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.

Year 2

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

Skills Developed

• 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:

Scientific GCSE calculator (not on a phone)

A4 ring bound folder & 10 tab dividers

A4 lined pad or A4 lined exercise book where pages can be filed in your folder 

Pencil Case with:

• Black or dark blue pens
• A green pen for corrections
• Sketching pencil, rubber, sharpener
• 30cm Ruler, protractor, compass

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.

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.