How to Revise A-Level Design & Technology

Revise A-Level Design & Technology with practice on materials, manufacturing, design theory, and mathematical modelling.

Revision Strategy

Revising Design & Technology means covering both the theoretical knowledge tested in written papers and the practical skills assessed through coursework or controlled assessments. For the theory, use active recall techniques — flashcards, self-quizzing, and practice questions — rather than passive re-reading of notes.

Learn the technical terminology thoroughly. Design & Technology exams award marks for using precise, subject-specific language, and vague or colloquial descriptions will cost you marks even if you understand the underlying concept. Create a vocabulary list for each topic and test yourself regularly.

Practise applying your knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios and contexts. Design & Technology exams often present you with situations you have not studied directly and ask you to use your understanding to analyse, evaluate, or solve problems. Working through past papers and mark schemes helps you understand how examiners expect you to approach these application questions.

Study Tips for A-Level Design & Technology

✓ For the written exam, learn the properties, working characteristics, and common applications of a wide range of materials (timber, metals, polymers, composites, smart materials). Practice comparing materials for specific applications, justifying your choices with technical reasoning.
✓ When developing your NEA project, use an iterative design process — sketch multiple concepts, prototype early and often, test with users, and refine based on feedback. Documenting this process thoroughly is as important as the final product.
✓ Study existing products critically. Analyse how commercial products use materials, manufacturing methods, and ergonomic principles. Product analysis questions appear in exams and developing this skill also strengthens your own design work.
✓ Keep up to date with emerging technologies and design movements. Topics like additive manufacturing (3D printing), sustainable design, biomimicry, and smart materials are increasingly prominent in exam questions.

Exam Tips for A-Level Design & Technology

✓ In the written exam, support your answers with clear annotated sketches wherever possible. Design Technology examiners value visual communication, and a well-labelled diagram can communicate more effectively than a paragraph of text.
✓ When answering questions about manufacturing processes, specify the exact process (e.g. injection moulding rather than just moulding) and explain why it is appropriate for the specific material, scale of production, and product requirements described.
✓ For your NEA, ensure your design folder has a clear narrative structure: the problem is defined, research informs the design brief, specifications are measurable, design development is iterative, and the evaluation is honest and reflective.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in A-Level Design & Technology

Materials & Applications

Manufacturing Processes

Design Theory

Sustainability

Design Engineering

Mathematical Modelling

Client Briefs

Prototyping

Available Exam Boards

A-Level Design & Technology specification guides for each exam board

AQA Edexcel OCR WJEC

Frequently Asked Questions

How is A-Level Design and Technology assessed? +

Assessment is split between a written exam (around 50%) covering technical principles, design theory, and materials knowledge, and a substantial NEA project (around 50%) where you identify a design problem, research, design, make, and evaluate a product. The exact split varies by exam board.

What equipment or tools do I need access to? +

Your school or college workshop will provide the tools and machinery needed. This typically includes CAD/CAM equipment, 3D printers, laser cutters, and traditional workshop tools. If your school has limited facilities, you can adapt your project to work within what is available — the design process and problem-solving are valued as highly as the sophistication of the final product.

Is A-Level Design Technology accepted for engineering degrees? +

Yes, many universities accept Design Technology for engineering courses, often alongside Maths and a science. Some competitive engineering departments prefer Physics, so check specific requirements. Design Technology is particularly strong for product design and industrial design degrees.

What careers does A-Level Design Technology lead to? +

Design Technology leads to careers in product design, industrial design, engineering, architecture, manufacturing, CAD modelling, furniture design, automotive design, sustainable design consultancy, and design management.

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