PHYSICS
(A Level)
What is Physics A level?
Physics A Level covers different key concepts of
physics. The course helps you develop and
demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills,
knowledge and understanding of scientific
methods and competence and confidence in
various practical, mathematical and problem-
solving skills. As you progress through the
course, you will build on your knowledge of the
laws of Physics, applying understanding to solve
problems on topics ranging from sub-atomic
particles to the entire universe.
Exam Board: OCR
Watch our Subject Taster Video for Physics A Level
What will I learn?
Foundations of physics - including physical quantities, SI units, making measurements and analysing data.
Forces and motion – the physics of movement,
involving forces, materials and Newton’s laws.
Electrons, waves and photons – how the study of electricity and the electron, combined with the nature of waves leads onto the unusual world of quantum physics.
Newtonian world and astrophysics - the study of
the enormous scale of space alongside the study of thermal physics
Particles and medical physics – physics that is
impossible to see, how we detect it, and how it
significantly impacts our lives.
How will I be assessed?
100% examination (11% multiple choice)
Entry requirements
Two grade 7s in Combined Science or Triple Science (must have 7 in physics) & grade 7 in Maths
Where can Physics A level take me?
Physics is a seriously useful subject for the majority of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths) careers and you’ll find physicists everywhere, in industry, transport, government, universities, the armed forces, the secret service, games companies, research labs and more.
Physics is especially helpful for jobs that involve building things and developing new technologies, including: engineering (flight, buildings, space, you name it…), astronomy, robotics, renewable energies, computer science, communications, space exploration, science writing, sports and games technology, research and nanotechnology (that’s engineering on a seriously tiny molecular scale). Ultimately an A level in physics can take you anywhere; it shows that you are hard-working and logical with an ability to clearly understand and grapple with complex problems, inside and outside of physics.