Design & Technology: 3D Design

Where Creativity Meets Innovation  

Become the creator of the next generation of products that shape our world – innovative, practical, and inspiring.  

In a world full of technology, convenience, and design, it’s hard to imagine life without the innovations that make our daily routines easier. From smartphones to electric lighting, the world we live in is a testament to the power of design. And it all starts with creative problem-solvers like you.  

A Level 3D Design is all about innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. You’ll explore the process of designing products that don’t just look good – they work well and improve people’s lives. The course gives you the chance to research, prototype, and build real-world solutions using a variety of materials. You’ll gain hands-on experience that prepares you for careers in design, engineering, architecture, and more.  

Course Overview

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Course Type:	A-Level
Exam Board:	AQA
Assessment	60% Exam 40% Coursework

38% – Over one third of our A Level 3D Design students went on to study Architecture or Engineering at university in 2025.

You will learn about:

• Design Thinking & Problem Solving: Learn to identify problems and come up with creative solutions that make a difference.  
• Materials & Manufacturing: Explore how different materials can be used in exciting ways to create practical and visually stunning designs.  
• Prototyping & Modelling: Develop your skills in building models and prototypes, learning how to turn your ideas into tangible products.  
• Sustainability in Design: Understand the importance of designing with sustainability in mind, creating products that are not only functional but also environmentally friendly.  

Course Content & Assessment

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%) 

In this component, you’ll complete a personal design project. It’s similar to the coursework you did at GCSE, but with more independence and depth.

• You’ll choose your own project focus, researching a designer, engineer, or craftsperson that interests you.

• Based on this research, you’ll develop a range of design ideas and test out different manufacturing processes.
• After refining your ideas and designs, you’ll create a final product.

Component 2: Response to Externally Set Title (40%) 

This component begins in February of Year 13. You’ll choose a design brief from a set list provided by the exam board and work with your teacher to guide you through the process.

• You’ll conduct extensive research on the chosen brief and come up with a wide range of innovative design solutions.

• After your research, you’ll have 15 hours in which to create a fully working prototype based on your research and designs.

Teaching

In A Level 3D Design, you’ll experience a dynamic blend of learning styles to help you thrive. From hands-on skills workshops and practical demonstrations to online resources, you’ll be immersed in both creative and technical aspects of design.

At the start of Year 12, we’ll focus on developing your creativity and refining your ability to communicate design ideas, both verbally and visually. You’ll also have the chance to experiment with new manufacturing processes, gaining invaluable skills to create innovative products.

As you progress through the course, you will be encouraged to work independently across all units, building the critical problem-solving and creative thinking skills that are key to successful design. This course is all about taking ownership of your projects, with the guidance and support you need to refine your skills and push the boundaries of your ideas.

Your Future

If you’re passionate about design and innovation, this course is your first step towards an exciting career in the design or manufacturing industries. It opens doors to a wide range of degree courses, such as Product Design, Architecture, and Engineering, all of which build on the creative and practical skills you’ll develop.

Alternatively, some students choose to explore their creativity further by enrolling in a BTEC Foundation Course, expanding their artistic and design knowledge before narrowing down their specialism for a degree.

Career possibilities are vast, whether you pursue a career as a Designer, Engineer, or even in Industrial Design, the skills you’ll gain are highly transferable. Some students have also gone on to pursue Apprenticeships, gaining hands-on experience while working with top employers in the industry.