The Power of Deep Knowledge - An AQA Policy Briefing on Level 2 Project Qualifications - July 2021

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret

Explores the role of AQA Level 2 Project Qualifications, focusing on how deep subject knowledge and autonomous research processes benefit students. Defines what a Level 2 project qualification involves, including guided learning hours, supervision, required stages of planning and evidence collection, and typical final outputs. Describes who participates, using AQA entry data to outline trends by year, centre type, and gender balance, and contrasts Level 2 with Level 3 EPQ expectations.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

What is a Level 2 Project Qualification?

Who takes Level 2 Project Qualifications?

The Power of Deep Knowledge An AQA Policy Briefing on Level 2 Project Qualifications July 2021 1. INTRODUCTION ‘Project qualifications’ have grown in prominence in recent years amid increasing interest in the benefits to students of both developing deep knowledge of a specific topic, as well as the selfdirected process involved in acquiring this knowledge. Project qualifications are often found in baccalaureates , such as the International Baccalaureate Organisation’s Diploma Programme (Level 3) and its Middle Years Programme (Level 2) . Level 3 Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) have received particular interest with a growing number of UK universities welcoming applications from students who have taken the qualification. 1 However, although many younger students also complete the Level 2 equivalent of EPQs this qualification has not received the same level of interest in policy debate. This AQA policy briefing therefore explores: • What is a Level 2 Project Qualification? • Who takes Level 2 Project Qualifications? • What are the benefits of the Level 2 Project Qualification? The briefing concludes with a set of recommendations for policymakers. 2. WHAT IS A LEVEL 2 PROJECT QUALIFICATION? A project qualification is taken by students who wish to undertake in-depth independent research into something about which they are passionate. It is usually taken alongside other qualifications, both academic and vocational. The AQA Level 2 Higher Project Qualification involves some teaching of necessary research and project management skills, as well as supervision and assessment of the student’s progress. The project involves extended autonomous work by the student. It requires a total of 60 guided learning hours. Students are required, with appropriate supervision, to: • choose an area of interest • draft a title and aims of the project for formal approval by the centre • plan, research and carry out the project • deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience • provide evidence of all stages of project development and production for assessment. 1 For example, see Bennett R and Matthews C (2019) ‘Mini-dissertations help thousands of pupils boost their university chances’, The Times, London The topic and aims are approved by the student’s school or college, who provide a supervisor – but most of the project entails autonomous research. The final output of a Level 2 Project Qualification can be either a written report, or an artefact and written report. In addition to the deep knowledge they acquire of their chosen topic , students have the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills including ability to undertake independent research, adaptability, oracy and autonomy of decision making. The AQA Level 2 Project Qualification is the equivalent to half a GCSE at higher tier. It is marked by centres and externally moderated by exam boards. Grading for the qualification runs A* to C. Examples of AQA Level 2 Project Qualifications • “After the Olympics in 2012 was the regeneration of East London successful?” -the student had a keen interest in geography and urban regeneration, and having enjoyed the London Olympics , was keen to assess the longer-term success of the regeneration of the site after the event • Does money buy you happiness-What are the essential ingredients of living a happy life?” – a student researched a variety of disciplines, e.g. philosophy, economics , psychology, and undertook primary research into current attitudes to money and happiness , to develop a well realised report which successfully synthesised the range of research materials • “To what extent can long term memory be improved to assist in academic studies” -the GCSE student wanted to investigate how to improve long term memory with the view that if you could improve memory it would make study more interesting, motivating and rewarding. They were also keen to develop a project based ar

FAQs

What does a Level 2 Project Qualification require from students?

Students choose an area of interest, draft a project title and aims for approval, plan and carry out extended independent research, deliver a presentation to a non-specialist audience, and provide evidence of project stages for assessment.

How many guided learning hours does the AQA Level 2 project include, and what can be the final output?

The qualification requires a total of 60 guided learning hours. The final output can be either a written report or an artefact combined with a written report.

How do Level 2 Project Qualifications differ from Level 3 Extended Project Qualifications?

Level 2 is GCSE standard, while Level 3 EPQ is A-level standard. The Level 2 outcome is a 2,000-word report (or artefact and written report), compared with a 5,000-word report (or artefact and written report) for Level 3.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Margaret