Physics A Level [Y1]

You can only apply for one course type on an application.

Applying for A-Levels and/or V-Levels? You can choose to study three A-Levels or create a mixed programme combining A-Levels with other qualifications, including the new V-Levels. You will select the courses from a list of relevant subjects when you apply.

Applying for T-Levels? T-Levels are full-time courses that allow you to focus on one subject.

Applying for Vocational courses? Our technical and professional vocational courses are full-time programmes focusing on one subject. You can apply for up to two courses in the same application.

We accept applications to more than one campus; however once you have attended an interview session and received an offer from us, you will need to confirm your first-choice course and the campus you want to study at.

Physics A-Level is a fascinating subject that will help you develop a range of practical, analytical and evaluative skills. In the first year, you will learn about mechanics, electric circuits, and materials. In the second year, we will cover more advanced topics such as nuclear and particle physics, thermodynamics, space, and gravitational fields.

During this exciting two-year course, you will study a whole range of modules that will perfectly prepare you for further study at university. You will learn practical techniques that will enable you to work as a Physicist. You will learn more about mechanics and Newton’s Laws of Motion, SUVAT, momentum, and energy conservation. You will study electric circuits, such as series and parallel circuits, explore density, upthrust, viscosity, laminar and turbulent flow of materials, and take a closer look at waves and the particle nature of light, paying particular attention to wave superposition and interference, total internal reflection, refractive index, the De Broglie equation, the quantised nature of light, photon energy, threshold frequency, and Einstein’s photoelectric equation. You'll then learn about electric and magnetic fields, the force on charged particles, charging and discharging capacitors, magnetic flux density, and Lenz’s and Faraday’s Laws. Nuclear and particle physics is an interesting module that will explain more about ionising radiation, electron volts, thermionic emission, the Standard Model, quark interactions, and particle accelerators. Other topics include Thermodynamics, Space Nuclear Radiation Gravitational fields, and Oscillations.

You will be assessed by your teacher at regular intervals during the two years using a combination of homework assignments and short exams. You will be formally assessed at the end of the second year with three papers. Paper one will be worth 30% of your overall grade, paper two is worth another 30%, and paper three is worth the remaining 40%.

Our general entry criteria to study 3 A-Levels is: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 5. For a mixed Level 3 programme the criteria are: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 4. Subject specific entry criteria apply:A GCSE grade 5 in Maths, Combined Science 66 or Physics grade 6.

This course offers a pathway onto many university courses where you can study either a broad-based physics science course or one in which you specialise in a particular area of science. Alternatively, you may decide to study engineering or mathematics degrees.