GCSE Design and Technology topics by Exam Board: Full List

This article will clearly outline all examinable GCSE Design and Technology topics across the main UK exam boards, helping you understand exactly what you need to revise for your course. It explains how the subject is structured, how topics are grouped within each specification, and which components assess each area of content.

Whether you are planning your revision timetable, preparing for practical projects, or checking that you have covered the full specification, this guide provides a complete, student-friendly overview of everything that can be assessed at GCSE level. It also highlights key principles, materials, processes, and design considerations you need to know to succeed in both the exam and practical elements of the course.

Key Takeaways

• Know the syllabus: Focus on topics that will actually be assessed.

• Understand the structure: GCSE Design and Technology covers materials and their properties, manufacturing processes, design principles, and evaluation, including both theory and practical skills.

• Plan revision effectively: Use the topic list to create a timetable, prioritise weaker areas, and link topics to past paper questions.

• Refer to official materials: Syllabus references, case studies, and guidance help deepen understanding and boost exam confidence.

• Use correct technical language: Accurate design and technical vocabulary is essential for explaining, analysing, and evaluating products, processes, and materials.

Why It's Important to Know Your Exam Board

Knowing exactly which topics your exam board covers is essential for effective revision. Different exam boards structure their syllabuses differently, so some topics may appear on one board but not another. Revising from the wrong list could mean spending time on material that won’t be examined, while missing topics that could cost you marks. Understanding your board’s specific requirements helps you focus your study, plan your revision efficiently, and enter exams confident that you’re covering everything that matters.

AQA GCSE Design and Technology Topics (8552) 

The course is structured into two main components.

AQA Topic Area 1 - Core Technical Principles

In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of new and emerging technologies, energy generation and storage, developments in new materials, a systems approach to designing, mechanical devices, and materials and their working properties. 

You must know:

• Production techniques and modern manufacturing systems.

• New and emerging technologies, including ethical and environmental considerations.

• Energy generation and storage.

• Modern, smart, composite and technical materials.

• Electronic systems: inputs, processes, and outputs.

• Mechanical systems: types of movement, levers, linkages, gears, pulleys and force transmission.

• Material categories: papers and boards, timbers, metals and alloys, polymers, textiles.

• Material properties and select appropriate materials for design contexts.

AQA Topic Area 2 - Specialist Technical 

In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of material and component selection, forces and stresses, sustainability, material sources and processing, manufacturing techniques, production scales, and surface treatments and finishes.

You must know:

• How to select appropriate materials and components.

• Forces and stresses and how materials can be reinforced or modified.

• Ecological and social footprint.

• Sources and origins of materials and how raw materials are processed.

• How material properties influence product performance in commercial contexts.

• How material properties can be modified for specific purposes.

• How materials are shaped and formed using cutting, addition and deforming processes.

• Stock forms, standard components, material sizes, and calculation of quantities.

• Scales of production and why different methods are used.

• Specialist tools, techniques, commercial manufacturing processes, and quality control.

• Surface treatments and finishes used to enhance functional and aesthetic properties.

AQA Topic Area 3 - Designing and Making Principles 

In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of how design and technology activities respond to real contexts, and how prototypes must meet user needs and be fit for purpose. 

You must know:

• How to investigate and analyse client/user needs using primary and secondary data.

• How to write and adapt a design brief and specification.

• Environmental, social and economic factors that influence design decisions.

• The work of past and present designers and companies and how this informs practice.

• Design strategies such as user-centred design, collaboration and iterative design.

• How to generate, develop and refine design ideas through modelling, testing and evaluation.

• Methods of communicating design ideas.

• How to design, develop and evaluate prototypes to meet the brief.

• How to select appropriate materials and components.

• Working accurately with tolerances and SI units.

• Material management.

• Safe and accurate use of specialist tools, techniques and processes.

• Application of surface treatments and finishes for functional and aesthetic purposes.

WJEC GCSE Design and Technology Topics (0226) 

The course is structured into two main components.

