Physics uses theory and experiments to understand the makeup of ourselves, the world around us, and beyond. It defines the motion, forces and energy of everyday experiences, and is at play everywhere. Walking, driving your car or using GPS on your phone all incorporate the laws of physics.
Physicists are not bound by context. They think outside the box to come up with innovative solutions that may not previously have been considered. They constantly challenge our way of thinking with new concepts and ideas, which are crucial to our development and evolution. Their ever-assessing, problem-solving minds lead to the creation of life-changing inventions that improve the way we live.
The study of Physics helps us to understand other disciplines, like the earth, agricultural, chemical, biological, and environmental sciences. As well as astrophysics and cosmology. Those qualified in physics are therefore incredibly valuable to society.
Where Could Studying A-Level Physics Take Me?
There are generally two types of physicist:
- Experimental physicists – those who observe physical phenomena and analyse experiments.
- Theoretical physicists – those who use mathematical modelling of physical systems to rationalise, explain and predict the outcome.
By studying the subject, you will gain a thorough understanding of the many topics used in both disciplines.
With mathematics being the language of physics, you will have the opportunity to significantly build on your existing skills. This is highly desirable to employers and applicable in many fields such as financial services, astronomy and data analysis.
As the nature of Physics is built entirely around logical problem-solving, you will be able to apply this skill throughout your personal and professional life. Analytical skills are highly regarded in a wide range of industries.
The many other transferrable skills you will possess range from:
- Programming and algorithmic thinking
- Communication skills such as public speaking and presenting complex ideas
- Writing reports, policy documents, white papers etc.
- Organisation, planning and teamwork
If you wish to take your education further, our A-level course will prepare you to enter university. Upon achieving your A-level, there are many degree options you could explore such as:
- Business and Management
- Mathematics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Economics
- And of course, Physics
What Career Opportunities Could an A-Level in Physics Lead to?
The knowledge and skills gained through studying physics mean that graduates of the subject are extremely employable. Your broad perspective and wide-ranging abilities will open a number of career opportunities. You could apply for roles in sectors from law to finance, medicine, consultancy, research and teaching.
Roles could include but are not limited to:
- Agricultural Scientist
- Air Traffic Controller
- Biophysicist
- Computer Programmer
- Electrical Engineer
- Environmental Analyst
- Geophysicist
- Meteorologist
- Oceanographer
- Physics Teacher
- Research Scientist
- Satellite Missions Analyst
- Software Engineer
- Data Scientist
- Renewable Energy Engineer
- Medical Physicist (working with MRI, radiotherapy, and ultrasound technologies)
- Quantum Computing Analyst
The Modules You Will Study
The course covers the fundamental core topics of physics, plus you will study one specialized optional module to focus on your specific area of interest.
The subjects that are included in the online A-level Physics course are:
Core Modules:
- Measurements and their errors: The use of SI units and their prefixes, the limitation of physical measurements, and the estimation of physical quantities.
- Particles and radiation: The radiation of energy by means of fast-moving subatomic particles, covering quarks, leptons, and quantum phenomena.
- Waves: The transport of energy without the transport of matter, covering refraction, diffraction, interference, and standing waves.
- Mechanics and energy: The energy amassed by an object due to its motion or position, exploring vectors, moments, materials, and Newton's laws of motion.
- Electricity: The energy that results from the flow of charged particles, covering current, voltage, resistivity, and internal resistance.
- Further mechanics and thermal physics: The study of circular and simple harmonic motion, plus the thermal properties of materials and ideal gases.
- Fields: The region in which points are affected by a force, exploring gravitational, electrostatic, and electromagnetic fields.
- Nuclear physics: Study of the structure of the atomic nucleus, binding energy, and the radiation from unstable nuclei.
Optional Modules (You will choose one to specialise in):
- Astrophysics: Applying the laws of physics to explain the birth, life, and death of stars, planets, galaxies, and nebulae among other objects in the universe.
- Medical physics: Studying the application of physics within healthcare, such as patient imaging, measurement, and treatment technologies.
- Turning points in physics: Understanding the relationship between assumptions, theories, and experimental discoveries in physics, such as wave-particle duality and special relativity.
- Applied physics: The use of theoretical knowledge of the properties of physical bodies to solve engineering and thermodynamic problems.
- Electronics: The application of electromagnetic and quantum theory to build useful analog and digital devices.
How Will I Be Assessed?
Following each unit, there will be a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA). These will be completed online then submitted to your tutor. Once received, they will assess your assignment and return it to you with feedback. After you pass all your assignments, you can move onto the next stage and sit your exams. Exam sittings are held once per year in May or June.
To achieve your full AQA A-Level Physics qualification, you will sit three written exam papers at the end of the course. Please note that these exams must be taken in person at an approved physical exam centre in the UK:
- Paper 1: A 2-hour written exam assessing core modules 1–5 and further mechanics. Consists of long, short, and multiple-choice questions. Worth 85 marks (34% of your total A-Level).
- Paper 2: A 2-hour written exam assessing thermal physics, fields, and nuclear physics. Consists of long, short, and multiple-choice questions. Worth 85 marks (34% of your total A-Level).
- Paper 3: A 2-hour written exam assessing practical skills, data analysis, and your chosen Optional Module (Section B). Worth 80 marks (32% of your total A-Level).
What about the Practical Endorsement?
Physics is a hands-on, practical science. A-Level Physics includes a "Practical Endorsement" (CPAC) evaluated across 12 Required Practicals. While this pass/fail practical endorsement is highly recommended by universities for engineering and science degrees, it is completely optional and does not affect your final overall written A-Level letter grade (A-E). If you require the Practical Endorsement, check out this version of the course that we offer.
Why Should I Choose to Study Physics Online?
Anyone Can Learn from Anywhere They Choose
Simply put, it opens the opportunity for all. If you work full-time, have a busy family life or can only study in infrequent intervals, you can. There are no classrooms to visit or timetables to stick to. You can study whenever and wherever you choose.
If you are fresh out of school, looking to change career or take your hobby further, that’s fine too!
Get the Experience Universities and Employers Want
This course has been created in collaboration with over a thousand teachers. This ensures it is both relevant to real world experiences and interesting for you to learn. Universities were also consulted to shape the course so that it provides pupils with the skills they desire.
Receive Support Throughout
A qualified tutor will be on hand to support you throughout the course. You will receive helpful feedback on your assignments, plus advice and guidance along the way if you require it. Should you have any questions, you can contact your tutor directly through our online portal.
No Entry Requirements
There are no entry requirements for this course. Though as it furthers the skills you gain in GCSE Science, Maths and English Language, good grades in these subjects would be advantageous.
Online Portal
A central area where all the learning materials you need to complete your course are stored. Contact your tutor, store and complete your work in a safe and secure space. Our online portal is available for you to use as soon as you enrol.
Flexible Payment Options
There are a number of ways you can pay for your online course. Taking the next step with your education shouldn’t be deterred by the cost. We’ll help you reach your goals in a way that is affordable for you.
How Do I Enrol?
If theories and the wonders of the world are your thing, then studying physics could lead you into a fascinating career.
If you’re ready to take your passion to the next level, we can help you do the rest. Our team can walk you through the process and answer any questions you have. Click below to learn more about our A-Level Physics course in our brochure and enrol today.
