Product Design

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above

Including GCSE English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above

GCSE Design & Technology at grade 4 is desirable but not essential

GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above

Students with strong Maths and Science may also consider Design Engineering as an alternative. Design Engineering and Product Design cannot be taken together as they lead to the same qualification.

You’ll explore the real world of design through a range of activities, including:

Design tasks and short practical activities

Theory lessons and exam‑style questions

Applied Maths within design contexts

CAD skills using SOLIDWORKS and Google SketchUp

3D model making using laser cutting and 3D printing

Students are expected to complete 4½ hours of home learning per week.

year2

You’ll begin and complete your Non‑Examined Assessment (NEA). This major coursework project involves:

Choosing a real‑life design problem

Investigating user needs and stakeholders

Creating, testing and refining a product

Conducting interviews and industrial research

Simulating the work of professional designers

Independent investigation and, where possible, work experience are strongly advised

skillsDeveloped

Creative and technical problem solving

CAD and digital modelling

Independent project management

Research, evaluation and decision‑making

Communication and professional design thinking

Teaching combines theory lessons, practical tasks, design projects, CAD workshops and exam preparation. You’ll receive guidance throughout but will also be encouraged to work independently, reflecting the demands of design‑industry practice.

Assessment includes:

Non‑Exam Assessment (NEA): A major iterative design project

Written exams: Testing technical principles and designing & making knowledge

Regular feedback is provided throughout coursework and theory units to help refine ideas, improve technical accuracy and develop high‑quality final outcomes.

Modern Design & Technology workshops

CAD software including SOLIDWORKS and SketchUp

Laser cutting and 3D printing equipment

Facilities for hand sketching and model making

Students are required to provide some essential equipment and materials to support their coursework and independent study.

Required equipment includes:

Sketching pencils

Rubber

30cm ruler

Protractor

A pair of basic headphones suitable for use with a PC

Students are also expected to purchase two course books, at a cost of approximately £20 each.

Students will be required to contribute around £10 per year towards materials used for their coursework project, as well as home access to 3D modelling software.

Having access to a PC at home is strongly advised, as this allows students to install CAD software and work more effectively on coursework outside lessons.

Optional drawing equipment, such as fine liner pens, colouring pencils or marker pens, may also be useful depending on individual project choices.

Any trip costs associated with the course are the responsibility of the student.

Financial assistance is available through the student bursary scheme, and students are encouraged to apply as early as possible if support is needed.

Product Design is compatible with most A Level subjects. However:

It is a heavy coursework subject, and students are advised not to take three coursework‑intensive creative subjects

Design Engineering cannot be taken alongside Product Design, as they lead to the same qualification

Product Design should also not be taken alongside the AAQ in Engineering.

Certain career pathways, such as engineering or architecture, may also require Maths or Physics.

Product Design A Level supports progression into:

Product Design, Engineering or Architecture degrees

Design‑related apprenticeships

Careers in design, engineering, manufacturing or creative industries

The NEA portfolio plays a key role in supporting university and career applications.

Students are encouraged to extend their learning through industrial research, stakeholder interviews and independent investigation. Work experience is highly advised to support understanding of design in real‑world contexts.