent did the Suffragettes' militant tactics advance women's voting rights?

• How accurate are popular representations of Viking society compared to historical evidence?

• What role did propaganda play in shaping public opinion during the World Wars?

• How have historians' interpretations of the British Empire changed over time?

• To what extent was the Cold War inevitable after 1945?

• What factors led to the success of the Civil Rights Movement in 1960s America?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Create a digital exhibition exploring underrepresented histories in your local area

• Produce a documentary investigating a historical controversy using primary sources

• Design an educational website exploring a historical period through interactive timelines

• Develop a podcast series examining different historical perspectives on a significant event

EPQ Ideas for Geography

Geography EPQs bridge physical and human geography, perfect for exploring current global challenges:

Essay-based ideas:

• How effective are different coastal management strategies at preventing erosion in the UK?

• To what extent is urban greening a viable solution to city heat islands?

• What are the geographical factors contributing to food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa?

• How sustainable is the tourism industry in popular UK national parks?

• Can renewable energy transitions reduce regional economic inequality?

• What impact does gentrification have on community cohesion in London?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Conduct a fieldwork project investigating microplastics in local waterways, with a full report

• Create a geographical information system (GIS) map analysing local environmental data

• Design a sustainable development proposal for your local area

• Produce a climate awareness website targeted at your local community

EPQ Ideas for Politics

Politics EPQs let you analyse power, governance and current affairs:

Essay-based ideas:

• Should the UK adopt proportional representation instead of first-past-the-post voting?

• To what extent has devolution strengthened or weakened the United Kingdom?

• How effective are international sanctions as a tool of foreign policy?

• What role does misinformation play in undermining democratic processes?

• Can universal basic income address poverty and inequality?

• How has populism reshaped European politics in the 21st century?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Create a podcast series exploring different political ideologies

• Design a youth political engagement campaign for your local area

• Produce educational videos explaining how UK political institutions work

• Develop a comparative analysis presented as an interactive website

EPQ Ideas for Business & Economics

Business and Economics EPQs connect theory with the real world of markets and money:

Essay-based ideas:

• How effective are different minimum wage policies at reducing poverty without increasing unemployment?

• To what extent does corporate social responsibility benefit society versus being a marketing tool?

• What economic factors explain the rise of the gig economy, and is it sustainable?

• How might artificial intelligence disrupt traditional business models in the next decade?

• Can behavioural economics improve public health outcomes more effectively than traditional policy?

• What role do monopolies play in stifling innovation in the tech industry?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Develop a business plan for a social enterprise addressing a local problem

• Create a financial model demonstrating the economic impact of different policy decisions

• Design a mock product launch campaign, including market research and budget planning

• Produce a series of case studies analysing successful and failed businesses

EPQ Ideas for Art & Design

Art and Design EPQs can be analytical, creative, or both. They're perfect if you want to combine practical work with critical thinking:

Essay-based ideas:

• How did the Bauhaus movement influence modern design principles?

• To what extent does street art function as political protest?

• How have artists represented mental health across different historical periods?

• What role does cultural appropriation versus appreciation play in contemporary art?

• How has digital technology transformed artistic practice and exhibition?

• To what extent can art create social change?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Create a portfolio exploring identity through self-portraiture, with a critical commentary

• Develop an art installation addressing an environmental or social issue

• Produce a series of works in response to a specific art movement, with analytical reflection

• Design an exhibition (physical or virtual) curating works around a theme

EPQ Ideas for Media Studies & Film

Media and Film EPQs explore how moving images and media shape culture and society:

Essay-based ideas:

• How has representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream cinema evolved since 2000?

• To what extent do true crime documentaries exploit victims for entertainment?

• How do social media algorithms influence political polarisation?

• What role does film censorship play in protecting versus restricting audiences?

• How effective is product placement as advertising compared to traditional methods?

• To what extent has streaming changed the film industry's business model and creative output?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Produce a short film or documentary exploring a social issue

• Create a media campaign (including video, social media strategy and print materials)

• Write and storyboard a screenplay with a critical commentary on your creative choices

• Develop a video essay analysing representation of a group across multiple films

EPQ Ideas for Computer Science

Computer Science EPQs can involve coding projects. They might explore the ethical and social implications of technology:

Essay-based ideas:

• To what extent should AI-generated content be regulated or restricted?

• How effective are current cybersecurity measures against ransomware attacks?

• What are the ethical implications of facial recognition technology in public spaces?

• Can blockchain technology revolutionise systems beyond cryptocurrency?

• How does algorithmic bias in machine learning perpetuate social inequalities?

• What impact will quantum computing have on internet security?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Develop a working app or game addressing a specific problem or need

• Create a website or platform that solves a real-world challenge

• Build an educational programme teaching coding concepts to younger students

• Design a cybersecurity awareness resource for non-technical users

Note: Make sure your coding project is properly documented. You'll need to explain your development process, not just hand in the finished product.

EPQ Ideas for Sociology

Sociology EPQs investigate how society shapes our lives and how we can understand social patterns:

Essay-based ideas:

• How effective is the UK education system at promoting social mobility?

• To what extent has social media changed teenage friendship formation and maintenance?

