Let’s take a look at all things Product Design at Shrewsbury Colleges Group; as three of our students studying A Level Product Design talk you through their time on the course.
Here’s what Oliver Rothner had to say about his first year at Shrewsbury Colleges Group:
What have you studied at Shrewsbury Colleges Group?
I have studied Product Design, Computer Science and Electronics.
What has been your favourite part of the course?
My favourite part of it was working in the final none exam assessment!
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt at College?
There’s no substitute for time and effort.
What are your next steps?
I will be studying an accelerated Maths A level course in order to get my maths A level within a year. Whilst doing that, I will also aim to work part time in the industry to get some applicable experience all within the next year. My aim for this is to set me up for a degree apprenticeship in the field I want to pursue.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I aspire to be a product designer of some sort as that is what I am most passionate about.
The project photos attached are his Creality Ender 3 3D Printer that he has been heavily modifying using the skills learnt in College!
Izzy Domican also likes to design in her spare time, as pictured below. Read Izzy's journey here:
What have you studied at SCG?
Spanish, Product Design and Business A level.
What was your favourite part about the course?
I loved having the opportunity to express my creativity. It gave me the chance to be innovative as well as the content being interesting too - I especially enjoyed learning about different design periods like Art Nouveau. I also really enjoyed the sketching aspect; I learnt to do fashion drawings for my NEA (none exam assessment) which was a new experience for me!
What is the most valuable lesson you've learnt in College?
To not compare myself to other people. There's no such thing as being behind - everyone is on a different path at different paces and that’s okay!
What are your next steps?
I'm taking a gap year but I’m planning on going to uni after.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Languages have always been my passion - so whether it's through travelling or my career I'd love to continue with them.
Finally, we spoke to Jessie Beard, who is really keen to pursue a creative career!
What have you studied at SCG?
During my time at Shrewsbury College I have studied A-level Photography, Product Design and Maths.
What was your favourite part about the course?
Since year 7, I have had a passion for Product Design and studying it at College has allowed me to continue developing and improving my skills in this area. I have utilized the creative freedom to develop my abilities in hands on making, the part I especially like, as well as using different methods to create and share my designs. I have particularly enjoyed seeing my ideas come to life. Along with the creative aspects, I find the theory fascinating and enjoyed the opportunities to learn about designers who have caused massive influences on the life we live today. It has also encouraged me to stop and look at the world in a different way.
What is the most valuable lesson you've learnt in College?
To be yourself and do what you're passionate about. You shouldn’t feel like you have to be on the same route as others around you, everyone is different and is good at different things.
What are your next steps?
Next year, I plan to study Architecture in Bath.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I would like a career that does not involve just sitting still. I want to be creative and have the opportunity to create designs that have an impact on the world. I would like university and my subsequent career to enable me to further develop my skills in sketching, making models and making finished prototypes. The future is exciting, and I hope that I work in a field that is based around my passion for Product Design.
You can see Oliver, Izzy and Jessie's work on display at The Show this Saturday 14 June, 11:00am – 2:00pm or Tuesday 17 June 3:30pm – 5:30pm. Tickets can be booked here.
If you’d like to follow in their footsteps but you’re not sure how, explore our Product Design course below, we have something to suit all learning styles!
Product Design A Level
Find out more here: Product Design A Level
Our Product Design A Level course offers a fascinating and practical insight into the world of designing and producing products. Learning in a purpose-built design studio, fully equipped workshop and guided by our expert teachers, you'll be supported every step of the way in your studies.
You'll develop your creativity and technical expertise to turn your ideas into real, marketable products. You will learn how to identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions and make and test prototypes/products. Burst through the boundaries of what was possible at GCSE, this course takes things to a whole new level.
The course is assessed on 50% projects and 50% exams.
If you are interested in the course, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring our Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email
We also have a range of part time art courses open to all ages!
Level 2 NCFE Certificate in Creative Craft - Art & Design
Life Drawing: Painting the figure
Sculpting the human figure in clay from a life model
If you have any questions, you can contact Part-time Admissions at 01743 653333 to organise enrolment. If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring Part-time Admissions on 01743 653333, use our live chat facility, or email