Product Design A Level

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - To be confirmed

Entry Requirements: - 5 GCSEs Grade 9-4 - Some requirements vary slightly dependent on course.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Applica here

About the Course

Board: OCR (H406)

Product Design is a creative subject, which has been designed to encourage students to broaden their understanding of a range of materials, components and manufacturing techniques. They will have the opportunity to develop their design skills through a range of imaginative and innovative methods and produce a portfolio of evidence to support the development of a final prototype. In addition, students will learn to produce creative and innovative products that meet the needs of a range of clients and consumers. This course is suited to individuals with a creative flair for designing and those who enjoy developing ideas through sketching, modelling and CAD. It is also an excellent choice for those who enjoy practical subjects and want to develop their technical skills in the workshop through the development of models and prototypes. A range of graphics techniques and ICT, including CAD/CAM will be used to help generate, develop, model and communicate students design proposals.

Units of Study

Unit 1: Principles of…(01)

This paper is set out through four sets of questions that predominantly cover technical principles within each endorsed title. Learners will be required to:

analyse existing products

demonstrate applied mathematical skills

demonstrate their technical knowledge of materials, product functionality, manufacturing processes and techniques

demonstrate their understanding of wider social, moral and environmental issues that impact on the design and manufacturing industries.

Unit 2: Problem solving (02)

This component has a series of longer answer questions that require learners to demonstrate their problem solving and critical evaluation skills. Learners will be required to:

Apply their knowledge, understanding and skills of designing and manufacturing prototypes and products

Demonstrate their higher thinking skills to solve problems and evaluate situations and suitability of design solutions.

Unit 3: Iterative Design Project (03,04)

The ‘Iterative Design Project’ requires learners to undertake a substantial design, make and evaluate project centred on the iterative processes of explore, create and evaluate. Learners identify a design opportunity or problem from a context of their own choice, and create a portfolio of evidence in real time through the project to demonstrate their competence.

Units of Study

Unit 1: Principles of…(01)

80 marks

1 hour 30 minutes written paper

26.7% of total A Level

Unit 2: Problem solving (02)

70 marks

1 hour 45 minutes’ design/written paper

23.3% of total A Level

Unit 3: Iterative Design Project (03,04)

100 marks

Approx. 65 hours

Non-exam assessment

The ‘Iterative Design Project’ requires learners to undertake a substantial design, make and evaluate project centred on the iterative processes of explore, create and evaluate. Learners identify a design opportunity or problem from a context of their own choice, and create a portfolio of evidence in real time through the project to demonstrate their competence.

Grade 4 or above at GCSE. Students should have a grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language and a 5 or above in GCSE Product Design/Resistant Materials.

This course is suitable for those interested in pursuing a career in the design industry.