Is a maths EPQ worth it? The EPQ, Further Maths and admissions tests
It depends on what else you are doing. An EPQ is a real piece of independent research, and a good one gives you something genuine to talk about. It also takes time you could spend on your A Levels or on preparing for admissions tests.
The facts
- About 120 guided learning hours (AQA ).
- Graded A* to E by AQA, Pearson and WJEC/Eduqas. AQA describes it as worth half an A level (AQA ).
- UCAS Tariff points: A* 28, A 24, B 20, C 16, D 12, E 8 (UCAS Tariff tables ).
- AQA's page also says many universities make lower A level offers to students taking an EPQ. Whether a particular course does is a question for that university: check each university's admissions page.
What it is not
- It is not extra maths content: it does not replace Further Maths where a course asks for it.
- It is not an admissions test: if a course sets the TMUA, MAT or STEP, you still need to prepare for that test.
- It is not required for most offers. Check each course's entry requirements rather than relying on general advice.
A quick way to decide
| If… | Then… |
|---|---|
| A course you want sets an admissions test | Make sure test preparation has the time it needs first. Our TMUA preparation is free to start. |
| Your A Level grades need the time | Protect your A Levels: they decide most offers. |
| There is a maths question you genuinely want to answer | An EPQ lets you go deep and gives you a real research story to talk about. |
| You want to study maths, computer science or engineering | Choose a project with substantial maths in it, such as one of our 93 ideas, so it shows the subject you are applying for. |
Frequently asked questions
Is an EPQ worth it for a maths degree?
It can be, if you have time alongside your A Levels and any admissions test, and the project has real maths in it. It does not replace Further Maths or test preparation. Check each university's admissions page for how it treats the EPQ.
Do Oxford, Cambridge or Imperial want an EPQ for maths?
We do not quote universities second-hand. Check each university's own admissions pages for the course you want; entry requirements and admissions tests are listed there.
EPQ or Further Maths?
They do different jobs: Further Maths is more maths content, the EPQ is independent research. If a course asks for Further Maths, the EPQ is not a substitute.
Your EPQ must be your own work. These pages coach: ideas, structure, checklists and planning. Submitting text, proofs, code or analysis written by someone else or by an AI tool as your own is malpractice. How to use help and AI honestly.