Frequently asked questions

• What is the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  It’s an exciting new qualification, which gives you the chance to learn about manufacturing and product design from within the working world, as well as at school or college. This new approach brings learning to life and helps you to develop a realistic understanding of what work will be like. The Diploma in MPD also gives you the opportunity to develop the transferable skills employers are looking for, as well as helping you to pursue a career in manufacturing.

  
  
• When can I do the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  The Diploma in MPD is for young people between the ages of 14 and 19. You can choose between three different levels of Foundation, Higher and Advanced depending on your age and what you would like to study.

  
  
• Where will the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design be available?

  The Diploma in MPD is currently available in 34 areas around England. From September 2010, it will be available in a further 20 areas in England and this number is set to increase year on year. For more information about the areas where the Diploma in MPD is available, you can visit the Where is it available? Page.

  
  
• What qualifications is the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design equivalent to?

  The Diploma in MPD at Foundation level is equivalent to five GCSE grades D to G and is a level 1 qualification. At Higher level, the Diploma in MPD is equivalent to seven GCSE grades A* to C and is a level 2 qualification. Advanced level is the same as three and a half A levels and is a level 3 qualification. There is also a subset award known as the Progression Diploma, which is comparable to two A levels.

  
  
• Do I have to study the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design at Foundation level before moving on to study at Higher and then Advanced level?

  Each level of the Diploma in MPD is separate and you can choose the level you want to study, depending on your age and previous qualifications. You also have the option to switch between different types of qualifications. For example, you could choose to take the Diploma in MPD at Higher level between the ages of 14 to 16 and then progress on to do A levels or an Apprenticeship. Alternatively, you may do GCSEs then follow the Diploma in MPD at Advanced level when you are 16 years old.

  
  
• How is the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design different to A levels?

  The Diploma in MPD mixes the theoretical and practical elements of learning, and provides the best of both worlds, bringing learning to life. The range of new Diploma qualifications provides you with more options. These new qualifications give you the chance to learn about the working world through gaining work experience and developing the skills employers are looking for.

  
  
• How can the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design help me to go on to study at university or college?

  Taking the Diploma in MPD provides a good basis for further study at university or college. You will develop a detailed knowledge of the manufacturing sector and various practical skills. As well as this, you will encounter real life situations through work experience, and learn about the range of career possibilities in manufacturing and the areas that you are particularly interested in.
  
  You will also gain the transferable skills needed for further study and this will give you an advantage when applying for university or college. These skills include communication, team working and creative thinking.
  
  Studying the Diploma in MPD at Advanced level could lead to a wide range of university courses in a variety of subjects. With the option of a college course and foundation or undergraduate degree, as well as full time and part time study to consider, you can decide exactly how you would like to take your next steps and even think about combining study with working.
  

  
  
• What will I learn?

  As part of the Diploma in MPD you will learn the specifics of manufacturing and product design. This is known as Principal Learning and focuses on the three different themes of: Product design and material science; Business and enterprise; and Production systems.
  
  You will also explore specific areas of interest through the Additional and Specialist Learning (ASL) part of the Diploma in MPD, and you can choose from a range of qualifications such as vocational courses linked to the various manufacturing sectors, GCSEs and A levels.
  
  Through completing at least 10 days work experience with a manufacturing company, your learning will be brought to life. You will also explore your particular interests when completing a project and studying independently. As well as this, you will develop maths, English and ICT skills and complete functional skills assessments in these three areas. This demonstrates that you have developed the transferable skills that employers are looking for.
  

  
  
• What will the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design lead to?

  If you are interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing and product design, the Diploma in MPD is a great first step towards this. It is also a good qualification if you want to keep your options open, as you will develop a wide range of transferable skills which are essential for work and further study.
  
  Whether you are interested in going on to further study at university or college, considering an Apprenticeship or thinking about getting a job, the Diploma in MPD will help you to explore your specific interests and get to where you want to be.
  

  
  
• How is the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design different to an Apprenticeship?

  The Diploma in MPD is designed for young people to study whilst at school and college and can provide a route into the manufacturing sector. You could take an Apprenticeship as your next step after the Diploma in MPD. An Apprenticeship is a work based learning programme you do whilst in employment and combines on-the-job and off-the-job learning and training.

  
  
• What is the difference between the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design and the Diploma in Engineering?

  The Diploma in MPD focuses more on business, whereas the Diploma in Engineering considers technical aspects in more detail. There are some similarities as the Diploma in MPD includes some of these technical skills. A leaflet which outlines the similarities and differences between the two Diplomas has recently been developed and will be available soon.

  
  
• What are the benefits of studying the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  Choosing the Diploma in MPD has many benefits if you are thinking of going on to study further at college or university. The qualification has been developed with employers, colleges and universities, so that what you learn provides a good basis for further study.
  
  You will develop a detailed knowledge of manufacturing and have the opportunity to develop these practical skills. Through work experience you will encounter real life situations and learn about the various career possibilities in manufacturing. You will also gain the transferable skills needed for further study and the world of work. These include communication, maths and IT, as well as team working and creative thinking.
  
  As a result of studying the Diploma in MPD there is a whole host of options for you to consider when taking your next steps. There are many different Apprenticeships on offer and a wide range of university and college courses available, as well as various job and training opportunities.
  

  
  
• How will employers help me learn whilst studying the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design?

  Employers can offer a wide range of support which can help you learn in a variety of different ways. This can range from work experience placements and site visits, to providing you with learning materials and examples of manufacturing processes. You could also benefit from presentations and talks given by various employers, as well as mentoring which could also include e-mentoring over email.

  
  
• What are Functional Skills?

  Functional skills are the essential elements of English, mathematics and ICT that everyone needs to operate confidently, effectively and independently in life and work. Functional skills are part of all of The Diplomas. 
   
  For more information about functional skills, please click here.