WJEC Topic Area 1.1 - Design and Technology in the 21st Century (Core Knowledge - All Students)

This topic area is relevant to all students. In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of how contemporary design and technology respond to new technologies, materials, sustainability, energy use, and historical and cultural influences.

You must know:

• How new and emerging technologies impact product development, industry and enterprise.

• Modern and smart materials.

• Sustainable design.

• Energy generation, storage and renewability.

• Contemporary design thinking.

WJEC Topic Area 1.1(a) Design and Technology in the 21st Century (Engineering Design Students Only)

This area of study is relevant to students who have chosen Engineering Design as their pathway. In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of metals, polymers, modern materials and technology, electronic and control systems, forces and movement, surface treatments, stock forms, and engineering manufacture and industry.

You must know:

• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

• Thermoforming and thermosetting polymers.

• Modern, smart and emerging materials.

• Electronic and control systems.

• Forces and movement.

• Surface treatments and finishes to improve function and aesthetics.

• Stock forms of materials and standard components.

• Engineering manufacture and industry.

WJEC Topic Area 1.1(b) Design and Technology in the 21st Century (Fashion and Textiles Students Only)

This area of study is relevant to students who have chosen Fashion and Textiles as their pathway. In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of fibres, textiles, modern materials, surface finishes, specialist techniques, and the fashion and textile industry.

You must know:

• Natural, synthetic, blended and mixed fibres.

• Woven, knitted and non-woven textiles.

• Technical textiles for specific purposes.

• Modern, smart and emerging materials and technology.

• Stock forms of materials and components.

• Surface finishes and treatments.

• Specialist techniques and processes.

• The fashion and textile industry.

WJEC Topic Area 1.1(c) Design and Technology in the 21st Century (Product Design Students Only)

This area of study is relevant to students who have chosen Product Design as their pathway. In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of metals, timbers, plastics, modern materials, specialist techniques, surface finishes, stock forms, and product manufacture.

You must know:

• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

• Natural and manufactured timbers.

• Thermoforming and thermosetting plastics.

• Modern, smart and emerging materials and technology.

• Specialist techniques and processes.

• Surface finishes and treatments for metals, timbers, and plastics.

• Stock forms of materials and components.

• Product manufacture and industr.

OCR GCSE Design and Technology Topics (J310) 

The course is structured into two main components.

OCR Topic Area 1 - Identifying requirements

In your exam, you will need to understand how the context of a design shapes decisions and why usability matters in prototypes.

You must know:

• Context of a design solution: where and how a product is used, who the main user and other stakeholders are, and the social, cultural, moral and economic factors that influence design.

• Usability in design: how to make products easy, inclusive and ergonomic, using anthropometric data and considering appearance and user lifestyle.

OCR Topic Area 2 - Learning from existing products and practice

In your exam, you will need to understand how analysing existing products and developments in design and technology informs decisions.

You must know:

• Opportunities and constraints: analyse existing products to identify features, materials, processes, trends, marketing, usability, social and environmental impact (including lifecycle), and the work of designers and companies.

• Developments in design and technology: evaluate how new and emerging technologies influence design, including ethical, environmental and future impacts.

OCR Topic Area 3 - Implications of wider issues

In your exam, you will need to understand how wider factors influence design and making.

You must know:

• Impacts of new technologies: effects on industry, society, lifestyle, culture, environment, and sustainability.

• Choosing energy sources: how energy is generated, stored or transferred, and selecting renewable or non-renewable options.

• Wider implications: environmental, social, and economic factors, including sustainability, fair trade, ethics, and global development.

OCR Topic Area 4 - Design thinking and communication

In your exam, you will need to understand how to communicate design solutions and use information to solve problems.

You must know:

• Communicating design solutions: use sketches, 2D/3D drawings, exploded diagrams, models, flow charts, and mathematical modelling to convey ideas, modifications, and technical details.

• Sourcing information and problem solving: apply user-centred design and systems thinking; collaborate with specialists across design and manufacturing to inform decisions.

OCR Topic Area 5 - Material considerations

In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of the full range of materials used in design and technology, how to select them for specific purposes, where they come from, and how they are supplied. 

