Product Design (A Level)

Course summary

This creative and thought-provoking qualification will strengthen learners critical thinking and problem solving skills within a creative environment, enabling you to develop and make prototypes that solve real world problems. During the course learners will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning into practice by producing products of your choice. This will enable learners to gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the theoretical knowledge, practical skills and confidence sought by Higher Education and a number of careers, especially those in the creative industries. During the course there are opportunities to visit relevant exhibitions, industries and lectures to assist with your studies. Examples of these include the Design Museum, Vitra, the V&A, and New Designers. Studies in Year 1 have been designed to build upon and consolidate the skills already gained at GCSE and bring together the different design disciplines. Learners will study the theoretical aspects needed to develop learners knowledge and understanding of materials and manufacturing processes as well as the role of the designer in society. There will also be sessions in CAD/CAM.