What is A Level Design and Technology?

If you enjoyed GCSE Design and Technology or you’re looking for a vocational, technical A Level, you might be considering A Level Design and Technology.

Offered by AQA (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), OCR (opens in a new tab) and WJEC (Eduqas (opens in a new tab) in England and CBAC (opens in a new tab) in Wales), A Level Design and Technology teaches you both technical principles and designing and making principles.

This guide covers what you study, how you're assessed, what you need to start, and where it can take you.

Key Takeaways

• AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC all offer A Level Design and Technology

• You’ll learn both technical principles and design and making principles, and you’ll also choose an endorsement

• Assessment is generally 50% non-exam assessment (NEA), and other components vary depending on the exam board

• The course requires mathematical and scientific knowledge

• A Level Design can lead to Design & Technology degrees and careers in design, engineering and architecture

What is A Level Design and Technology?

A Level Design and Technology is a course that develops you as both a designer and a maker. It comes under Vocational and Technical subjects in the list of A Levels. 

Which exam boards offer A Level Design and Technology?

The following exam boards offer A Level Design and Technology:

• AQA, the UK’s largest exam board

• Pearson Edexcel

• OCR

• WJEC (Eduqas in England and CBAC in Wales)

What do you study in A Level Design and Technology?

Most exam boards, including AQA, split their content into two areas

1. Technical principles, e.g. materials and their performance characteristics

2. Designing and making principles, e.g. design process and theory

You’ll also choose an endorsement, usually from the following three options:

1) Design engineering
2) Fashion and textiles
3) Product design

How is A Level Design and Technology assessed?

The table below provides an overview of how AQA A Level Design and Technology is assessed:

For information on how Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC assess A Level Design and Technology, the best place to look is at the relevant specifications.

Does A Level Design and Technology Include Maths and Science?

Yes. You’ll need mathematical skills like confident use of numbers and percentages, ratios and trigonometry.

You’ll also need scientific knowledge and skills, including knowing the physical properties of materials and describing the conditions which cause degradation.

If you did well in GCSE Maths and Science, you don’t need to worry too much. If you find maths and science tricky, consider this before committing to A Level Design and Technology.

How is A Level Design and Technology different from A Level Art and Design or BTEC Engineering?

Many students find it hard to decide between A Level Design and Technology, Art and Design and BTEC Engineering. Here are the key features of each:

A Level Design and Technology, like all A Levels, is typically taken by learners aged 16 to 18. It is offered by AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC. It teaches technical principles and design and making principles, and 50% of the course is the NEA.

A Level Art and Design is offered by the same exam boards as A Level Design and Technology. You choose a specialism, such as Art, Craft and Design or Photography.

BTEC Engineering offers Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications for learners aged 16+. It is offered by Pearson (opens in a new tab) and includes a range of programmes, but it is taught in units and is more vocational. Choose this if you want to go into more detail on areas like manufacturing operations and the workplace.

Do you need GCSE Design and Technology to take A Level Design and Technology?

The course technically has no prior learning requirements. However, you’re expected to have the skills and knowledge required for GCSE Design and Technology (or an equivalent qualification). It’s therefore helpful to know what GCSE Design and Technology is.

You should also have the required skills and knowledge for maths and science. If you struggled with these subjects at GCSE, keep this in mind before committing.

Many schools have minimum requirements for GCSE Design and Technology, Maths and Science. Ask your teacher to find out exactly what your school requires.

If you're at GCSE level now and thinking about A Level, our guide on preparing for A Levels after GCSE is a useful place to start.

How hard is A Level Design and Technology?

A Level Design and Technology is listed among the top 10 hardest A Levels.

The NEA can be especially challenging, as you’ll need to manage a long-term project alongside your other A Levels. Time management is therefore an important skill you’ll need to develop.

Students who succeed tend to combine practical confidence with willingness to write extended technical analysis. Students who struggle usually underestimate the required maths, science or time needed for the NEA.

What can you do with A Level Design and Technology?

Here are just some of the pathways A Level Design and Technology can open up for you:

Further Study

• Degrees in Design and Technology and more specialised areas, e.g. Product Design Technology and Architecture Design

Careers

• Design

• Engineering

• Architecture

Is A Level Design and Technology right for you?

If you enjoyed GCSE Design and Technology, like designing and making and enjoy exploring technical principles, A Level Design and Technology is truly worth considering.

If you’re not a fan of sustained project work, practical components or maths and science, it’s likely not for you. A Level Art and Design is better if you want a more creative, artistic qualification, and BTEC Engineering is better if you want something more vocational.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level Design and Technology a good A Level?

Yes, especially if you’re interested in degrees related to engineering, architecture and product design. 

It also offers an array of transferable skills, including project work, time management and the ability to combine practical and theoretical work.

What jobs can A Level Design and Technology lead to?

Jobs in design, engineering and architecture are common.

The transferable skills you’ll gain will also suit a range of different careers, especially in business, education and the creative industries.

Which A Level Design and Technology endorsement should I choose?

Most exam boards give you a choice between design engineering, fashion and textiles and product design.

Design engineering is more electronics-focused; fashion and textiles looks at clothing; and product design is more about the decision-making process and materials used to make products.

Go with the endorsement that best suits your interests and future goals.

Is there coursework in A Level Design and Technology?

Yes. The coursework (NEA) makes up around 50% of your final grade across all exam boards.