Physics

Course summary

Physics attempts to explain the physical world around us including its laws and the phenomena we encounter in our everyday lives. It is a continual quest to understand the underlying order in the universe, and the knowledge gained along the way has led to many technological advances that have been beneficial to society. Studying Physics will equip students with the necessary problem solving and analytical skills to enable them to face the challenges of the future, whichever path they eventually decide to take. In order to take this course, students will need to have achieved a grade 7 or above in Mathematics and Double Award Science GCSEs. Normally the A-level will be taken as a two year course with no separate AS exam. If during the second year a student feels they would rather consolidate their existing knowledge than extend to the full exam then an AS award will be considered. Many desirable key skills are incorporated in the Physics A-level curriculum. These include: thinking outside (and inside) the box, communication, information technology, application of numbers, working with others and problem-solving. Social and ethical issues are also raised. Physics graduates are in high demand by employers for a wide range of careers, including - besides the obvious - medicine, law, journalism, engineering, business, economics and banking!