Aims of the course

This is an exciting, rigorous advanced Level 3 qualification, and is recognised by employers who have been involved in the development of the specification alongside professional bodies and higher education institutions. Essential transferable skills, such as communication, problem solving, research and teamwork, are included to equip students with the academic, personal and professional skills necessary for employment, higher apprenticeships or further study at university.

Design Engineers help to conceive and create everything from the latest iPhone to offshore drilling components. This qualification gives students the opportunity to develop specialist design skills and the ability to apply them to an engineering sector of their choice. This course provides an excellent pathway into diverse, emerging and exciting careers or further study in engineering.

Course Outline

Students will take twelve units of which five are mandatory (M) and three are externally assessed (E). Optional units (O) are usually chosen to play to the strengths and interests of our students, teachers and local engineering companies.
All units must be completed to achieve the full qualification.

Units

• • Mathematics for Engineering (M) (E)

  • Science for Engineering (M) (E)

  • Principles of Mechanical Engineering (M) (E)

  • Principles of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (O)

  • Mechanical Design (M)

  • Computer Aided Design (M)

  • Materials Science (O)

  • Mechanical Simulation and Modelling (O)

  • Mechanical Operations (O)

  • Automation Control and Robotics (O)

  • Electrical, Mechanical, Hydraulic and Pneumatic Control (O)

  • Computer Aided Manufacture (O)

Assessment

Many of the internally assessed units provide opportunities for students to apply the knowledge gained in their externally assessed examinations and develop practical ‘hands-on’ skills.

An essential part of the course requires students to undertake meaningful activity involving employers during their study. This can be in the form of structured work experience or work placements, assignments set by our industry partners and master classes or guest lectures. This course benefits from the enthusiastic support of a range of local engineering companies.

There are no other formal entry requirements for this qualification but in order to optimise their chances of success, students would also benefit from having studied Science and Design Technology courses at GCSE.

Your next steps…

In addition to providing access to employment, apprenticeships or higher apprenticeships, this qualification attracts UCAS points allowing students to continue their study in the same area at degree level.

Just a few examples of career opportunities as a result of the study of Design Engineering are as a design engineer, development engineer, ergonomist, research and development engineer, civil engineer, product development engineer, product design engineer, or integrated circuit design engineer.