Product Design
A-Level Product Design (Design Technology) is a creative and thought-provoking qualification combining practical skills and theoretical knowledge for successful careers in design, engineering, and creative industries. Students investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic aspects of design, developing confidence through making prototypes and exploring real-world design solutions.
Topics and Module Outline
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Technical Principles:
Fundamental knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, design for sustainability, and health & safety. Analysis of influences on design such as environmental impact, commercial viability, and technological advances.
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Designing and Making Principles:
Exploration of design processes, iterative development, user requirements, prototyping, and evaluation. Students integrate learning from other subjects (Computer Science - digital design, Business - enterprise, Art - communication, History - design theory) to inform decisions.
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Design and Technology in Practice:
Practical application of skills through design communication, modelling, and product development across broad contexts. Opportunities are offered for individualised project work and creative investigation.
Entry Requirements
5 (or above) in GCSE Design Technology.
For further course information, please see the course directory.
Assessment Structure
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Paper 1:
Technical Principles—written exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 30% of A-Level.
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Paper 2:
Designing and Making Principles—written exam, 1 hour 30 minutes, 20% of A-Level.
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Non-Exam Assessment (NEA):
Iterative design project, practical and report, 50% of A-Level; students design, develop, and evaluate a final product based on a context of their choice.
Progression Pathways
A-Level Product Design leads to degrees in design, engineering, architecture, and creative disciplines, or apprenticeships and employment in manufacturing, design consultancy, product development, and related sectors. The specification supports integration with wider learning in business, technology, art, and history, and builds a versatile foundation for innovation in multiple industries.
