A Level Physics

Investigate the fundamental principles of how the universe works.

Do you want to understand how the world around us works? Do you have an inquiring mind and enjoy solving problems? Are you interested in cutting-edge discoveries currently happening in the world?

About the Course

By performing experiments and collecting data, physicists deduce the fundamental laws that explain everything we see, from the expansion of the universe to the tiniest particles known in existence.

At A level, you gain an in-depth knowledge of a broad range of topics, as well as develop your logical thinking, problem-solving, and investigative skills.

The skills developed open doors to a world of opportunities, including a wide range of degrees such as physics, engineering, chemistry, biology and maths, as well as subjects like design, computing, medicine, economics and law.

Opportunities unique to this course

Students can participate in several external competitions such as the Physics Olympiad and UK Space Design Competition. We host a variety of talks from guest speakers and organise trips to external organisations such as CERN. Students can work with leading experts from industry through the Launchpad and Engineering Education Schemes or explore university life through the Headstart taster courses.

Core content

• Measurements and their errors
• Particles and radiation
• Waves
• Mechanics and materials
• Electricity
• Further mechanics and thermal physics
• Fields and their consequences
• Nuclear physics

Options

• Astrophysics
• Medical physics
• Engineering physics
• Turning points in physics
• Electronics.

Consists of three written papers; these will examine your knowledge and understanding of the topics studied in Year 12 and Year 13 and will involve problem solving, calculations and extended responses. The papers will also include questions that assess your practical skills. Each paper accounts for one-third of your overall grade.

You need to be qualified by both the relevant Admissions Score AND the predicted GCSE grade for each A level you apply for.

Please go to the College website to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for each A level that we offer: https://www.hillsroad.ac.uk/study-with-us/a-level-subjects

You can also visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/apply to find out more about making your application.

Could it be to a game studio, designing the next Minecraft? Or to the Met Office, creating computer models to predict climate change? Or to a hospital, using physics to help to save lives? With thousands of exciting, rewarding physics-related careers to choose from – picking just one is hard.

For more information and to read the FAQs for this subject visit www.hillsroad.ac.uk/physics