Is A Level Physics Hard?

If you're considering studying A Level Physics, you might be wondering just how hard it actually is.

There’s no denying that Physics has a reputation for being difficult. But here's the thing – whilst it's definitely challenging, it’s also definitely possible to achieve a decent grade. 

What Makes A Level Physics Challenging?

Complex Mathematical Requirements

Physics isn't just about understanding concepts, though there is a lot of this. You’ll also find yourself doing maths, lots of it. It’s the law! Not really, of course. But it is a government requirement that at least 40% of the marks in the A Level Physics qualification require mathematical skills.

You'll need:

• Strong algebra so you can manipulate formulae.

• A good understanding of trigonometry.

• To be able to interpret data and graphs.

Abstract Theoretical Concepts

You can see a cell in biology (with a microscope, anyway). You can see a colour change in a chemistry reaction.  But you can’t see a force in physics. Or an electric field. Or a sound wave. 

Many of the ideas and concepts you’ll come across in A Level Physics are abstract – you can’t see them or touch them. 

Advanced Problem-Solving Skills

A Level Physics questions are tricky. They often combine different topics and require you to connect different areas of your knowledge in a way that is unfamiliar. 

So while a question might look like it’s about capacitance, because there is a capacitor in the diagram, actually it’s about electric fields, with a bit of projectile motion thrown in for fun. Not spotting this can lead to a lot of wasted time and brain power. 

The ‘Struggle’ Topics

There are some topics that students find particularly difficult every year.

Simple Harmonic Motion (SHM) has the maximum acceleration when the velocity is zero, and maximum velocity when the acceleration is zero (huh?).

Electric and magnetic fields are invisible, but they do work.

Quantum physics is just plain weird. Particles sometimes behave as waves, and waves sometimes behave as particles.

The ‘Jump’ 

It’s a high one: A Level Physics is harder than GCSE Physics. There is a greater emphasis on understanding and problem-solving at A Level, and less rote learning and straightforward maths.

A Level Physics expects you to derive equations, explain things from first principles, and tackle problems you've never seen before.

Just as in GCSE physics, you’ll have to perform practicals, at least 12, and write them up. Possible downsides? Learning how to present and analyse your data, and calculate uncertainties and errors. Definite upsides: using new kit – vernier callipers, signal generators, lasers and more.

How It Compares to Other A Level Subjects

Compared to A Level Chemistry

Physics and Chemistry share similar pass rates. In 2024 (opens in a new tab), around 95% of students in both subjects achieved at least grade E. Things are similar at the other end of the grade scale, too: around 32% achieved an A or A*. And right in the middle? Also similar, with around 18% of students getting a C. 

So there’s not much separating the two subjects grade-wise, and the same can be said for work-load. Physics and Chemistry are both busy subjects!

Compared to A Level Biology

Biology has similar pass rates to Physics, with around 95% of students achieving grade E or above in 2024. Only 27.7% achieved grade A or above though, compared to Physics’ 32%, while 21% of students got a C.

Biology is often seen as a more accessible subject than Physics because it's less mathematical. But Biology requires extensive memorisation and essay-writing skills, and has a similar work-load and exam difficulty as Physics.

Compared to A Level Maths

Maths has similar pass rates to Physics, with around 96% of students achieving grade E or above in 2024, 41.5% achieving grade A or above, and 15.3% of students getting a C.

A Level Maths and Physics are good subjects to take together. My students often tell me that they think Physics is more manageable because they take Maths as well: they are able to focus on the concepts in physics because the maths is taken care of.

The Role of Maths in A Level Physics

Mathematical Skills You'll Need

Algebra forms the backbone of physics calculations. You'll regularly rearrange formulae and solve equations.

Trigonometry appears often – from waves to simple harmonic motion to resolving forces.

Vectors are crucial for topics like forces, fields, and momentum.

Advice for Students Not Taking A Level Maths

Studying A Level Maths isn’t usually a requirement for A Level Physics, though it is recommended. The extra Maths skills will help you practically with the calculations, and it will improve your confidence.

If you're not taking A Level Maths alongside Physics, you'll need to:

• Spend some time revisiting algebra and trigonometry from Maths GCSE. Save My Exams has some great maths resources that can help with this.

• Practise Maths with friends who are studying A Level Maths

• Ask for help from your teacher for the A Level specific maths, such as logarithms.

How Mathematical Skills Are Assessed

Physics exams don't just test your physics knowledge, they also assess your mathematical skill.