You must know:

• Main categories of materials: papers/boards, timbers, metals, polymers, textiles, modern/smart materials, composites, and technical textiles.

• Factors in selecting materials/components: properties, functionality, aesthetics, environmental impact, availability, cost, and ethical considerations.

• Sources and origins: where materials come from, how they’re processed, and their environmental, social, and ethical impacts, including lifecycle, recycling, reuse, and disposal.

• Available forms/stock: standard sizes and units; common stock forms and standard components.

OCR Topic Area 6 - Technical understanding

In your exam, you will need to demonstrate understanding of how products and systems are designed to function safely and effectively. This includes ensuring structural integrity, applying surface finishes for function and aesthetics, controlling movement using mechanical systems, and understanding electronic systems and programmable components. 

You must know:

• Structural integrity: strengthen materials and components to resist forces using triangulation, layering, boning/darts in textiles, plastic webbing, and other reinforcement methods.

• Finishing materials and products: apply surface treatments to improve durability, resistance, and appearance.

• Controlled movement in products/systems: understand motion types, forces and mechanical devices that change force direction or size.

• Electronic systems functionality: sensors detect inputs; outputs respond; programmable components like microcontrollers enhance operation.

OCR Topic Area 7 - Manufacturing processes and techniques

In your exam, you will need to show understanding of how products are made from initial ideas through to final prototypes and production. This includes iterative design, shaping and joining materials, ensuring accuracy, using digital tools, choosing production scales, and evaluating new technologies.

You must know:

• Iterative models: create early models or toiles to refine designs.

• Manipulating and joining materials: shape and join materials using cutting, laminating, welding, sewing, soldering, folding, bending, and vacuum forming.

• Ensuring accuracy: measure, mark out, use templates/jigs/patterns, work to tolerances, and reduce waste.

• Digital design tools: use 2D/3D software, rapid prototyping, CAD/CAM/CAE, and interpret plans.

• Production scales: apply methods for one-off, batch, mass, and JIT production, using suitable techniques for each material.

• New/emerging technologies: assess impacts on efficiency, cost, and quality; consider disruptive tech like 3D printing and robotics.

OCR Topic Area 8 - Viability of design solutions

In your exam, you will need to show understanding of how materials and components’ cost and availability influence design decisions, commercial viability, and marketability, and how to calculate quantities and costs.

You must know:

• Cost and availability: Understand how cost affects commercial viability and stakeholder needs.

• Calculations: Work out quantities, sizes, and costs of materials/components for a product or design.

Edexcel GCSE Design and Technology Topics (1DT0) 

The course is structured into two main components.

Edexcel Topic Area 1 – Core Content (All Students)

This area of study is relevant to all students. In your exam, you will need to show understanding of how design and technology developments, materials, systems, and context influence decisions and outcomes.

You must know:

• New/emerging technologies

• Evaluating technologies

• Energy generation/storage

• Modern/smart materials, composites, technical textiles

• Mechanical devices & movement

• Electronic systems

• Metals: Ferrous and non-ferrous

• Papers & boards

• Polymers

• Fibres & textiles

• Timbers

• Contextual design & practice

• Environmental, social & economic challenges

• Analyse designers/companies

• Design strategies

• Communicate & justify ideas

Edexcel Topic Area 2 to 7 – Material Categories

In this area of study, you will focus on one material category:

• Metals (1) - In your exam, you will need to show understanding of metals in design, their properties, production, and applications.

• Papers and boards (2) – In your exam, you will need to show understanding of papers and boards in design, their properties, production, and applications.

• Polymers (3) - In your exam, you will need to show understanding of polymers in design, their properties, production, and applications.

• Systems (4) - In your exam, you will need to show understanding of electronic and control systems in design, their components, properties, and production.

• Textiles (5) - In your exam, you will need to show understanding of textiles in design, their properties, sources, and production.

• Timbers (6) - In your exam, you will need to show understanding of timbers in design, their properties, sources, and production.