• What factors explain gender disparities in STEM subject choices at A-Level?

• How do different parenting styles correlate with children's educational outcomes?

• What role does consumer culture play in shaping identity among young people?

• How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected social inequality in Britain?

Artefact-based ideas:

• Conduct a survey investigating attitudes in your local community, with full analysis

• Create an awareness campaign addressing a social issue affecting young people

• Develop a series of infographics explaining key sociological concepts

• Produce a documentary exploring social divisions in your area

Research ethics reminder: Any research involving people requires ethical approval. Always protect participants' privacy and get proper informed consent.

EPQ Topic Refinement: Turning Ideas Into Questions

You've found a subject area that interests you. Brilliant! But "I want to do my EPQ on climate change" isn't specific enough to get started. You need to turn that broad interest into a focused research question.

The problem with broad topics:

• "Climate change" – This could fill thousands of books. Where would you even start?

• "Shakespeare" – Which plays? What angle? What are you trying to find out?

• "Artificial intelligence" – Too vague. You need a specific aspect to investigate.

How to narrow it down:

• Step 1: Add specificity. Choose one aspect of your broad topic. Instead of "climate change," think "renewable energy" or "youth climate activism" or "climate change education."

• Step 2: Add location or context. "Renewable energy in the UK" or "youth climate activism in schools" gives you boundaries.

• Step 3: Turn it into a question. Questions starting with "How," "To what extent," "What," or "Why" work brilliantly. Avoid yes/no questions.

Examples of good refinement:

Too broad: The French Revolution

• Better: What role did economic inequality play in causing the French Revolution?

Too broad: Mental health

• Better: How effective are school-based mindfulness programmes at reducing anxiety among Year 12 students?

Too broad: Video games

• Better: To what extent do violent video games influence aggressive behaviour in adolescents? What does the psychological research actually show?

The question checklist:

Before you commit to your EPQ question, ask yourself:

• Can I answer this in 5,000 words (or create a meaningful artefact)?

• Is there enough existing research for me to build on?

• Can I access the sources and information I need?

• Is there scope for me to analyse and evaluate, not just describe?

• Does it genuinely interest me enough to sustain months of work?

If you've answered yes to all of these, you're ready to go!

Using Your EPQ for UCAS and University Interviews

Your EPQ isn't just about getting extra UCAS points (though that's definitely a bonus). It's one of the best things you can mention in your personal statement and discuss at interviews.

In your personal statement:

Don't just write "I completed an EPQ on X." That's boring and tells admissions tutors nothing. Instead, explain what you learned, what challenged you, and how it connects to your chosen degree. Our guide to writing your personal statement can help.

• Example (for a Medicine application): "My EPQ investigating the ethics of gene editing in embryos pushed me to engage with complex bioethical frameworks. Reading papers from both geneticists and ethicists taught me that medicine isn't just about scientific knowledge. It requires careful consideration of moral implications and patient autonomy."

• Example (for an English application): "Through my EPQ analysing trauma representation in contemporary war poetry, I developed my ability to make connections across texts from different historical periods. Close reading Sassoon alongside recent veteran poets revealed how literary techniques evolve while certain themes remain universal."

At university interviews:

If you mention your EPQ in your personal statement, be ready to discuss it. Interviewers love asking about EPQs because they show:

• Your ability to work independently

• How you handle challenges and setbacks

• Your intellectual curiosity beyond the curriculum

• Your time management and research skills

Prepare to answer questions like:

• What was the most challenging part of your EPQ?

• If you could do it again, what would you change?

• What new question did your research raise?

• How has your EPQ influenced your thinking about [subject]?

• What sources were most valuable, and how did you evaluate them?

The key is being honest. Admissions tutors aren't expecting perfection – they want to see that you've genuinely engaged with your topic and learned from the process.

Check out our guide to University interview questions for more. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my EPQ topic halfway through?

Yes, but it depends on timing. If you're still in the early planning stages, changing topics is usually fine (though check with your supervisor first). However, if you've already written thousands of words or created a substantial artefact, starting again might not be realistic.

How original does my EPQ idea need to be?

Your EPQ doesn't need to discover something nobody has ever thought about before. That's what PhD students do! 

It's absolutely fine if other students have done EPQs in the same broad subject area. What matters is that your specific research question and your approach to answering it are your own work.

How do I know if my EPQ idea is too broad?

If you can't imagine answering your research question in 5,000 words, it's too broad. Test your idea by trying to list the main points you'd cover. If you end up with 20 different areas to discuss, you need to narrow it down. A focused EPQ might cover 3-5 main arguments or themes in depth.

Final Thoughts

The EPQ topic should intersect with what fascinates you, what you're capable of researching, and what demonstrates your academic abilities. This is your chance to explore whatever genuinely interests you.

Your EPQ is a marathon, not a sprint. You'll have moments where the research feels overwhelming. Other times your argument isn't quite working. That's completely normal. The difference between a good EPQ and a brilliant one often comes down to pushing through those difficult moments.

Start with curiosity. Narrow down to something manageable. Stay organised throughout the process. Your EPQ could end up being one of the most rewarding pieces of work you complete during sixth form.