Product Design

qualification: a level

exam board: aqa

entry requirements: A minimum of a Grade 5 in Maths and English. Prior study of GCSE Technology is desirable but not essential. 

why study product design

Turn your ideas into innovative, real-world products with A Level Product Design. This exciting and practical qualification combines creativity, hands on skills and technical knowledge, giving you the confidence to take a product from an initial concept through to a fully developed prototype.

You will explore the historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences that shape modern product design, while developing your understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies.

You will have the opportunity to design and manufacture your own products, developing creative thinking, problem-solving and industry-relevant CAD and practical skills. The course encourages you to become an independent designer who can identify problems, generate creative solutions and evaluate the effectiveness of your work.

Potential career pathways include Product Designer, Industrial Designer, Architect, Engineer, CAD Designer, Furniture Designer and many other roles involving design, innovation, technology and manufacturing. If you are passionate about creating products and exploring how design can shape the future, Product Design could be the course for you.

course content and layout

How am I assessed?

Paper 1: Technical principles 

How it's assessed • Written exam: 2 hours and 30 minutes • 120 marks • 30% of A-level 

Questions Mixture of short answer and extended response.

Paper 2:  Designing and making principles 

How it's assessed • Written exam: 1 hour and 30 minutes • 80 marks • 20% of A-level 

Questions Mixture of short answer and extended response questions. 

Section A: • Product Analysis: 30 marks • Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s). 

Section B: • Commercial manufacture: 50 marks • Mixture of short and extended response questions

Paper 1 & 2 will be sat at the end of Year 13 

Coursework (NEA - Non-exam assessment)  Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles. 

How it's assessed • Substantial design and make project • 100 marks • 50% of A-level 

Evidence Written or digital design portfolio and photographic evidence of final prototype

This will start during Year 12 and will be handed in April of Year 13. 

To find out more information, please contact Miss Andrews h.andrews@kingsmeadschool.net