Questions often require you to:

• Rearrange complex equations

• Use trigonometry to resolve forces

• Calculate gradients and areas from graphs

• Use logarithms and exponentials

The maths isn't taught separately in A Level Physics – it's woven into every physics topic.

Success Rates and Grade Data

Let's look at the numbers again to put the difficulty of A Level Physics in perspective.

Recent Grade Statistics

In 2024, 31.5% of A Level Physics students achieved A or A* grades, 19.4% achieved a B, 18.3% achieved a C and 15.9% achieved a D.

Overall, around 95% of Physics students achieve at least grade E every year, showing that whilst challenging, it's certainly passable for most students.

Comparison with Other Sciences

Physics performs quite well compared to other sciences. Physics students are more likely to achieve top grades than Biology students, with 32.7% achieving A or above in 2024 compared to Biology's 27.7%. The results for Physics and Chemistry are very similar.

What These Statistics Really Mean

These numbers don't necessarily mean Physics is "easier" than Biology. Several factors affect the grades that students get:

• Physics students often have stronger mathematical backgrounds.

• Students who choose Physics are often highly motivated.

• The mathematical nature of physics questions allows for partial credit even when final answers are wrong.

The key takeaway? Whilst Physics is challenging, dedicated students regularly achieve excellent results.

Who Should Consider Taking A Level Physics?

A Level Physics isn't for everyone – but it might be perfect for you.

Students Who Thrive in A Level Physics

You're likely to enjoy and succeed in Physics if you:

• Find maths interesting rather than scary

• Like to understand how things work

• Enjoy problem-solving

• Want to keep STEM career options open

Benefits of Studying Physics

University admissions – Physics A Level opens doors to engineering, medicine, and science degrees.

Career opportunities – From engineering to finance, physics graduates are highly valued.

Transferable skills – Problem-solving, logical thinking, and mathematical ability benefit any career.

Recommended Subject Combinations

Physics + Maths + Chemistry – The classic combination for engineering and physical sciences.

Physics + Maths + Further Maths – Perfect for theoretical physics or mathematics degrees.

Physics + Chemistry + Biology – Keeps all science options open, though very demanding.

Physics + Maths + Economics – Great for students interested in quantitative fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Hardest Topics in A Level Physics?

Typically, students find these topics challenging in A Level Physics:

• Simple Harmonic Motion

• Electric and magnetic fields

• Capacitance

What Are the Easiest Topics in A Level Physics?

Students often find these topics easier in A Level Physics:

• Forces and motion

• Waves 

• Thermal physics

How Many Hours Should I Study Physics Per Week?

This depends on your current level and target grade, but, in my experience as a physics educator, most successful A Level Physics students spend 3–4 hours per week minimum outside of lessons. They may also revise more before exams for intensive revision, and they may put in extra hours if maths is a weak area.

Break study time into:

• Understanding new concepts (30%)

• Practicing problems (50%)

• Reviewing and consolidating (20%)

Save My Exams can help with the independent study that you will need to do to succeed in A Level Physics. We have revision notes and topic questions, as well as mock exams and past papers.

Is It Worth Taking A Level Physics If I'm Not Going into Engineering?

Absolutely! Physics opens doors to many careers beyond traditional engineering.

Medical degrees often prefer or require Physics A Level, especially for competitive courses.

Finance and economics value the mathematical and analytical skills that Physics develops.

Technology and computing careers benefit from the problem-solving skills gained from physics study.

Research and academia across many fields value the logical thinking skills that Physics teaches.

Final Thoughts

A Level Physics is undoubtedly challenging. It demands mathematical fluency, abstract thinking, and persistence in the face of difficult concepts.

But here's what the stats say: 95% of students who take A Level Physics achieve a passing grade. Nearly one in three students achieve A or A* grades.

The key is approaching Physics with realistic expectations. Yes, you'll find some topics difficult. Yes, you'll need to spend time mastering mathematical techniques.

But you'll also experience the satisfaction of understanding how the universe works. You'll develop problem-solving skills that will serve you throughout life. And you'll keep open career paths that lead to exciting and well-paid opportunities.

With the right attitude, adequate preparation, and consistent effort, an A Level in Physics is absolutely achievable.

References

Ofqual (opens in a new tab)GCE subject-level conditions and requirements for science - (opens in a new tab)GOV.UK (opens in a new tab)

OfqualA level outcomes in England (opens in a new tab)