Product Design A Level (Level 3)

Applications Open: - 1st October 2025

Interviews: From January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or maths. Please check specific courses for their entry requirements.

How to Apply: Please apply via KentChoices

For any other information & enquiries please contact Miss Moore on rmoore@wrotham.kent.sch.uk and/or Mr Elphick on relphick@wrotham.kent.sch.uk

This is a two year course which will result in a single A Level. This can be taken in a combination with other level 3 courses (including A level and vocational).

If taken, students will need to choose two other level 3 qualifications and will be requested to do our mandatory enrichment programme. This programme covers a range of different employment skills, other qualifications and experiences that students can use for their post 18 destinations including the Extended Project Qualification (useful for extra UCAS points and research experience).

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. They will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put their learning in to practice by producing prototypes of their choice. Students will gain a real understanding of what it means to be a designer, alongside the knowledge and skills sought by higher education and employers. Students may study engineering, architecture, theatre design and interior design at further education on completion this course. Many students select Product Design as a creative and enjoyable subject to balance their other subject selection.

Subject Content

Paper 1: Technical principles (examination) 30% of A-level

Paper 2: Designing and making principles (examination) 20% of A-level

Non-exam assessment (coursework): Practical application of technical principles, designing and making principles. 50% of A-level

50% internally assessed coursework, 50% examination

Grade 5 or above in a GCSE Design and Technology subject & grade 4 or above in GCSE English (lit or lang). A BTEC Pass or above in an associated subject e.g. Engineering will also be accepted. If no D&T qualification, a grade 5 or above in English will be considered with a creative subject.

Career opportunities are vast. Students could continue with their studies at university and choose to enter the world of computer generated cartoons, animation, computer aided design for industry, architecture, interior and exhibition design, or advertising.

These are only some examples of the possibilities. On completing the A Level, possible areas of employment could be, for example, in the media and creative industries, engineering and manufacturing industries.