About this course
This course is ideal for students who enjoy exploring how the universe works and want to understand the scientific principles behind the world around them. Physics is a subject that explores everything from the smallest particles that make up matter to the largest structures in the universe, including stars, galaxies and cosmology.
Students will build on their GCSE Physics knowledge while progressing to more advanced concepts and cutting-edge areas of science, including particle physics, astrophysics and quantum phenomena. The course encourages learners to ask challenging questions about how and why things happen, developing their ability to investigate, analyse and solve complex problems.
Physics is particularly suited to students who enjoy Mathematics, logical reasoning and applying scientific ideas to real-world situations. Students will explore how physics influences modern technology, engineering and scientific research, from designing safer vehicles and structures to understanding the behaviour of light and the evolution of stars.
The course provides an excellent foundation for students considering careers in engineering, science, technology or mathematics. It develops highly transferable analytical and problem-solving skills valued by universities and employers.
If you are fascinated by questions such as “What is the ultimate fate of the universe?” or “How can light behave as both a wave and a particle?”, then A Level Physics offers the opportunity to explore these ideas and more.
What will you learn?
Throughout the course, students will explore fundamental principles of physics and how they are applied to explain the natural world and modern technologies.
Topics include:
Mechanics
Forces and motion.
Energy and the relationships between different forms of energy.
How physical laws explain the movement of objects.
Electrical Circuits
Understanding electrical quantities and circuit behaviour.
Exploring how electrical systems work and how they are applied.
Materials
Investigating the properties and behaviour of materials.
Exploring concepts including aerodynamics, fluid flow and material strength.
Waves
Understanding wave behaviour including:
Standing waves
Refraction
Polarisation
Wave interactions
The Nature of Light
Exploring wave-particle duality.
Investigating the principles behind quantum physics.
Further Mechanics
Circular motion.
Momentum and impulse.
Applying mathematical models to complex movement.
Fields
Electric, magnetic and gravitational fields.
Applications including:
Capacitors
Electromagnetic induction
Orbital motion
Particle Physics
Exploring the fundamental building blocks of matter.
Understanding the particles and forces that make up the universe.
Thermodynamics
Properties of gases.
Heating and cooling processes.
Energy transfer systems.
Astrophysics
Measuring distances in space.
Stellar evolution.
The expansion of the universe.
Dark matter and current scientific research.
Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics
Radioactive decay.
Nuclear fission and fusion.
Applications of nuclear science.
Oscillations
Simple harmonic motion.
Resonance.
Oscillating systems.
Students will also explore how physics applies to real-world situations, such as using momentum and impulse to improve vehicle safety, understanding resonance in engineering structures and investigating unanswered questions in modern scientific research.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who are curious about how the universe works, from the behaviour of subatomic particles to the scale of galaxies and the wider cosmos.
It is suitable for learners who:
Enjoy Mathematics, problem-solving and logical thinking.
Want to study Physics, Engineering, Mathematics or another science-based subject at university.
Are interested in careers involving science, technology or engineering.
Enjoy investigating challenging ideas and exploring scientific questions.
Like working both independently and collaboratively.
Are willing to develop resilience when approaching complex problems.
Physics is an excellent choice for students who enjoy understanding the reasons behind natural phenomena and want to develop skills that are valuable across many industries.
Students should have achieved at least Grade 6 in GCSE Science/Physics and GCSE Mathematics, with an average GCSE points score of 5.7 or above. A minimum of Grade 4 in GCSE English is also expected. It is strongly recommended that students studying Physics also study A Level Mathematics. This course is best suited to students with a strong interest and commitment in Physics, Science, Mathematics and Engineering.
Assessment takes place through three written examinations at the end of the course and a standalone practical endorsement.
The examinations cover:
Paper 1: Mechanics, Electricity, Electric and Magnetic Fields, Particle Physics
Paper 2: Materials, Waves and the Nature of Light, Nuclear Physics, Space and Astrophysics, Thermodynamics and Oscillations
Paper 3: Synoptic content and practical skills
Students will also complete practical investigations throughout the course to develop and demonstrate their experimental skills.This course is aimed at students who are curious about how the universe works, from the behaviour of subatomic particles to the scale of galaxies and the wider cosmos.
It is suitable for learners who:
Enjoy Mathematics, problem-solving and logical thinking.
Want to study Physics, Engineering, Mathematics or another science-based subject at university.
Are interested in careers involving science, technology or engineering.
Enjoy investigating challenging ideas and exploring scientific questions.
Like working both independently and collaboratively.
Are willing to develop resilience when approaching complex problems.
Physics is an excellent choice for students who enjoy understanding the reasons behind natural phenomena and want to develop skills that are valuable across many industries.
Progression routes
A Level Physics provides an excellent foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and careers across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Possible progression routes include careers in:
Physics
Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Technology and Computing
Scientific Research
Data Science
Finance
Project Management
Technical and Engineering Industries
Degree routes include:
Physics
Engineering
Mathematics
Astrophysics
Computer Science
Technology-based subjects
Other STEM disciplines
Economics and numerically focused degrees
Apprenticeship opportunities include:
Engineering Apprenticeships
Science and Technology Apprenticeships
Technical Engineering Pathways
Physics graduates progress into a wide range of careers due to their strong analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills. The subject provides a highly respected foundation for both scientific careers and professions requiring advanced reasoning and data analysis.
Related Courses
Looking for something that works well with this course? Here are some related courses to consider.
Engineering
Further Maths
