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