Product Design is a creative and hands-on subject that blends innovation with practical problem-solving. This course is perfect for students who enjoy designing, building, and thinking critically about how products are made and used. It encourages students to explore real-world challenges and develop imaginative solutions using a wide range of materials and technologies.

What will you study?

Students follow the AQA A Level Design & Technology: Product Design specification, which includes:

• Technical Principles
  Materials, manufacturing processes, and mathematical applications in design

• Designing and Making Principles
  Creative problem-solving, user-centred design, and iterative development

• Non-exam Assessment (Coursework)
  A substantial design and make project based on a context of the student’s choice

Assessment

Assessment is divided into two written exams and one coursework component:

• Paper 1: Technical Principles – 2 hours – 30% of A Level
• Paper 2: Designing and Making Principles – 2 hours – 20% of A Level
• Non-exam Assessment: Design and Make Project – 50% of A Level
  (Internally assessed and externally moderated)

Entry requirements

To study Product Design, students should have:

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 9–4 (or equivalent), including Science and Mathematics
• Grade 4 or above in GCSE Design & Technology, Electronics, or Engineering is recommended

Enrichment opportunities

Students benefit from a range of enrichment activities, including:

• Access to state-of-the-art manufacturing and prototyping facilities
• Training on industry-standard tools and machinery
• Design challenges and competitions
• Support with applications to design, engineering, and architecture courses

These experiences help students develop technical proficiency, creativity, and confidence in design thinking.

Progression and careers

Studying Product Design opens doors to a wide range of university courses and career pathways, including:

• Product Design, Engineering, Architecture, and Industrial Design
• Apprenticeships in manufacturing, materials science, and design engineering
• Careers in innovation, sustainability, and user experience design

“I chose to do A Level Product Design as it felt like the natural progression from the GCSE Technology courses offered at Collingwood. It also allowed me to have access to the engineering facilities at Collingwood that are better than other Sixth Forms in the area. You are trained on how to use all of the machinery, and the theory side of the subject is all development from the GCSE subjects. I like the course a lot as you have complete freedom over the product you create for your coursework, but you also learn the knowledge required for how to build a good product, both from an engineering standpoint as well as a design standpoint.”
— Enzo Melly-Amos