Availability & Details

D&T Product Design - A Level AF1-DETEAL/C01
Venue Alton Campus Type of study A Levels	Dates Academic Year 2027-28 (2 years) Examination board AQA Education

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Overview

This course is for students who enjoy being creative when tackling design problems and working accurately when making products. You will be spending a significant amount of time researching, sketching, modelling and refining your design ideas. When appropriate you will move towards manufacture using both hand tools and machines. The ultimate test of your ability is when your outcome is being used by others, and you receive feedback. Computer aided design and manufacture (CAD/CAM) supports the fast and accurate production of outcomes and you will be using industry standard CAD software (Autodesk Fusion) and CAM machinery (routers, laser cutters and 3D printers etc). You will address the mathematical content of this course by applying maths in project work and examined scenarios that involve calculating ratios, percentages, areas and volumes etc. When you have completed this course, you will have a digital portfolio of projects, as evidence of your broad skill set and capability.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language. You should have studied an art or design based GCSE and achieved a minimum of grade 4 in the related subject. It may be possible to gain entry to this course without a GCSE in an art or design related subject by submitting a portfolio showcasing your practical work at interview.

Structure

Year 1

Project: You will gain skills and knowledge through working on three mini projects that collectively encompass all aspects of the design and make process. These projects will enable you to practise and master techniques linked to outcomes in storage, lighting and seating, and help to relate aspects of study topics.
Study: You will learn about material: properties, testing, characteristics, enhancement and finishing, and then link this knowledge to manufacturing pathways e.g. casting, 3D printing, laminating timber etc.

Year 2

Project: You will be designing and making a product that seeks to address an identified need. This work will require you to: observe and resolve problems, plan actions, explore and communicate opportunities, make and finish to a high standard using wood, metals or polymers, and then test and suggest modifications in the light of user feedback.
Study: You will learn more about the range of constraints, influences and opportunities that impact the work of designers e. g. culture and society, industrialisation, sustainability, new technologies and human characteristics etc.

Teaching & Learning

All lessons are undertaken in a large and modern purpose-built design and make space, where you can move from designing to making when you are ready. Everything from a modern CAD suite, layout space, workbenches and traditional and modern machinery is all combined in one space. You will be encouraged to develop independence in both thought and action, but staff are extensively available to support you with your work when you need more time or another opinion. Learning is achieved through project work and topic-based activities. Projects help you to gain confidence, design capability and practical skills and allow you to focus on your interests.

Assessment

50% Coursework
30% Technical Principles exam
20% Design and Making Principles exam

Additional Costs & Fee Info

£35 for core textbook.

Students will need to cover the cost of materials and resources used in the production of models and prototypes.

Progression

Students who successfully complete this course can, and have, move onto higher education or into employment along the following design-based routes: product designer, industrial designer, product engineer, model-maker, craft worker, production designer, draughtsperson, CAD operator, interior architect, architect, technologist, ergonomist etc.

Everyone at the College was really helpful, and there’s lots of facilities, meaning it’s very easy to get your work done on time, and get good grades. The teaching and support was excellent, they were always on top of it, and made sure you got work done on time and you were challenged. Everyone is friendly and its really diverse, meaning you can get involved in lots of different things.
Conor Ward, BTEC student

I’m really happy and pleased with my grades. I really loved my time at the college, I have also made lots of friends, it’s a really nice place to be, I don’t want to leave.
Lauren Piper, A Level student

There are lots of people at the college, each studying a diverse range of courses, people from all different areas come to study here, it creates a sense of community, there is a huge social aspect to college life across all courses.
Lee Backhouse, BTEC student

Design & Technology: Product Design (Alton)

A Level