Physics

Course summary

A - level Physics is a challenging subject but if you want to be different from the thousands of other students, it will help you stand out from the crowd. People are always impressed by A - level Physics. They know that you have studied everything from the atom to the universe and the bit in between. Some students take it because they have a genuine interest in explaining how things work. Some students take it because they know that universities regard a person with physics A - level as being excellent at problem solving and logical thought. Whatever the reason, you will find A - level Physics exciting and stimulating. In the first year, students cover familiar subjects in more depth: mechanics, materials and waves, and exciting new topics: particles, quantum phenomena and electricity. In the second year, students are introduced to topics including fields and further mechanics, and choose from options including astrophysics, medical physics, applied physics, electronics or turning points in physics. There are 12 compulsory required practicals to complete – six in each year. This will have a practical endorsement that will either be a pass or fail. Universities can require students to pass as part of their university offer. The practical skills are assessed as part of paper 3.