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. Students 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. They 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 will study: Technical Principles, including: • Materials and their applications • Performance characteristics of materials • The use of finishes • Modern industrial and commercial practice • Digital design and manufacture • Requirements for product design and development • Health and safety • Protecting designs and intellectual property • Design for manufacturing, maintenance, repair and disposal • Feasibility studies • Enterprise and marketing in the development of products • Design communication Designing and Making Principles, including: • Design methods and processes • How technology and cultural changes can impact on the work of designers • Design Process • Critical analysis and evaluation • Selecting appropriate tools, equipment and processes • Accuracy in design and manufacture • Responsible design • Design for manufacture and project management • National and international standards in product design