Physics

Course summary

Learning to think like a physicist will help you get to the root of problems and draw connections that aren’t obvious to others. Physics won’t give you all the answers but it will teach you how to ask the right questions. It will challenge both your creativity and your logical thinking, giving you transferable skills you can apply to just about every area of work from setting up your own business to saving the planet. What you’ll study You will learn how to apply maths to real-world problems, exploring new areas such as radioactivity, electric fields and cosmology. In Year 12, you’ll study Particle Physics, Electromagnetic Radiation and Quantum Phenomena (such as the photoelectric effect), Waves, Forces, Energy, Materials and Electricity. Year 13 covers Periodic Motion (e.g. oscillating systems), Gravitation, Thermal Physics (including kinetic theory), Electric Fields, Capacitors, Magnetic Fields and Radioactivity. For your optional topic, you can choose between Astrophysics and Engineering Physics. Astrophysics will involve topics about lenses and telescopes, the classification of stars and cosmology. In Engineering Physics you’ll look at rotational dynamics, thermodynamics and engines. Physics A-level is highly regarded by leading universities as a subject that develops clear, analytical thinking. It’s a must if you’re considering a degree in Physics, Engineering or other Physics-dependent courses and is also a good foundation for other science routes. A degree in Physics goes on to open up an unrivalled range of career options, from manufacturing to health services, and finance to the computer games industry. Research shows that Physics graduates can expect to earn more on average than the graduates of most other disciplines.