A Level Product Design

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

Course Overview

Product Design requires students to engage in both practical and theoretical study. Through experimentation, skills based practical learning and a continuous study of theory, students will gain a wide range of knowledge to support them in their future studies.

Students will develop the ability to draw on and apply a range of skills and knowledge from other subject areas to inform their decisions in design and the application or development of technology. There are clear links between other subject areas such as Computer Science, Business Studies, Art and Design and History.

There are many opportunities for students to integrate and apply their wider learning and understanding from other subject areas studied during Key Stage 4, as well as those subjects that they are studying alongside A-level Design and Technology.

Students must also demonstrate their mathematics and science skills in the context of design.

The two key areas that we look at are:

• technical principles
• designing and making principles

Paper 1 - 120 marks (30% of A-Level)

Technical principles

Mixture of short answer and extended response.

Paper 2 - 80 marks (20% of A-Level)

Design and making principles

Section A:

Product Analysis: 30 marks

Up to 6 short answer questions based on visual stimulus of product(s).

Section B:

Commercial manufacture: 50 marks

Mixture of short and extended response questions

Non-exam assessment - 100 marks (50% of A-Level)

Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles.

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Grade 4 or above GCSE Product Design

The course is suitable to successful post GCSE Design students who enjoy designing and making their own products in a creative way and exploring the work of other successful designers.

Where can this course take me?

Product Design is a subject that many employers and universities acknowledge as creating and essential foundation for design-based work/study. Other employers see the subject favourably as it shows you can expand and explore on ideas further with a creative mindset.