What Is A Level Physics?

Thinking about taking A Level Physics, but not quite sure what it involves? You’re not alone. Many students wonder if they will be able to cope with the challenge, whether their maths skills are good enough, or how much of a step-up it is from GCSE Physics.

These are all valid concerns. A Level Physics is a tough subject. It tests your problem-solving skills and pushes you to think about the world in new, abstract ways.

But it is also incredibly rewarding. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of the fundamental laws that govern our universe. You’ll also develop skills that employers and universities value highly.

This guide will walk you through exactly what A Level Physics involves, what skills it requires, how it’s assessed, and whether it's the right fit for you.

An Overview of A Level Physics

A Level Physics is a two-year science qualification that you typically study in Years 12 and 13.

It builds on GCSE knowledge, taking all those ideas you learned and pushing them much deeper. You'll explore why things happen, not just what happens. Think of GCSE Physics as learning the rules of the game. A Level Physics is mastering the strategy.

But here's the reality: it's both conceptually deep and mathematically rigorous. You'll need to understand complex ideas and back them up with calculations. According to Ofqual's subject-level requirements (opens in a new tab), at least 40% of the marks across the exams must test mathematical skills.

But don't let that put you off. Universities love it. It shows you can think critically, solve problems, and handle challenging material. It's one of the most respected A Levels out there, especially if you’re considering a future in STEM.

What Topics Do You Study in A Level Physics?

A Level Physics covers a wide range of fascinating topics. The exact topics depend on whether you're studying AQA (opens in a new tab), (opens in a new tab)OCR (opens in a new tab), or (opens in a new tab)Edexcel (opens in a new tab). Here are the main content areas you'll explore:

• Mechanics looks at forces, motion, energy, and momentum. You'll learn why objects move the way they do and how to predict their behaviour.

• Electricity covers circuits, current, voltage, and resistance. You'll understand how electrical devices work and how energy is transferred.

• Waves explores properties of waves, including sound, light, and electromagnetic radiation. You’ll also learn about phenomena such as interference, diffraction, and polarisation.

• Thermal Physics examines the thermal properties of matter and the behaviour of gases. You'll also learn about heat transfer and the concept of internal energy.

• Fields studies gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields. You'll discover the forces that act at a distance and how they shape our universe.

• Nuclear Physics looks at atomic structure, radioactivity, and nuclear energy. You'll understand what holds atoms together and what happens when they break apart.

Different exam boards also offer optional topics. You might study Astrophysics (stars, galaxies, the universe), or Medical Physics (how physics applies to medical imaging and treatment)

For a complete breakdown of all the topics, check out our A Level Physics Topics article.

What Skills Do You Need to Succeed?

A Level Physics isn't just about memorising facts. You need a specific set of skills, including:

• Problem-solving – You will face questions that require you to apply multiple concepts in new situations. You need to break down complex problems into manageable steps.

• Logical thinking – Physics is all about following chains of reasoning from first principles to conclusions.

• Maths fluency – You'll use algebra, trigonometry, and logarithms regularly. If you're comfortable with maths, physics becomes much more manageable.

• Curiosity – The best physics students are the ones who ask questions and want to dig deeper.

• Perseverance – Some ideas in physics take time to click. You need patience and determination to keep going when concepts seem impossible to grasp.

• Practical skills – You'll conduct experiments, collect data, and analyse results. Being careful, systematic, and good at interpreting what you see is crucial.

The good news? Most of these skills develop as you study. You don't need to be perfect at everything from day one.

How Is A Level Physics Assessed?

A Level Physics is assessed through written exams and a Practical Endorsement. The assessment varies slightly depending on the exam board, but the structure is broadly similar.

Written Exams

Your final grade comes from three written exam papers at the end of Year 13.

These papers include:

• Multiple choice questions – quick-fire testing of key concepts

• Short answer questions – shorter calculations and explanations

• Long response questions – extended problem-solving and detailed answers

Let's break down the assessment structure of each major exam board:

The Practical Endorsement

You'll also complete a Practical Endorsement during your course. This isn't graded, but you either pass or fail it.

To pass, you need to complete at least 12 practical activities covering specific skills. You'll keep a lab book recording your experiments. Your teacher assesses whether you've demonstrated competence in key practical techniques.

The Practical Endorsement appears on your certificate alongside your grade. Some universities, particularly for science and engineering courses, expect you to pass it.

How Is A Level Physics Different from GCSE?

