Richmond upon Thames College | Top Academic and Vocational London College

Physics A Level

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A level Physics explores the operation of the world we live in. It deals with mechanics of how things work and how energy is transferred from one form to another.

You will build electric circuits and learn the different components that make them up. It deals with electronics and radioactivity on which the computing and Health Industries relies

A level students will study a two year linear A Level programme. At the end of their 1st year, students will sit internally assessed exams.

Exam Board: AQA

STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

Search your university and career options if you study Physics A Level

What will I study and learn?
Core content
- Measurements and their errors
- Particles and radiation
- Waves
- Mechanics and materials
- Electricity
- Further mechanics and thermal physics
- Fields and their consequences
Options
- Astrophysics
- Medical physics
- Engineering physics
- Turning points in physics
- Electronics

How is the course assessed?
100% Examination which includes:

Paper 1

What's assessed
- Sections 1 to 5 and 6.1 (Periodic motion)
Assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 85 marks
- 34% of A level
Questions
- 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content
Paper 2

What's assessed
- Sections 6.2 (Thermal Physics), 7 and 8
- Assumed knowledge from sections 1 to 6.1
Assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 85 marks
- 34% of A level
Questions
- 60 marks of short and long answer questions and 25 multiple choice questions on content
Paper 3

What's assessed
- Section A Compulsory section: Practical skills and data analysis
- Section B: Students enter for one of sections 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13
Assessed
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 80 marks
- 32% of A level

What formal entry requirements will I need?

Minimum requirements - average point score of 6 including GCSE English Language at grade 5, Maths at grade 7 and Physics or Double Science at grade 6. Students must also take Maths A Level to study A Level Physics.

Points calculation

The average points score for entry to an A Level programme will be calculated using your 8 best GCSEs OR 6 GCSEs plus 1 technical qualification (equivalent to a maximum of 2 GCSEs and 10 points). From 2017 English Language, English Literature and Mathematics GCSE will be graded numerically (1 – 9. Grade 5 = a good grade C, grade 6 = grade B and grade 7 = grade A).

To work out your average and find out more information, please see our Entry Requirements page.

What courses would combine well with this course?

Students often study sybjects such as Biology, Maths, Chemistry and Computer Science A Level.

What could the course lead to in higher education or careers?

This could lead to higher edication and careers in Engineering, Astrophysics, Astronomy Chemical Engineering, Physics, Bioengineering, Biophysics.

Are there any costs involved?

No.

Are you aged over 19?

Students aged 19 or over on 31st August directly preceding their academic year may be required to pay tuition fees for that year of study. Advanced Learner Loans may be available for students studying at Level 3. If you are aged 19-23 as at 31 August and this is your first full Level 3 you may not have to pay fees.

Students who are 19-24 years old with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) issued by the Local Authority are not required to pay course fees (ie tuition fees are free). Students will be required to provide a final copy of their EHCP provided by the LA as evidence.

You can find A Level course fees for adults on our A Level page.