Design and technology – engineerin design specialism overview
A level design and technology – engineering design combines creativity, innovation and technical knowledge to develop students’ understanding of engineering principles and product development. Students learn how products and systems are designed, engineered, manufactured and evaluated to solve real-world problems.
The course develops analytical thinking, mathematical application, technical understanding and practical design skills. Students study a broad range of engineering and design topics before applying their knowledge through an independent non-examined assessment (NEA) project.
Why choose A level design and technology with engineering design specialism?
Engineering design is ideal for students who enjoy understanding how things work and using creativity, technical knowledge and analytical thinking to solve complex problems. The course develops the skills and knowledge needed for future study and careers in engineering, design and manufacturing while providing valuable experience of real-world design and development processes
Students have opportunities to:
- Develop advanced CAD skills using Autodesk Inventor.
- Design and prototype engineering solutions to real-world challenges.
- Work with a range of materials, manufacturing processes and workshop equipment.
- Explore electronics, automation and smart technologies.
- Develop practical, analytical and problem-solving skills valued by employers and universities.
Course type:
A level
Exam board:
OCR
Entry requirements:
GCSE grade 5 in design and technology or BTEC M2 in engineering/design and technology and grade 5 in maths.
What will I study?
| Year 12 | Year 13 |
| Develop 2D and 3D design communication skills, including concept sketching, orthographic drawing, construction diagrams and design presentations. | Complete the non-examined assessment (NEA), a substantial independent design-and-make project. |
| Use Autodesk Inventor to produce CAD models and digitally rendered engineering concepts. | Further develop engineering knowledge through project-based design and manufacture. |
| Explore design requirements, user needs, product analysis and design-thinking strategies. | Study commercial manufacturing methods, quality control and assurance. |
| Learn about health and safety, workshop practice and risk assessment. | Investigate additive manufacturing, CNC technologies and production systems. |
| Examine wider influences in design and manufacture, including sustainability, environmental issues, standards and regulations. | Evaluate products through testing and assessment of technical and commercial viability. |
| Apply mathematical and scientific principles, including ratios, percentages, trigonometry, power, stress and strain, stiffness of materials and engineering calculations. | Consolidate learning through revision and preparation for A level examinations. |
| Study systems and electronics, including sensors, programmable devices, signal amplification, smart technologies and system design. | Continue to refine CAD, modelling and engineering design skills through project work. |
| Investigate a wide range of materials, material properties, stock forms and manufacturing processes. | |
| Explore manufacturing techniques, scales of production and commercial manufacturing methods. | |
| Engineering design specialism: mechanisms, magnitude and direction of forces, structural and mechanical efficiency, engineering systems, electronics, programmable control devices, open and closed loop systems, smart technologies and engineering problem-solving. |
How will I be assessed?
| Component | Description | Weight |
| Principles of design engineering | Written examination assessing engineering principles, materials, manufacturing processes and wider influences on design. | 26.7% |
| Problem solving in engineering design | Written examination assessing analytical thinking, engineering problem-solving and application of technical knowledge. | 23.3% |
| Non-examined assessment (NEA) | Iterative design-and-make project responding to a contextual challenge, demonstrating investigation, design development, manufacture and evaluation skills. | 50% |
Future pathways and progression
This course provides an excellent foundation for higher education, apprenticeships and careers in:
- Mechanical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Manufacturing engineering
- Product design engineering
- Automotive engineering
- Aerospace engineering
- Robotics and automation
- Architecture
- Industrial design
- Construction and the built environment
- Project management
Students also develop transferable skills including critical thinking, technical communication, project management, creativity and problem-solving, which are highly valued across a wide range of industries.