The jump from GCSE to A Level Physics is significant. Understanding the differences helps you prepare mentally, such as:

• Topic depth – At GCSE, you learn basic principles. At A Level, you explore the theory and mathematical models behind them.

• Pace – You'll cover more content in less time. There's an expectation that you'll grasp concepts quickly and move on.

• Mathematical content – The maths demand roughly doubles. You'll use skills that weren't needed at GCSE, such as exponentials and logarithms.

• Independent study – You can't rely on classroom time alone. You need to read ahead, practice problems, and review concepts on your own.

• Exam technique – Questions require detailed explanations, not just correct answers. You need to show your working and communicate clearly.

Here's the good news: with consistent effort, the leap is absolutely manageable. Most students find that after the first few months, things start to click. Your brain adapts to the new level of thinking.

Who Should Study A Level Physics?

A Level Physics isn't for everyone, and that's okay. Here's how to work out if it's right for you.

You'll probably enjoy it if:

• You're curious about how the universe works

• You like solving puzzles and mathematical problems

• You achieved at least a Grade 6 at GCSE Physics (or Combined Science)

• You're comfortable with GCSE Maths and ideally taking A Level Maths too

• You enjoy asking "why" rather than just accepting facts

• You're prepared to work hard and practice regularly

Consider carefully if:

• You struggled with GCSE Physics or Maths

• You find mathematical problem-solving frustrating

• You prefer subjects with more creativity and less structure

• You're not interested in science or engineering careers

Popular subject combinations (opens in a new tab) include:

• Physics + Maths + Chemistry – the classic science trio, perfect for engineering

• Physics + Maths + Further Maths – excellent for theoretical physics or mathematics degrees

• Physics + Maths + Computer Science – great for software engineering or other tech careers

• Physics + Maths + Economics – a strong foundation for analytical or finance careers

According to (opens in a new tab)the Department for Education (opens in a new tab) (DfE), Physics is one of the most popular A Level subjects among students applying for STEM degrees. It keeps many university doors open.

Why Study A Level Physics?

Physics opens doors. It's as simple as that. Let me explain why it's worth the effort.

Real-world applications are everywhere. Physics explains how your phone works, why planes fly, and how doctors diagnose diseases with MRI scanners. It's behind renewable energy, space exploration, and quantum computing.

University courses often require it. Physics is essential or highly desirable for degrees in:

• Engineering (all types)

• Physics and Theoretical Physics

• Computer Science

• Architecture

• Materials Science

• Natural Sciences

• Aerospace Engineering

• Geophysics

Many medicine courses also value Physics alongside Chemistry and Biology.

Transferable skills last a lifetime. You'll develop:

• Analytical thinking that helps you break down complex problems

• Data handling skills that are used in countless careers

• Problem-solving abilities that employers desperately want

• Numerical literacy that's valuable in finance, tech, and research

• Critical thinking that helps you evaluate evidence

According to the Institute of Physics (opens in a new tab), the demand for physics skills is rising in the UK. Many physics-related careers don’t require a physics degree. In fact, around half of these roles are open to non-graduates. This is because physics knowledge is valuable at all skill levels. This also means that studying A Level Physics provides a strong foundation for a wide range of careers in science, engineering, technology, and beyond.

Tips for Starting A Level Physics Strong

Want to hit the ground running in September? Here's how to prepare.

• Revise your GCSE content. Make sure you're solid on the basics – forces, energy, electricity, waves. These are the foundations that everything else builds on.

• Brush up on key maths skills. Practice algebra, rearranging equations, working with standard form, and basic trigonometry. You'll use these constantly.

• Get curious. Watch YouTube channels like (opens in a new tab)Minute Physics (opens in a new tab) or read popular science books like "Seven Brief Lessons on Physics" by Carlo Rovelli. Building genuine interest makes learning easier.

Get familiar with resources you'll need:

• Textbooks: Most schools recommend specific ones matched to your exam board

• Revision sites: Save My Exams offers comprehensive revision notes, questions, and model answers for all exam boards

• Apps: Physics simulation and toolbox apps such as PhET (opens in a new tab) can help you visualise concepts and practice calculations

Stay on top of the work. Physics rewards consistent effort. Don't let yourself fall behind – it's much harder to catch up later.

Do lots of practice questions. This is the most effective way to improve. You need to apply what you learn, not just read about it.

Ask for help early. If you don't understand something, ask immediately. Confusion compounds quickly in Physics.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Maths Is Involved in A Level Physics?

Quite a bit. At least 40% of your assessment involves mathematical skills.