For your chosen material category (1-6), you must know:

• Design contexts

• Sources, properties & footprint

• Factors influencing selection

• Forces & reinforcement

• Reinforcement

• Stock forms & sizes

• Manufacturing processes & scales

• Specialist techniques, tools & equipment

• Surface treatments & finishes

How to Use Topic Lists for Revision

Using the complete topic list for your exam board effectively can make your revision more focused and efficient. This section will tell you how you can get the most out of it.

Build a revision timetable

Break the topic list for your exam board into smaller, manageable sections and assign specific times to study each one. For example, dedicate one session to ‘Materials and Their Properties’ and another to ‘Manufacturing Processes’. Spreading your revision across several weeks ensures that you cover every area and prevents last-minute cramming. A timetable also helps you balance study with breaks, making revision less overwhelming and more productive.

For step-by-step guidance on building your own revision timetable, take a look at the Save My Exams article How to Make a GCSE Revision Timetable. It offers practical tips on structuring your study plan, staying organised, and keeping your workload manageable throughout the revision period.

Prioritise weaker areas

Not all topics will feel equally easy. Use the list to identify the areas you find most challenging and allocate extra time to these first. For example, if you struggle with ‘Designing for Sustainability’ or ‘Electronics and Control Systems’, focus on these early so you have time to practise, review, and ask for help if needed. Strengthening weaker topics can significantly improve your overall exam performance.

Match topics to past paper questions

Go through past papers and highlight which questions relate to each topic. This helps you see how examiners test your knowledge and gives you a clear idea of the types of answers expected. Practising with real questions also builds exam confidence, improves timing, and helps you apply theory to practical scenarios.

For further guidance, take a look at the Save My Exams article How to Use Past Papers Effectively for Exam Revision. It offers practical strategies for getting the most out of past papers, including when to start using them, how to review mark schemes effectively, and how to track your progress over time. Using these techniques alongside your topic notes will make your revision more focused and exam-ready.

Use syllabus references for deeper study

Many topics include syllabus references, which guide you to more detailed examples and case studies. For instance, explore case studies on innovative materials, modern manufacturing techniques, or ergonomic product design. This deeper understanding helps you write more thorough answers and think critically rather than simply memorising facts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to revise all GCSE Design and Technology topics for the exam?

Yes. While some topics may appear more often than others, exam boards can assess any part of the specification. Revising everything ensures you are prepared for both theory questions and practical project assessments.

Are these topics the same across all exam boards?

Most topics cover similar areas, such as materials, manufacturing processes, design principles, and evaluation, but there are small differences between exam boards. Always check your specific specification to make sure you focus on the right content.

How do I know which topics I struggle with most?

Review past papers, practice questions, and your class notes. Pay attention to topics where you make mistakes or feel less confident. Creating a revision tracker or marking system can help identify your weaker areas.

Do all topics come up in every exam paper?

Not necessarily. Exam papers are designed to sample content from across the specification, so some topics may not appear in a particular paper. However, the questions can come from any part of the syllabus, so full coverage is important.

Where Can I Find the Official Syllabus?

The latest syllabus can be found on the exam board’s website. Here are the direct links for easy access:

• AQA GCSE Design and Technology (opens in a new tab) 

• OCR GCSE Design and Technology (opens in a new tab)

• WJEC Design and Technology (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel Design and Technology (opens in a new tab)

Final Thoughts

Understanding the full list of GCSE Design and Technology topics is essential for effective revision and exam success. By knowing exactly what each exam board can assess, you can plan your study efficiently, focus on areas where you need the most improvement, and avoid spending time on content that may not appear on your paper.

Use these topic lists as the foundation of your revision strategy: break them down into manageable sections, track your progress, and regularly test your knowledge through past papers and practice questions. Combining this structured approach with practical experience in designing and making will give you the confidence to tackle both theory and project-based assessments.

Remember, success in GCSE Design and Technology comes from understanding the full specification, practising application, and consistently reviewing your weaker areas.

References:

AQA GCSE Design and Technology (opens in a new tab)
OCR GCSE Design and Technology (opens in a new tab)
WJEC Design and Technology (opens in a new tab)
Edexcel Design and Technology (opens in a new tab)