Are you interested in learning more about photography? Would you like to get an additional qualification to put on your cv or support an application for uni? Then apply for an EPQ in Photography, run in partnership between your school and The Photographers’ Gallery.
If you don’t already know about EPQs, you can read more below.
“‘I wanted to do an EPQ artefact to help with my creative side, as I'm doing maths and chemistry (and film).”
EPQ in Photography pupil
What is an EPQ?
An Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is a stand-alone qualification enabling pupils studying in Years 12 and 13 to independently undertake an in-depth investigation on a specific subject of their choice. The outcome of this work can be a 5,000-word report or dissertation, or an artwork/artefact with a shorter piece of writing.
An EPQ is highly valued qualification for employment and/or progression to higher education, worth half the UCAS points of an A-Level.
Launched in July 2021, The Photographers' Gallery’s EPQ in Photography is a free programme that supports a group of pupils to attain an EPQ. The programme offers a structured grounding in photography history, theory and techniques through taught lessons, exhibition visits and one-to-one mentoring. Pupils are supported to select a topic and independently develop practical or essay-based work for presentation and assessment.
The programme includes 50 hours of taught sessions. Pupils are required to undertake a further 70 hours of independent research and work within their own time. Taught sessions take place from Monday through Friday, in half day sessions, outside of the school term with occasional weekend sessions. Once pupils have attended their taught sessions and produced their final, independent writing /artwork, they present their work for assessment in order to gain their qualification. The results of their qualification is announced alongside A-Level results, in August.
Who can apply?
You can apply for our EPQ in Photography if:
- You are currently in Year 12 or 13
- Studying at a state school in one of the following London boroughs: Westminster, Ealing, Kensington & Chelsea, Harrow, Camden, Hammersmith & Fulham, Barnet and Brent
- Your school doesn’t offer Photography at A-Level
- Your school does offer an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
No qualifications or prior experience of art or photography is needed. We are also interested in how photography can be applied to one or more of your A-level subjects.
How do I achieve an EPQ and what will it give me?
The EPQ in Photography at The Photographers' Gallery is free of charge to all qualifying pupils.
To achieve your EPQ, you’ll get:
- 50 hours of taught sessions – including talks and workshops – led by a qualified secondary school teacher
- support from a teaching assistant, a mentor and gallery staff
- visits to exciting photography exhibitions
Also included are:
- all travel costs
- ticket cost to visits at other galleries
- materials, equipment and use of the gallery’s studio space
- your exam entry fee
And you'll gain this:
- knowledge of a range of techniques for making photographs
- an overview of photography’s histories and theories
- independent research skills
At the end of the year, all pupils will have completed an artefact or essay-based EPQ in Photography on a topic of their choice. As part of this, your work will be presented at The Photographers’ Gallery for additional feedback from staff and visitors.
What dates would I need to commit to?
Talks, workshops and support sessions take place on the following days:
- Monday 26 – Wednesday 28 October 2026
- November 2026 (flexible online sessions)
- Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 December 2026
- Saturday 16 January 2027
- Monday 15 – Wednesday 17 February 2027
- Friday 19 – Sunday 21 March 2027
- Saturdays 17 & 24 April 2027
Most sessions take place at The Photographers' Gallery, a public gallery that's a five-minute walk from Oxford Circus.
Please note: You need to commit to all of these dates to ensure you gain the full number of teaching hours required for an EPQ.
How do I apply?
To apply, please ensure you meet the criteria specified in 'Who can apply?'.
If you meet this criteria, then download and complete the application and widening participation forms (below) and send these to EPQ@tpg.org.uk
We'll get back to you within one week of application with any questions or to offer you a place. Please note: Places are limited so apply early!
More information for teachers and parents/guardians
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If you’re a teacher and want to put pupils at your school forward or need further information, please email rawanne.koumaira@tpg.org.uk
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If you’re a parent/carer with any questions, feel free to email us at epq@tpg.org.uk
Application pack
I'm able to work around it after school - I'm not waiting on anyone to give me instructions; I'm just doing the photoshoots and am really enjoying the freedom
EPQ in Photography pupil
Watch this short film with more information about the EPQ in Photography at The Photographers' Gallery
I've developed photography skills and editing, and got pretty good at it.
EPQ in Photography pupil
The EPQ in Photography programme is supported by John Lyon's Charity.
