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. 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 using the iterative design process. 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. A key requirement of the course is the use of mathematical skills and these will be tested in the exams. An understanding of scientific theory is also expected. Students will study materials and their applications; performance characteristics of materials; enhancement of materials and design and making principles.