About.

This is a 2 year design based course.

The specification has been designed to encourage candidates to take a broad view of design and technology, to develop their capacity to design and make products and to appreciate the complex relations between design, materials and manufacturing.

This qualification equips students with practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and confidence for various careers, particularly in creative industries. They will explore historical, social, cultural, environmental, and economic influences on design and technology while creating prototypes. This hands-on experience fosters a deep understanding of design, along with the knowledge and skills desired by higher education and employers, preparing students for future success in their chosen fields.


Complementary Subjects.

Product Design goes well with many subjects. If you want a career in Design and Engineering routes you might consider Science and Maths A-Levels to Business Studies and vocational pathways.

Maths Physics Engineering

Career Pathways.

Product Design could take you into a number of exciting career paths. Of course there’s product or automotive design - but what about CAD or animation? This course could take you into architecture, teaching, manufacturing, advertising or engineering.

Popular career pathways:

  1. Industrial Designer
  2. Design Engineer
  3. Product Manager
  4. Product Designer
  5. Mechanical Engineer
  6. Animator

Careers Page

Apply
Student Views.

Product Design gives you the chance to experiment with different ideas whilst exploring how they can be manufactured. We had the chance to work on projects with real clients such as Artemide and Aston University.

 - Alex Flanagan

Product Design is a challenging subject that allows you to showcase your creative abilities.

 - Waseem Hussain
Further Information.

If you require further information on any aspect of the course you should contact the following:

Eva Caie
Eva Caie,
Co Subject Lead of Design & Technology
eva.caie@auea.co.uk
01213800570
Prabhjot Panesar
Mr Prabhjot Panesar,
Co Subject Lead of Design & Technology
prabhjot.panesar@auea.co.uk
0121 380 0570

Assessment.

Teaching Units, Assessment Method and Weighting.

Year 1 and 2 Content
Materials and their applications, Performance Characteristics of Materials, Enhancement of Materials, Forming, Redistribution and addition Processes, The use of adhesives and fixings, The use of finishes, Modern industrial and commercial practice, Efficient use of materials, Digital design and Manufacture, The requirements of product design and development, Health and Safety, Protecting designs and intellectual property, Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal, Feasibility studies, Enterprise and marketing in the development of products, Design communication.

Design methods and processes, Design theory, How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers, Design Process, Critical analysis and evaluation, Selection of appropriate tools, equipment and processes, Accuracy in design and manufacture, Responsible design, design for manufacture and project management, national and international standards in product design.
Year 2
PAPER 1
Technical Principles
30%
2 h 30
120 marks
Mixture of short and extended response
PAPER 2
Designing and Making Principles
20%
1h 30
80 marks
Mixture of short and extended response
Product analysis questions
Commercial manufacture questions
Non Examination
Assessment (NEA)
50%
45 hours
Single substantial design and make task
Written or electronic portfolio. Must include photographic evidence of practical outcome