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 a number of careers. Especially those in the creative industries. You will investigate historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic influences on design and technology, whilst enjoying opportunities to put your learning in to practice by producing prototypes of your 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 will work to deadlines and industry standards; experiment with new technologies; communicate their ideas using a full range of IT and presentation packages; think laterally and use analytical skill. Study is undertaken in a collaborative studio and workshop fully equipped with rapid prototyping, laser cutting, CAD modelling and traditional prototyping machinery. Product design students will generate creative, practical and marketable solutions to real-life problems. The qualification is linear and students will sit their exam and submit their non-exam assessment at the end of the course. Future Career Opportunities: Starting your own business, engineering (all disciplines), architecture, interior design, product design, industrial design advertising and media, education and training, graphic design, furniture design, jewellery design and manufacturing industries. Indirectly, the course also prepares you for any profession that values problem solving, creativity, good organisation and communication and research skills.