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Cambridge National Engineering Design

Why study engineering design?

The Cambridge National in Engineering Design will inspire and equip students with the confidence to use skills that are relevant to the engineering sector and beyond. The course covers the design process, types of drawings, influences on design, and the use of computer-aided design (CAD) in Engineering. This new course is hands-on and suited to students with a flair for design.

Our Cambridge National in Engineering Design will encourage students to:

  • understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of Engineering Design, including the design process, types of drawings, influences on design, and the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • develop learning and practical skills that can be applied to real-life contexts and work situations 
  • think creatively, innovatively, analytically, logically and critically
  • develop independence and confidence in using skills that would be relevant to the engineering design and development sector and more widely 
  • analyse problems in design terms through practical experience of solving such problems, including designing, and modelling designs to meet a design brief
  • understand the different stages of the iterative design process, recognising the cyclical nature of this approach
  • evaluate designs through product disassembly and the process of using product analysis.

What will I learn?

You will study the key aspects of engineering design, and have the opportunity to apply what you learn through a number of practical experiences. This will involve you studying three mandatory units:

Unit 1 R038 Principles of Engineering Design

This is assessed by an exam. 

In this unit you will learn about the design process, and all of the stages that are involved.

You are surrounded by products that have been created to solve a particular problem, whether that be a backpack that needs to be strong enough to carry a specific piece of equipment, or a desk tidy that can help to store pens and writing equipment. These engineering designs do not magically appear; they are typically developed by following a design strategy or process. 

Topics include:

  • Designing Processes
    • You will learn about the different design strategies and where they are used, as well as the stages that are involved in iterative design, which is currently one of the most widely used design strategies.
  • Designing Requirements
    • You will learn about the type of information needed to develop a design brief and specification, and the manufacturing and other considerations that can influence a design.
  • Communicating Design Outcomes
    • You will develop knowledge of the types of drawing used in engineering to communicate designs.
  • Evaluating Design Ideas
    • You will learn about the techniques used to evaluate design ideas and outcomes, including modelling methods.

This is assessed in the academy by a set assignment. 

In this unit you will learn how to use sketching and engineering drawings to communicate your ideas.

Topics include:

  • Manual production of freehand sketches
    • Unless designers can communicate their ideas to others, then it is unlikely that their engineering designs will be fully appreciated. By using drawing skills designers can provide a far better sense of what a new product will look like and encourage the creative process that can enhance a successful design.
  • Production of engineering drawings
    • In this unit you will learn how to develop your techniques in sketching, and gain industrial skills in engineering drawing using standard conventions that include dimensioning, line types, abbreviations, and representation of mechanical features.
  • Use of computer aided design (CAD)
    • You will enhance your confidence and capabilities by using computer aided design (CAD), 2D and 3D software, to produce accurate and detailed drawings and models that visually communicate your designs.

This is assessed by a set assignment. 

In this unit you will learn virtual and physical modelling skills. 

Topics include:

  • Product evaluation
    • Designers need an understanding of how products are manufactured to ensure that their ideas can be produced effectively. Analysing how products are made can help to inform designs, and it can be useful to disassemble existing products to discover how they function and how they were manufactured.
  • Modelling a prototype
    • You will develop your virtual modelling skills using computer aided design (CAD) 3D software, to produce a high-quality model that will be able to simulate your design prototype. You will also develop your physical modelling skills using modelling materials or rapid prototyping processes to produce a physical prototype.

What course will I follow?

OCR Level 1/Level 2 Cambridge National in Engineering Design

How will I be assessed?

Students complete three units: One exam and two Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) units.

Unit 1 R038 Principles of Engineering Design – 1 hour 15 minutes written exam, worth 40% of overall grade

Unit 2 R039 Communicating Designs – Coursework assessed in school, moderated by OCR, worth 30% of overall  grade.

Unit 3 R040 Design Evaluation and Modelling – Coursework assessed in school, moderated by OCR, worth 30% of overall  grade.

The grades that can be achieved are:

  • Level 2 – Distinction* (*2), Distinction (D2), Merit (M2), Pass (P2)
  • Level 1 – Distinction (D1), Merit (M1), Pass (P1) and Fail/Unclassified.

Where can engineering design lead to?

This qualification will enable you to learn about the process of engineering design, and understand how it can be used to design effective solutions for a given design brief. You will develop the ability to communicate your design ideas through the use of sketches and engineering drawings and computer aided design. You will also be able to evaluate the design of a product, through the disassembly of existing products or the use of modelling for new designs.

These skills will help you progress onto further study in the engineering design and development sector. This may be Level 3 vocational qualifications, such as the Cambridge Technical in Engineering, A Levels, such as A Level Design and Technology, or one of the number of Design and Development Technician Apprenticeships. It is anticipated that these qualifications will also enable you to progress onto a T Level such as Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing, when they are available.