Design and technology: product design (3D design)

AS level - 50% examination, 50% coursework

A2 level - 50% examination, 50% coursework

Why should I follow this course?

Design and technology offers you the opportunity to gain personal satisfaction and a positive experience in design and manufacture. You will work with and study a variety of resistant and compliant materials and gain an understanding of the working characteristics, physical properties, cost and availability which influence the choice of materials in design situations. You will study product design and designer influences and undertake projects that allow you to explore materials to design and manufacture quality products.

What will I learn?

AS level

• Materials, components and application
• Portfolio of work to meet design and make criteria

A2 level

• Design and manufacture
• Integrated design and make activity

What teaching and learning methods will be used?

Much of the course is taught through the coursework components, giving opportunity for individual development of practical skills and materials technologies. 

City and Guilds qualification in CAD engineering - this is an important part of the technology A level. It supports the A level in giving you the experience and learning necessary to produce quality and accurate CAD designs and drawings needed to gain high grades in the A level coursework.

What can I do when I have my qualification?

You can take higher education courses in technology specialisms such as engineering, architecture, 3D design, furniture design, graphic design and industrial design. Or you can use your qualification with others to access higher education courses in nontechnology subjects.

What minimum qualification will I need?

NBP16C level 3 entry requirement, including grade C in one of the design and technology GCSE courses or their equivalent.

Examination board:

AQA