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

You can participate in several external competitions such as the Physics Olympiads and the UK Space Design Competition. We host talks from guest speakers and organise trips to organisations such as the Diamond Light Source. You can work with industry experts through Launchpad and Industrial Cadets, 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
• Astrophysics

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 1) relevant admissions score AND 2) for the subjects you are applying for:

1. Admissions scores

The indicative Higher adjusted admissions score for ​Physics is 71*

Calculate your admissions score at hillsroad.ac.uk/calculator

Read more about our admissions scores by visiting hillsroad.ac.uk/apply

2. Subjects and grades required

​Option a: GCSE grade 7 in Physics and grade 7 in Mathematics

Option b: GCSE grade 7 in both Combined Science GCSEs and grade 7 in Mathematics

Before making your application, visit hillsroad.ac.uk/apply and give yourself the best chance of achieving our entry criteria.

*The admissions scores are an indicative guide to help applicants understand how places have previously been allocated, they should not be taken as a definitive prediction of equivalent scores for entry to the College in 2023, which will depend on application patterns for that year. Please submit your application to the College even if your score is a few points below the relevant admissions score.

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 hillsroad.ac.uk/physics