Course Information
Title:Product Design
Type: A Level
Entry Requirements:Standard entry requirements plus a 5 or above in GCSE mathematics is advised
Course Length: 2 Years
About
This exciting course helps you take a broad view of design and technology, develop your capacity to design and make innovative new products products and
appreciate the complex relations between design, materials, manufacture and marketing.
Practical work is an important aspect of this subject so you will be given the opportunity to design and make a product or number of products in both
years of the course.
What will I study
In year 12 you will study the following:
- The physical and mechanical properties of a broad range of materials and components, why these are used in specific applications with particular emphasis on the life-cycle of products including manufacture, use and disposal.
- The methods by which materials and components can be manipulated to manufacture products.
- The health and safety issues relevant to working with materials.
- The use of computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM), and the use of basic quality control measures.
- The broader issues for the designer such as: environmental sustainability of products and their manufacture, ergonomic and anthropometrics, inclusive design, and consumer safety.
In year 13 you will study the following:
- The evolution, selection and application of materials for the manufacture of modern products. How the use and conservation of both energy and raw materials affect the selection and application of materials for the production and function of products today.
- The application of materials and components to suit specific production processes, from one-off to mass-production.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed 50% coursework and 50% examination in both years.
Assessment Overview
Year 12
2 hour written paper
50% of total mark
50 hours coursework
50% of total mark
Year 13
2 hour written paper
50% of total mark
50 hours coursework
50% of total mark
Where can product design lead?
Product design allows you to gain a range of skills that will allow you to develop your understanding of working within the design industry. Some of the job opportunities are: advertising art director, automotive engineer, graphic designer, materials engineer, product management, production designer and many others.
What Students Say:
"Product design at A Level was the perfect mix of design and practical work which allowed me to extend my knowledge and helped improve my skills to apply in lots of other subjects and areas."