Cambridge OCR
Level 3
QN: 603/1131/9
Curriculum Active
Cambridge OCR Level 3 Advanced GCE in Design and Technology (Design Engineering / Fashion and Textiles / Product Design)
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by Cambridge OCR. Classified as a GCE A Level. Total guided learning hours: 720 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 3
Awarding Body
Cambridge OCR
Syllabus Units
7 Units
Guided Hours
720 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
Design and Make Project
Evaluation and Testing
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Test the final product against the specification
- Evaluate the design process and suggest improvements
2
Design and Make Project
Design Development and Prototyping
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Develop design ideas through modelling and testing
- Refine designs based on feedback and evaluation
3
Design and Make Project
Manufacture and Realisation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce a functional prototype using appropriate tools and processes
- Apply quality control measures during manufacture
4
Design and Make Project
Project Management and Planning
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Create a project plan with milestones, Gantt charts, and risk assessment
- Manage time and resources effectively
5
Design Thinking and Communication
Design Processes and Strategies
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Apply iterative design processes including user-centred design and systems thinking
- Use divergent and convergent thinking strategies to generate and refine ideas
6
Design Thinking and Communication
Communication of Design Ideas
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Produce 2D and 3D sketches, CAD models, and prototypes to communicate ideas
- Use appropriate technical drawings (e.g., orthographic, exploded views)
7
Identifying Requirements
Design Briefs and Specifications
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Develop a detailed design brief from a given context
- Write a comprehensive design specification with measurable criteria
8
Identifying Requirements
Design Contexts and Opportunities
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse design contexts to identify opportunities for innovation
- Evaluate the impact of social, cultural, economic and environmental factors on design
9
Implications of Wider Issues
Social, Moral and Ethical Issues
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the social and ethical responsibilities of designers
- Analyse the impact of design on different user groups
10
Implications of Wider Issues
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the environmental impact of materials and manufacturing processes
- Apply life cycle analysis to product design
11
Learning from Existing Products and Practice
Product Analysis
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse existing products using techniques such as disassembly and comparison
- Evaluate the design and manufacture of products in terms of function, aesthetics, and cost
12
Learning from Existing Products and Practice
Historical and Contemporary Influences
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain how design movements and iconic designers have influenced modern products
- Discuss the impact of technological advancements on design practice
13
Materials, Components and Manufacturing
Material Properties and Selection
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Classify materials (metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, smart materials) and their properties
- Select materials based on functional, aesthetic, and economic criteria
14
Materials, Components and Manufacturing
Manufacturing Processes and Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse the principles of additive and subtractive manufacturing processes.
- Compare the economic and technical viability of injection moulding versus 3D printing for different production volumes.
- Evaluate the impact of manufacturing process selection on product quality, lead time, and material waste.
- Justify the choice of CNC machining over manual processes for complex, high-tolerance components.
- Assess the role of automation and computer-integrated manufacturing in achieving repeatability and efficiency.
- Select appropriate manufacturing methods for given product specifications and production scales.
15
Materials, Components and Manufacturing
Components and Fixings
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify standard components (e.g., fasteners, bearings, springs) and their applications
- Design for assembly and disassembly
16
Technical Principles
Electronic and Control Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Design circuits using sensors, actuators, and microcontrollers
- Program simple control systems (e.g., Arduino)
17
Technical Principles
Structures and Forces
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Analyse forces (tension, compression, torsion, shear) and stress/strain
- Calculate factor of safety and apply to design
18
Technical Principles
Mechanical Systems
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the function of mechanisms (levers, gears, pulleys, cams)
- Calculate mechanical advantage and velocity ratio
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 603/1131/9
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- Cambridge OCR
- Qualification Type
- GCE A Level
- Operational Start
- Sept 2017