A candidate is retaking Component 2 - Essay, can they use the same topic with a different essay, or does he have to come up with an entirely new topic?

If the candidate wants to retake component 02, they need to submit a new piece of work. Candidates cannot re-use coursework from a previous exam series. So, an essay on the same topic, using the same research and with the same perspectives would not qualify and be rejected. An essay on the same topic, with different themes, issues and perspectives, would be fine.