Engineering

    AQA
    GCSE

    Specification: 8852

    The AQA GCSE Engineering specification covers 27 topics with 288 learning objectives (8852). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    Starting AQA GCSE Engineering this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    27

    Topics

    288

    Objectives

    0

    Exam Tips

    0

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    About AQA GCSE Engineering

    The AQA GCSE Engineering course introduces students to the fundamentals of engineering, covering design, materials, manufacturing processes, and systems. You will learn how engineers solve real-world problems by applying mathematical and scientific principles, and you will develop practical skills through hands-on projects. The specification is structured into three main areas: core technical knowledge, designing and making, and a contextual challenge that you will solve.

    Throughout the course, you will study topics such as engineering materials, manufacturing techniques, mechanical and electrical systems, and the impact of engineering on society and the environment. The course is designed to be engaging and relevant, with an emphasis on creativity, problem-solving, and practical application. It provides a solid foundation for further study in engineering, design, or related fields.

    Assessment Structure

    AQA GCSE Engineering is assessed through two components: a written exam and a non-exam assessment (NEA). The written exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long, worth 80 marks and accounts for 50% of the GCSE. It covers core technical knowledge and includes multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions. The NEA, also worth 50%, is a practical project where you design, make, and evaluate an engineered product in response to a contextual challenge set by AQA. The NEA is assessed by your teacher and moderated by AQA, and it includes a portfolio of evidence and a final manufactured outcome.

    Why Choose AQA?

    • AQA is the most widely used exam board for GCSE Engineering in the UK, with a clear and well-structured specification that is supported by a wide range of resources and past papers. This makes it easier to find study materials and understand exactly what is expected.
    • The AQA course has a strong focus on practical engineering skills and real-world applications, which helps you develop hands-on abilities that are valued by employers and further education providers. The contextual challenge in the NEA allows you to work on a project that interests you.
    • AQA provides excellent support for teachers and students, including detailed schemes of work, exemplar materials, and training. This ensures that you receive a consistent and high-quality education that prepares you well for exams and beyond.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Specification Topics

    27 topics

    Materials and their properties

    ductility, strength and stiffness., Students should have knowledge and understanding of the following groups/classifications of engineering materials. Students should be able to identify these materials based on their physical appearances and the following properties: +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Metals and alloys

    zinc, steel alloys (stainless steel)., the addition of materials to form alloys +15 more

    18 objectives18 subtopics

    Polymers

    Students will not be expected to have practical experience of working with all of these polymers but exam questions could refer to any of the properties listed., epoxy, The effects of heat on thermosets and thermoplastics. +10 more

    13 objectives13 subtopics

    Composites

    size and shape of reinforcement., Students will not be expected to have practical experience of working with all of these composites but exam questions could refer to any of the properties listed., amount of reinforcement used +10 more

    13 objectives13 subtopics

    Other materials

    Ceramics., Students will not be expected to have practical experience of working with all of these materials but exam questions could refer to any of the properties listed., Timbers (structural grades).

    3 objectives3 subtopics

    Material costs and supply

    available stock sizes and supply, using economies of scale to reduce costs (price breaks based on quantity), Students should have knowledge and understanding of the cost, availability, form and supply of the engineering materials listed in Materials and their properties (page 9). +13 more

    16 objectives16 subtopics

    Factors influencing design of solutions

    compensating for wear, fossil fuels, Understand that statistics can be used to predict service intervals and expected lifetime of components. +23 more

    26 objectives26 subtopics

    Engineering manufacturing processes

    which process is appropriate for specific materials, Students will not be expected to have practical experience of using all of these processes but exam questions could refer to any of them., Students should have knowledge and understanding of the following manufacturing processes and techniques. They will be expected to demonstrate knowledge of: +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Additive manufacturing

    Sintering (for metals)., Fused deposition., Rapid prototyping (for polymers). +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Material removal

    PCB manufacture (alternative manufacturing methods will also be accepted)., Milling:, shearing +13 more

    16 objectives16 subtopics

    Shaping

    press forming, bending, Shaping by forming and manipulation: +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Casting and moulding

    Pressure die casting., Sand casting., Injection moulding.

    3 objectives3 subtopics

    Joining and assembly

    Permanent and temporary methods:, brazing, soldering (soft and hard) +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Heat and chemical treatment

    Hardening., Quenching., Normalising. +1 more

    4 objectives4 subtopics

    Surface finishing

    Dip coating., Galvanising., Painting. +2 more

    5 objectives5 subtopics

    Systems

    Students should have knowledge and understanding of the use and role of the following systems within engineering settings. Students should be:, Systems descriptions, schematic drawings +4 more

    7 objectives7 subtopics

    Mechanical systems

    Pulleys (how pulleys can be used as a means of reducing effort when lifting loads or transferring power within a system)., Gear trains including chains and sprockets, Bearings. +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Electrical systems

    output devices (motors, buzzers, bells, lamps and solenoids)., input control devices (for example relays and switches), Electrical systems comprising: +2 more

    5 objectives5 subtopics

    Electronic systems

    Simple programming for monitoring and controlling processes: using flow charts for explanation, limited to three inputs and three outputs within an engineered system eg a pick and place machine used in the production of electronic circuits., 7 segment display, comparators +18 more

    21 objectives21 subtopics

    Structural systems

    Students should know how simple imposed, dynamic (live) and static (dead) loads are applied and transmitted, including space frame and monocoque structures, leading to bending and torsion/buckling.

    1 objectives

    Pneumatic systems

    The uses of and differences between pneumatic and hydraulic circuits., Examples include:, Exam questions may focus on the specific circuits and students may be expected to provide an example of when the different types of circuits could be used and why. +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    Testing and investigation

    Students should have knowledge and understanding of a range of testing and investigation methods. They should be able to apply relevant mathematical calculations when engineering a solution.

    1 objectives

    Modelling and calculating

    Predicting performance in any of the systems referred to in Systems (page 16)., factors of safety, Calculate: +12 more

    15 objectives15 subtopics

    Testing

    The use of quality control methods to ensure successful outcomes through the application of tolerances., Methods of testing and evaluating materials and structural behaviour under load, including determining tensile/compressive strength Students will be expected to use calculations, simulations and modelling either manually or with Computer Aided Design (CAD) to:, Eg using a micro controller as part of an engineered solution. Changing parameters to adjust motor speed or sensor threshold ranges. +10 more

    13 objectives13 subtopics

    Aerodynamics

    thrust., Students will be expected to understand the following terms:, lift +3 more

    6 objectives6 subtopics

    The impact of modern technologies

    The use of new and emerging technologies., The impact of engineering industries., Students will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of the positive and negative impacts of engineering industries upon the social and economic infrastructure. +5 more

    8 objectives8 subtopics

    Practical engineering skills

    Through systems modelling and data analysis., In order to manufacture a working solution., Test materials and their structural behaviour under load in order to ascertain suitable material(s) for a chosen component. +51 more

    54 objectives54 subtopics

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