Design Technology (DT) A Level

Course Overview

At its heart, Design & Technology is about combining curiosity, problem-solving and creativity to find solutions for real world problems. If you are creative, practical and technically minded, if you are driven to investigate challenging problems and deliver user-centred solutions then DT could be for you.

You will carry out practical work using industry standard equipment such as 3D printers and laser cutters, alongside lessons which focus on the theoretical study of design, material properties and manufacturing. You will be taught by specialist teachers and hear from alumni and guest speakers from industry. The course is further enriched with external trips to design events and exhibitions in Cambridge and London. You will develop your understanding of real-world problems and come up with effective, empathetic solutions. We will discuss issues such as ecology, ethics, economics, cultural differences and social responsibility as well as how designers can improve people’s lives. 

Your project work will involve research, creative problem-solving, project management as well as designing and making skills. You will learn how to generate and communicate design ideas with professional computer-aided design software as well as developing your free-hand sketching and rendering. You will consolidate your new skills by undertaking a major coursework project consisting of a portfolio and made prototype.  This is your chance to really explore your interests as you will set your own brief and develop work that will aid you in your own unique progression route. 

Managing your own projects and balancing the practical and theoretical demands of the course will provide you with fantastic transferable skills for any industry. Design & Technology A Level goes well with artistic and creative subjects as well as Science, Maths and IT. Our students go on to university courses, apprenticeships or employment in areas such as Product Design, Fashion & Textiles Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, 3D Design, Art and Engineering.

I have really enjoyed studying DT at long road. We were always encouraged to think outside the box and experiment with ideas and materials. This not only helped our project development, but the way we think about solving problems. I feel I have developed both my design skills and the way I think as a designer through this course. I am now going on to study architecture at university.