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Physics

Physics is crucial to understanding the world around, inside, and beyond us.

The study of physics has produced concepts like relativity and string theory, and it leads to great inventions such as computers and lasers. Physics has led to technologies that have changed our lives, such as developing sustainable energy sources, medical imaging and treatments, international communication methods and space travel.

Throughout the course we aim to develop your scientific methodology, awareness of the advances in technology and recognition of the value of physics in society. Physicists are analytical and inventive thinkers – a qualification in physics makes you a very attractive candidate for further study and employment.

Entry Requirements

2 x Grade 6 in GCSE Science OR 6-6 in GCSE Combined Science
Grade 6 in GCSE Mathematics*
*if student achieves Grade 5 in Maths they must study Core Maths

What will I study?

  • Working as a physicist (Units and estimation)
  • Mechanics (Motion, energy and momentum)
  • Electric circuits (Electrical quantities and electrical circuits)
  • Materials (Fluids and solid material properties)
  • Waves and the particle nature of light (Basic waves, the behaviour of waves, optics and quantum physics)
  • Further mechanics (Further momentum and circular motion)
  • Electric and magnetic fields (Electric fields, capacitors and electromagnetic effects)
  • Nuclear and particle physics (Probing matter, particle accelerators and detectors, the Particle Zoo)
  • Thermodynamics (Heat and temperature)
  • Nuclear radiation (Radioactivity)
  • Gravitational fields (Gravitational fields)
  • Space (Space)
  • Oscillations (Oscillations)

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1

  • A written examination worth 90 marks/30% of your A Level
  • Topics 2-3 topics 6-8
  • You will be assessed from a series of multiple choice, short open, open response, calculation and extended writing questions
  • The duration of the exam is 1 hour 45 minutes

Paper 2

  • A written examination worth 90 marks/30 % of your A Level
  • Topics 4-5 topics 8-13
  • You will be assessed from a series of multiple choice, short open, open response, calculation and extended writing questions
  • The duration of the exam is 1 hour 45 minutes

Paper 3

  • A written examination worth 120 marks/40% of your A Level
  • You will be assessed from a series of multiple choice, short open, open response, calculation, extended writing and synoptic questions
  • The duration of the exam is 2 hours 30 minutes

What else can I get involved in?

For information on all our enrichment opportunities, please see our enrichment programme here.

Further Education and Careers in Physics

Courses you could study at university include:

  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Astrophysics
  • Astrobiology
  • Chemical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Automotive engineering
  • Electronic engineering
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Biomedical science
  • Acoustics and sound design
  • Media
  • Architecture
  • Maths
  • Sound engineering
  • Law
  • Geology
  • Geophysics
  • Mining engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Nursing
  • Physics

Careers which require a Physics qualification include:

  • Academic Researcher
  • Spacecraft engineer
  • Structural engineer
  • Acoustic Consultant
  • Astronomer
  • Clinical Scientist
  • Geophysicist
  • Metallurgist
  • Meteorologist
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Radiation Protection Practitioner
  • Research Scientist
  • Sound Engineer
  • Technical Author

Preparation Work

You need to complete these tasks over Summer to prepare you for your studies.