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Physics, GCE A Level

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2024

  • Venue
    Paston College

  • Course Code
    S9421

Start Date

  • September 2024, Full Time

Summary

Physics is a highly fascinating subject that aims to understand how the entire physical world around us works. From the extremely small scale of quark interactions to the extremely large scale of the gravitational interactions between galaxies, physics encompasses everything in our universe.

Over the two years of the course students will study the following:

  • Newtonian Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Electricity
  • Materials
  • Gravitational and Electrostatic Fields
  • Astrophysics
  • Waves
  • Photons and Lasers
  • Particle Theory
  • Nuclear Radiation
  • Magnetic Fields and Electromagnetic Induction

Students will also have the opportunity to complete and design a range of experiments to further enhance your understanding of the subject. This will not only provide students with the groundwork to study Physics at degree level, but will also enable students to approach a broad range of careers and other subjects that are reliant on problem solving and strong scientific skills.

If you have a naturally inquisitive mind and enjoy solving problems, Physics is a subject that you will love.

Entry Requirements

3 A Level Programme
Minimum of 2 6/B grades and 3 4/C grades at GCSE. Vocational subjects cannot replace GCSEs for entry to an A Level programme.

Additional Entry Requirements

  • Grade 6/B in GCSE Physics or Additional Science
  • Grade 6/B in GCSE Mathematics.
  • Studying A-level Mathematics alongside this course is not required but is recommended. If you wish to study
    Physics at degree level, most courses will require an A-level in Mathematics as well as Physics.

Assessment

Students will be assessed in three written exams at the end of the 2-year course:

  • Component 1: Newtonian Physics
  • Component 2: Electricity and the Universe
  • Component 3: Light, Nuclei and Options

The third paper assess one of the optional units:

  • Alternating Currents
  • Medical Physics
  • The Physics of Sports
  • Energy and the Environment

Students will also be assessed towards a practical skills qualification across a range of practical tasks. This is a separate qualification in addition to the A level.

Progression

Physics is a highly regarded qualification and is sought after by many employers and courses, especially those that rely heavily on problem solving and numerical skills.

Physics can be taken alongside a variety of subjects, but is commonly studied alongside Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Geography.

Physics is identified by selective universities as one of the subjects they prefer applicants to have studied at A Level.

Career Progression

Physics A level can allow progress to a large variety of careers and frequently has one of the highest earning potentials of any A level subject.

Science, Engineering and Computing are common careers that students progress onto. However, students can also pursue careers in Finance, Medicine and Architecture.

Physics develops key skills such as problem solving, logical thinking and data analysis, which are desired by a range of careers.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.

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