This A Level is an exciting and creative course that combines design thinking, innovation, and practical skills to solve real-world problems. Students explore how products are developed, from initial concept to final creation, learning about materials, sustainability, manufacturing processes, and the impact of design on society. The course includes both theoretical study and a major practical project where students design and make a product based on a real user need. It’s ideal for those who enjoy creative problem-solving, working with materials, and thinking about how design can improve lives—leading to careers in design, engineering, architecture, and beyond.
-ART & DESIGN – Graphic Designer, Sculptor, Gallery Curator.
-IT & THE INTERNET – Games Developer, Software Programmer, Network Engineer, Web Designer
-FAST CONSUMER GOOD – Mechanical Engineer, Product Designer, Industrial Designer, Market Researcher
-FASHION & BEAUTY – Fashion Designer, Dressmaker, Garment Technologist, Fashion Stylist
-CONSTRUCTION – Tradesperson, Architect, Construction Manager
-MANUFACTURING – Food Technologist, Manufacturing Engineer, Manufacturing Manager
Students can take part in workshops and masterclasses focused on advanced skills like CAD, 3D printing, and prototyping, as well as visit design studios, manufacturing companies, and exhibitions such as the Design Museum. Enter national competitions, work on live briefs, and gain insight into the design industry through guest speakers and potential work experience placements. University visits and portfolio workshops help students prepare for creative courses after sixth form, while after-school access to the workshop and end-of-year showcases allow them to develop their practical skills and proudly display their final outcomes.
The Examination Board for this course is Eduqas.
5 GCSEs 9 – 5 including English, Engineering/D&T if taken or Art. 4 in Maths.
Component 1: Design & Technology in the 21st century
(Written examination: 2hr 30m, 100 marks, 50% of qualification)
The examination includes a mix of short answer, structured and extended writing questions assessing learner’s knowledge and understanding of:
- technical principles
- designing and making principles
Along with their ability to:
- analyse and evaluate design decisions and wider issues in design and technology.
Component 2: Design and make task
(Non-exam assessment: approx 40 hours, 100 marks, 50% of qualification)
A sustained design and make task, based on contextual challenge set by WJEC, assessing candidates ability to:
- identify, investigate and outline design possibilities;
- design and make prototypes;
- analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes, including for prototypes made by themselves and others.
The design and make task will be based within the same endorsed area as the written examination.
Component 1: Design & Technology in the 21st century
(Written examination: 3 hours, 100 marks, 50% of qualification)
The examination includes a mix of structured and extended writing questions assessing learners’ knowledge and understanding of:
- technical principles;
- designing and making principles.
Along with their ability to:
- analyse and evaluate wider issues in design and technology
Component 2: A sustained design and make project
(Non-exam assessment: approximately 80 hours, 100 marks 50% of qualification)
A sustained design and make project, based on a brief developed by the candidate, assessing the candidate’s ability to:
- identify, investigate and outline design possibilities;
- design and make prototypes;
- analyse and evaluate design decisions and outcomes, including for prototypes made by themselves and others.
The design and make project will be based within the same endorsed area as the written examination.
