Product Design Summary

Product Design is a creative and thought-provoking qualification which gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and confidence to succeed in a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries. Students will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers.  

Entry Requirements

  • Grade 6 or above in GCSE D&T or Art

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA

How you will study

Lessons will be divided into those which are more technical (Maths and Science content) and those which are creative, though there are clear overlaps between these areas of content. The Technical Principles content will be delivered via classroom-based learning and assessed through formative written assessments. The Design and Making Principles content is delivered through a mixture of classroom and practical based learning and will be assessed through formative written assessments and project-based work. 

Component breakdown

Exam 1: Technical Principles – 2.5 hour exam, 30% of A-Level 

Exam 2: Designing & Making Principles – 2.5 hour exam, 20% of A-Level 

NEA: Major Design & Make project – student’s own choice of topic, 50% of A-Level 

This A-Level leads into university and college courses, as well as careers in many different areas of design and engineering, such as Product Design, Architecture, Web Design, Automotive Engineering, and also areas such as marketing and branding.