| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
PHYSICS
A-level
Overview
A-level Physics is about analysing the world around us by asking fundamental questions and using experiments and mathematics to try to answer them. University College Birmingham has thriving engineering, digital and sustainable construction departments, which provide an exciting learning experience for our A-level physicists.
Course Breakdown
To achieve your Physics A-level, you must study the following topics:
- Measurements and their errors
- Physical quantities and units
- Making measurements and analysing data
- Electrons, waves and photons
- Waves
- Particles and their interactions
- Materials
- Electricity
- Forces and motion
- Force, energy and momentum
- Newton’s law of motion
- Work, energy and power
- Newtonian world and astrophysics
- Thermal physics
- Circular motion
- Gravitational fields
- Astrophysics and cosmology
- Particles and medical physics
- Capacitators
- Electric fields
- Nuclear and particle physics
- Medical imaging
Entry Requirements
- Academic requirements: We ask for a minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 5 or higher, including GCSE English Literature or Language and a grade 6 in GCSE Maths.
- Supporting documents required: School applicants will be required to provide a school report, which must include attendance.
- Guaranteed progression: Students who achieve 56 UCAS points or more from this qualification will automatically be guaranteed a place on a degree course at University College Birmingham.
Key Information
- Teaching and assessment: You will be assessed through three written examination papers (Summer of Year 2) plus a practical endorsement for physics.
- Enhanced Learning Opportunity - Core Maths: To support and extend your learning experience at the sixth form centre, we are offering students on this particular A-level course the additional opportunity to study Core Maths.
Career Options
A-level Physics is preferred for degrees such as engineering and astronomy, and it can lead to research roles across any of the sciences. It is highly useful for health-related careers such as biomechanics and radiotherapy, as well as business, finance and IT.
- Biomechanic: Average Salary: £36,000
- Radiotherapist: Average Salary: £38,000
- Games Designer: Average Salary: £40,000
- Accountant: Average Salary: £40,000
- Architect: Average Salary: £40,000
- Robotics engineer: Average Salary: £60,000
Why Choose A-levels at Our Sixth Form Centre?
- PREPARE FOR UNIVERSITY AT A UNIVERSITY – We can provide you with relevant work placements, masterclasses, guest speakers, trips and more
- AWARD-WINNING SUPPORT – We have won national awards for our student support, which our sixth form students can tap into, from tailored academic support to financial assistance and health and wellbeing services
- OUTSTANDING LEARNING FACILITIES – We have invested £5.5 million into our brand-new sixth form centre, which includes lecture theatres, classrooms, science and computer labs, practical training facilities and open study spaces
- MOVE UP TO UNIVERSITY– Want to keep studying at a higher level? This A-level will support your progression to degree level
A-levels This Goes Well With
- Psychology A-level
- Maths A-level
- Further Maths A-level
- Computer Science A-level
- Chemistry A-level
- Biology A-level
Program Outline
The program is designed to prepare students for further study in physics or related fields at the university level or for careers in various science-related disciplines.
Structure:
The program is delivered over two years, with students typically taking four modules per year. The modules cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Measurements and their errors
- Electrons, waves, and photons
- Forces and motion
- Newtonian world and astrophysics
- Particles and medical physics
Modules:
Each module includes a combination of lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions. The practical sessions provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and develop their experimental skills.
Assessment:
The program is assessed through a combination of written examinations and practical coursework. The written examinations test students' understanding of the theoretical concepts covered in the modules, while the practical coursework assesses their ability to apply these concepts to real-world problems.
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified physics teachers. The teachers use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions. They are also available to provide students with individual support outside of class time.
Careers:
The A-level Physics program can lead to a wide range of careers in science-related fields, including:
- Physics
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Computer science
- Medicine
- Teaching The program also provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in further study at the university level.
Other:
- The program is offered at UCB's sixth form center, which provides students with access to world-class facilities and resources.
- Assessment and Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
- The program is open to students who have achieved at least a grade 5 in GCSE Science and a grade 6 in GCSE Maths.
Conclusion:
The A-level Physics program at UCB provides students with a strong foundation in physics and prepares them for further study or a career in a science-related field. The program is taught by experienced and qualified teachers and uses a variety of teaching methods to ensure that students are fully engaged in their learning.
- The program content and structure may change over time.
