--- title: "Design Engineering" url: "https://www.st-wilfrids.org/courses/a-level-or-btec/design-engineering" school: "St. Wilfrid's R.C. College, South Shields" --- # Design Engineering A-Level # Design Engineering Engineering is a field that constantly changes the world through inventions and solutions that affect everyone’s lives. Offered as a single award qualification, students undertake four compulsory units covering a range of technical skills and industrial practices, including computer-aided design and manufacture, machining processes and fabrication. ![Design Engineering](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/images/sixthcourses/7.png) ## Year 12 In Year 12 students focus on the fundamental principles and applications of engineering. Units include Engineering Principles, assessed by a 2 hour 15 minute external exam and covering the maths and physics needed for engineering, such as algebraic methods, calculus and electrical engineering, and Engineering Applications, a 2 hour external exam with short and longer questions on materials, equipment, engineering processes and new and emerging technologies. Across these units students begin to build the logical thinking, problem-solving and practical skills required in modern engineering industries. ## Year 13 In Year 13 the focus moves to design and project work. In Engineering Design students complete a coursework project to explore design proposals that meet a set engineering design challenge, including investigation and design in 2D and 3D CAD, modelling and manufacturing prototypes. In Engineering Project students undertake a further coursework project to investigate an engineering solution in a specialist area, including planning and project management, manufacturing and production. Assessment is completed in Year 13. ## Assessment Components ### Engineering Principles Assessment External examination Duration 2 hours 15 minutes Focus Maths and physics ### Engineering Applications Assessment External examination Duration 2 hours Focus Materials and processes ### Engineering Design Assessment Coursework project Focus CAD, design and prototyping ### Engineering Project Assessment Coursework project Focus Planning and manufacturing Assessment combines written examinations in engineering principles and applications with substantial coursework projects in design and specialist engineering, rewarding both theoretical understanding and applied practical skills. ## Opportunities The breadth of this course means that a full range of engineering career options is available, including telecommunications, aerospace, space technology and exploration, civil engineering, architecture, robotics, automotive design, construction, marine engineering and many more. Students gain a strong foundation for progressing into apprenticeships, higher education or employment in a wide range of engineering and related technical fields. ## Entrance Requirements Essential Grade 4 in Maths. Desirable Level 2 Merit in Engineering or Grade 4 in Design & Technology, and Grade 5 in Maths. [← Back to Courses ](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/6thformcourses) 🖨 Print as PDF # Design Engineering Engineering is a field that constantly changes the world through inventions and solutions that affect everyone’s lives. Offered as a single award qualification, students complete four compulsory units covering technical skills and industrial practices, including computer-aided design and manufacture, machining processes and fabrication. ## Year 12 Students study Engineering Principles, assessed by a 2 hour 15 minute external examination covering maths and physics for engineering, including algebraic methods, calculus and electrical engineering. Engineering Applications is assessed by a 2 hour examination covering materials, equipment, engineering processes and emerging technologies. ## Year 13 Students undertake Engineering Design, a coursework project exploring design proposals using 2D and 3D CAD, modelling and prototype manufacture, and Engineering Project, investigating an engineering solution in a specialist area, including planning, project management, manufacturing and production. ## Assessment Components **Engineering Principles:** External examination, 2 hours 15 minutes. **Engineering Applications:** External examination, 2 hours. **Engineering Design:** Coursework project covering design, CAD and prototyping. **Engineering Project:** Coursework project covering planning and manufacturing. ## Opportunities The course supports careers in telecommunications, aerospace, space technology, civil engineering, architecture, robotics, automotive design, construction and marine engineering, as well as progression into apprenticeships and higher education. ## Entrance Requirements **Essential:** Grade 4 in Maths. **Desirable:** Level 2 Merit in Engineering or Grade 4 in Design & Technology, and Grade 5 in Maths. ### Sixth Form - [Sixth Form](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form) - [Pastoral Care](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/Pastoral-Care) - [Curriculum](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/Curriculum) - [Apply Now](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/apply-now) - [Courses](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form/6thformcourses) ![St. Wilfrid's R.C. College, South Shields](https://files.schudio.com/st-wilfrid-s-rc-college-south-shields/images/logo/logo-footer-with-diocese-02(2).png) ### St. Wilfrid's R.C. College, South Shields Temple Park Road South Shields Tyne & Wear NE34 0QA 0191 456 9121 ### Useful Links - [Term Dates](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/term-dates) - [Policies](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/policies) - [SEND Information](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/send) - [Sixth Form](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/sixth-form) - [Website Terms](https://bccet.org.uk/website-terms/) - [Accessibility Statement](https://bccet.org.uk/accessibility-statement/) - [Privacy Notice](https://bccet.org.uk/privacy-policy/) ### Social Media - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/stwilfridsrccollege) © Copyright 2025–2026 St. Wilfrid's R.C. College, South Shields School & Trust Websites by [ ![Schudio logo](https://www.st-wilfrids.org/img/logo/light.png) ](https://www.schudio.com/)