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Key details

Course areas
A LevelsScience
Student types
16 - 18 coursesA Levels
Course type
A Level course
Course level
Level 3
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
High Pavement Sixth Form Chaucer Street, Nottingham, NG1 5LP
Course code
Parent course code:C000450 Child course code: Q000512
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Course introduction

Studying physics gives you a fascinating insight into the universe, looking in depth at how it came into existence and the scientific principles which govern our world.

This is a challenging but very rewarding course for anyone who enjoys problem solving and wants answers to the big questions about space, time, matter and energy.

As a student of this subject, you will have free access to an online platform called Uplearn to support your studies. 

To ensure you’re fully geared up to succeed in physics, it’s expected you’ll also be studying A Level Maths. A Level Computer Science and Chemistry are good matches with physics and provide many routes after A Levels. 

You will use maths skills and scientific reasoning to find answers to your questions about how the world works. This exciting and challenging course is highly regarded by universities and future employers.

Year 1:

  • Mechanics and Materials
  • Particles and Radiation
  • Waves and Optics
  • Electricity

Year 2:

  • Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
  • Fields (Gravitational, Electric & Magnetic)
  • Electromagnetic Induction
  • Radiation
  • Option (Often Astrophysics)

Required Practicals:

  • Year 1: 6
  • Year 2: 6

These are assessed over the two year period and are awarded at either “Pass” or “Fail” and are awarded independently of the A Level. Some universities require a “Pass” as part of the entry requirements.

The course is around 80% theory and 20% practical, as the exams are theory based, aside from the required practical assessments, which sit separate from the A Level.

You will study this course alongside 2 or 3 other A Levels and you will be able to select your chosen subjects when you apply online.

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You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

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Course information

2 years

AQA A Level Physics

  • To study 3 A Levels you’ll need at least 5 GCSE’s at grades 9-4 including GCSE English at grade 4 or above and Maths at grade 6 or above.
  • To study 4 A Levels you’ll need at least 6 GCSE’s at grades 9-7 including GCSE English and Maths at grade 7 or above.
  • One of your GCSEs must be a Grade 6 or above in GCSE Physics or GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy
  • If not studying A Level Maths, discussion and approval by a physics tutor will be necessary

The following qualifications are NOT accepted:

  • GCSE Applied Science
  • GCSE Combined Science: Synergy
  • BTEC Science

The programme of study is for 2 years, and you will be expected to be achieving a minimum of grade D in all subject assessments by the end of year 1 to progress to your 2nd year.

Applicants with predicted GCSE grades 1 or 2 points below the entry requirement for an A Level:

If your predicted grades do not meet the entry requirements for either 1 or 2 of your chosen A Level subject choices, don’t worry we will still make you a conditional offer. We advise that you think about a second choice of course as a back-up plan. You can meet with us for a supportive, friendly and impartial discussion to look at other courses that Nottingham College has to offer. For more information contact High Pavement Sixth Form admissions by telephone on 0115 9100 100 or email at feadmissions@nottinghamcollege.ac.uk

There are three 2 hour papers:

  • Paper 1 – All of first year + Further Mechanics
  • Paper 2 – Rest of year 2
  • Paper 3 – Practicals and Option

Physics is a very versatile A-Level as it can lead to many different areas.

Degree: Mathematics, Physics, Mathematical Physics, Engineering, Aerodynamics, Architecture, any other degree that requires logical thought.

Degree Apprenticeship: Engineering based.

Careers: Astronomer, Clinical Scientist, Lecturer, Nanotechnologist, Radiation Protection Practitioner, Research Scientist, Teacher, Sound Engineer, Data Analyst, Nuclear Engineer, Operational Researcher, Patent Attorney, Software Engineer, Telecommunications Researcher.

You will need:

  • Folders to keep work in order
  • Scientific calculator
  • Text books:
    • Any AQA Alevel physics textbook will be suitable. However we use Oxford for year 1 and Hodder for Year 2.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

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Careers related to this course

Physical Scientists

Potential Earnings

£55,122.08

Average Earnings

£32,586.99

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Natural Sciences

People in these occupations observe the natural order, formulate theories, run tests, and conduct experiments.

Skills

Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
View more about this career

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