Project Qualification About the Project Qualification
What is the Project Qualification?
Our Pearson Edexcel Project Qualification helps students of all abilities and interests to acquire independent learning skills. Learners can use these new skills in their existing study as well as to prepare for higher education and working life.
The Project Qualification gives learners the opportunity to:
- learn more about an area that interests them
- research a subject that might not be available through other qualifications
- develop independent research and project management skills
- develop skills at Level 1 and 2 that will help with A levels
- achieve more UCAS points at Level 3
- learn skills that will help in higher education or the workplace
- develop future employability skills.
The Project Qualification is recognised and recommended by universities, schools, colleges and students for the valuable skills it provides.
How does it work?
The Project Qualification has been designed so that learners can either choose a project title that relates to their current study, or a topic that they are personally interested in or passionate about.
There are three levels of Pearson Edexcel Project, all designed to stretch, challenge and motivate students:
- Level 1 – Foundation
- Level 2 – Higher
- Level 3 – Extended
Levels 1 and 2 are equivalent to half a GCSE, while Level 3 is equivalent to half an A level. The Level 3 qualification is also worth up to 28 UCAS points.
Students work with a tutor-mentor as well as working independently to plan, manage, complete and evaluate a single piece of work. At Levels 1 and 2, this can take the form of a report, an artefact, a design or a performance. At Level 3, this can be a dissertation, an investigation or fieldwork, an artefact or a performance.
The Pearson Edexcel Level 1 Foundation Project and Pearson Edexcel Level 2 Higher Project are stand-alone qualifications equivalent to half a GCSE. Learners complete one project on a topic of their choice.
Students can either choose a project title that relates to their current GCSEs or, along with their teachers, choose a topic in which they have a personal interest or passion - such as a TV programme or hobby.
There are no exams. Instead, students will produce one project portfolio that will be marked by teachers at their school and then sent to Pearson to be moderated.
Learners are marked on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their project.
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Project is a stand-alone qualification equivalent to half an A level. Learners create one project portfolio on a topic of their choice.
Students can either choose an area that extends or expands on their current studies (by linking into one of their A levels) or, along with their teachers, choose a topic that they have a personal interest or passion in.
Each of the four units offers a different type of project: a dissertation, an investigation or field study, a performance or an artefact.
There are no exams. Instead, students will complete one project that will be marked by teachers at their school and then sent to Pearson to be moderated.
Students are marked on their ability to plan, manage, complete and review their project.
Why choose Pearson?
Developed with teachers
Before the qualification was accredited, we worked closely with an extensive range of schools who ran it as a pilot, starting in 2006. This gave us the time and experience to develop our qualifications according to best practice and to ensure they are backed by a robust quality-assurance process.
Links to subjects and organisations
Project qualification titles can relate to anything, from traditional subjects to personal interests. To help you narrow down your choices, we've developed starting points and ideas for topics linked to GCSE and A level subjects, as well as issues related to the wider world.
Demonstrated experience
At Pearson, we have a well established history of developing portfolio-based qualifications, so you can feel confident that we have the experience and knowledge to support you through our Project qualifications.
Resources and support
Teachers can access a wide range of exemplars, commentaries and free web resources, including detailed examiner reports and a comprehensive teacher’s guide.
About the Project levels