You'll use algebra, trigonometry, graphs, and logarithms. The maths itself isn't usually beyond A Level Maths standard, but you need to apply it confidently in physics contexts.

Most students find that studying A Level Maths alongside A Level Physics makes both subjects easier.

Do I Need to Take A Level Maths with Physics?

It's not always required, but it's very strongly recommended.

The mathematical skills you learn in A Level Maths directly support what you're doing in A Level Physics. Without it, you'll find yourself constantly playing catch-up with the maths side of things.

If you're serious about Physics, take Maths too. Most universities that require Physics also require or prefer Maths.

Is A Level Physics Harder Than A Level Chemistry?

It depends on your strengths.

Physics tends to be more mathematical and abstract. Chemistry involves more memorisation and application of concepts to different scenarios.

If you prefer problem-solving and working with equations, you might find Physics more natural. If you prefer understanding processes and reactions, Chemistry might suit you better.

According to Ofqual data (opens in a new tab), both subjects have similar grade distributions, suggesting they're comparably challenging overall.

What Career Paths Can A Level Physics Lead To?

The possibilities are huge. A Level Physics opens doors to careers in:

• Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, chemical, or software engineering

• Research and development: Working in labs for universities, government agencies, or private companies

• Technology: Software development, data science, artificial intelligence, telecommunications

• Healthcare: Medical physics, radiography, radiation therapy, biomedical engineering

• Energy sector: Renewable energy, nuclear power, oil and gas

• Finance: Quantitative analysis, risk management, trading (physics graduates are highly valued for their analytical skills)

• Teaching: Physics teachers are in high demand and often receive training incentives

• Other fields: Patent law, science journalism, technical writing, consulting

According to the (opens in a new tab)Higher Education Statistics Agency (opens in a new tab) (HESA), physics graduates have some of the highest employment rates and starting salaries across all subjects.

What's the Difference Between the Main Exam Boards?

The three main exam boards are AQA (opens in a new tab), (opens in a new tab)OCR (opens in a new tab), and (opens in a new tab)Edexcel (opens in a new tab). They all meet the same Ofqual standards (opens in a new tab), but differ slightly in:

• Content: All boards cover the same core topics, but additional topics vary

  • In AQA, you get the choice of one optional topic in astrophysics, medical physics, engineering, turning points, or electronics

  • In OCR, you are required to study astrophysics and medical physics

  • In Edexcel, you are required to study astrophysics and some topics in more depth, such as particle physics

• Question style: All boards test the same mix of maths skills, practical applications, and synoptic content, but questions are asked in different ways

• Paper structure: All are examined by three written papers, but timing and weighting differ slightly (see the assessment section above).

• Grade boundaries: These vary each year based on paper difficulty. No board is consistently "easier" or "harder."

Your school chooses the exam board, so you usually don't get a choice. The differences are relatively minor – good preparation works for all of them.

Final Thoughts

A Level Physics is a challenging course, but one that rewards curiosity, persistence, and imagination. It gives you not just a qualification, but a deeper understanding of how the universe works. You'll develop an analytical mindset and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. Plus, you'll open doors to exciting careers in science, engineering, technology, and beyond.

Success doesn't come from being naturally brilliant. It comes from curiosity, support, and good study habits. And those are things you can absolutely develop.

At Save My Exams, we have all the tools you need to support your learning, including:

• Past exam papers organised by course for easy access

• Revision notes covering the entire course, including examiner tips and tricks to help you ace your exams

• Exam questions arranged by topic with student-friendly model answers, mark scheme guidance and question-based examiner tips and tricks to help you understand exactly what examiners are looking for

• Target tests that pinpoint your weak areas and turn them into strengths, with personalised, exam-style tests built just for you

• Mock exams that allow you to replicate the full exam experience. Smart, focused exam practice, making sure you’re ready for anything

Ready to start your physics journey? Check out our A Level Physics revision resources to give yourself the best chance of success.

References

• A Level Physics topics

• Ofqual requirements for A Level science subjects (opens in a new tab)

• FFT Education Datalab - Most popular subject combinations at A Level (opens in a new tab)

• Institute of Physics - Physics in Demand (opens in a new tab)

• DfE - More young people are taking STEM subjects than ever before (opens in a new tab)

• HESA - Graduate salaries 2022/23 (opens in a new tab)

• AQA A Level Physics Specification (opens in a new tab)

• OCR (A) A Level Physics Specification (opens in a new tab)

• Edexcel A Level Physics Specification (opens in a new tab)