Where big ideas become reality

This exciting two year course is your gateway into the world of innovative design, creative problem-solving and modern manufacturing. It's perfectly balanced: 50% of your grade comes from a major design-and-make project, where you choose the challenge and bring your ideas to life; the other 50% comes from two written papers taken at the end of Year 13, testing your understanding of design theory, materials, and technical principles.

Designed for makers, thinkers and innovators

This A Level focusses exclusively on resistant materials and cutting-edge CAD/CAM processes. You’ll learn how to turn your concepts into professional-quality products using tools and technologies used in the design industry today. It’s also the ideal partner to the BTEC Engineering course at King Edward’s—many of our engineering students take product design to add creative flair to their technical skills. This is a linear course, which means all exams happen at the end of Year 13. But don’t worry—you’ll get three full mock exam opportunities along the way to test your progress and build confidence.

What will I do on the course?

• Take on a substantial design challenge of your choice
• Learn through imaginative, hands-on projects
• Develop your skills in product development, materials, sustainability, and manufacturing
• Build knowledge in design principles, maths, science and industry practices

Entry requirements: What do I need to get started?

A Grade 5 or above in GCSE Design and Technology or Art, or a pass in Level 2 BTEC Engineering is a great foundation. However, we welcome all applicants—even if you haven’t studied a creative subject before. If you’ve got passion, curiosity, and a desire to design, we want to hear from you.

Where can product design take you?

An A Level in Design and Technology: Product Design opens the door to a world of creative and technical possibilities. Whether you want to invent the next big product, shape the spaces we live in, or design with people and the planet in mind, this course gives you the skills to get there.

Employers and universities love creative thinkers who can solve real-world problems and think outside the box. That’s why product design students are in demand. Our past students have gone on to study product design, ergonomics, architecture, and even landed highly competitive engineering apprenticeships. This course is all about thinking differently, solving real problems, and creating with purpose. If you want to shape the future through design, this is where it starts.