Design and Technology (Product Design)

Course summary

This creative and thought-provoking qualification gives students the practical skills, theoretical knowledge and confidence to succeed in several 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 into 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. The course is structured to cover the wide range of knowledge and skills required to be successful. The course breaks down the content into two main areas, the Technical Principles which cover how to go about designing and manufacturing in a modern world environment, and the practice of manufacturing through the study of Designing and Making Principles. There will be a large emphasis on a variety of design methodologies including the iterative process which will figure prominently. Links will be made to the application of mathematical and scientific principles and these will be examined at the end of the course.