Physics A level

Step 1: Apply

Step 2: Interviews and taster events

As part of your application you will be invited to book an interview, to discuss your chosen course, where you will meet with an academic tutor from your chosen area of study for an informal discussion about your course choices, to ensure you have chosen the best course for your future ambitions.

This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss anything about the course that you are unsure about. Please ensure you check your confirmation email for full details, so you do not miss your appointment.

You are initially only able to book an interview for your first choice course, please let us know if you would subsequently like to be able to book interviews for other courses by emailing admissions@paston.ac.uk

Step 3: Offer

This stage provides you with an outcome of your recent interview, which will confirm if you have been made an offer of a place on your chosen course.

All offers are provisional until the point of enrolment and most of our course offers are conditional, meaning there is entry criteria you need to meet before enrolling. This will be outlined in your offer letter.

Sometimes we are unable to offer you a place on your chosen course. If this happens the reasons will be discussed with you at your appointment and we will look at alternative options with you. We will be in contact to confirm the outcome and what to do next. We also have a team of specialist Course Advisers who are more than happy to look at alternative options with you and answer any questions you may have.

Step 4: Enrolment

Enrolment is the final stage before starting your course with us and takes place within the last two weeks of August. We require you to be available to attend your appointment in person at college, so we can complete all the required steps to enrolling you on your chosen course.

We may ask you to bring some documents with you so please read your enrolment invitation carefully.

Physics is the study of the world around us and enables us to explain how the universe functions. From the extremely small scale with the structure of protons, to the large scale of explaining the eventual fate of our universe, physics aims to explain all. If you are someone who strives to understand how all things work, physics is the subject for you. This course is taught by a subject specialist who has studied physics at degree level and whose wealth of knowledge beyond the curriculum helps make the subject engaging and exciting.
Physics is the study of the universe and throughout the course you will cover a wide range of key topics, which will provide excellent ground work if you wish to continue to study this subject at a higher level. The course content has recently been updated to cover recent discoveries in the field of particle physics.
During this course you will cover classic Newtonian physics, electricity and electromagnetism, photons and waves, particle physics, materials, astrophysics and nuclear physics. You will also have the opportunity to complete and design a range of experiments to further enhance your understanding of the subject. This will not only provide you with the ground work to study physics at degree level, but will also enable you to approach a broad range of careers and other subjects that are reliant on problem solving and strong scientific skills. Physics provides the opportunity to complete many exciting and interesting practical activities. You will also have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers about the different opportunities available to you, as well as new discoveries in the field of physics. There are also outreach opportunities available to engage with younger students to promote the study of physics beyond secondary education.
If you are naturally curious about the world around you and have a scientific interest, then physics is the subject for you. Additionally, if you enjoy problem solving and tackling mathematical problems physics will also be an excellent choice.

You will be assessed by three written exam papers that focus on Newtonian physics, electricity and the universe and light, nuclei and options.

Additional Entry Requirements

Grade 6/B in GCSE Physics or Additional Science and grade 6/B in GCSE Maths.

3 A Level Programme

Minimum of 66444 at GCSE

You must also study English/Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved grade 4 in these subjects.

If you achieve a minimum of 3 GCSE's at grade 8 plus 5 at grade 7 and your English Language and Maths are at minimum grade 4, you will have the option to join the A Plus programme.

Please note that A Plus is designed for applicants to academic courses at Oxford, Cambridge or Russel Group.

Physics is a highly regarded qualification and is sought after by many employers, especially those that rely heavily on data analysis and numerical skills. If you are considering university, physics will help with a variety of subjects such as engineering, mathematics, finance, medicine and architecture.