Please note:
This seems to be a popular choice! This course is now full for 2025/26 and so you will not be able apply for it as one of your course choices.
However, you can join our waiting list for this course by emailing us at waitinglist@stbrn.ac.uk
In the meantime, please apply for an alternative course to go alongside your other choices. If a place becomes available, we will contact you and discuss whether you want to swap to this course back into your programme.
As course choices change and students shuffle around, it is very unusual for students to remain on waiting lists and not get onto all of their first choice courses by the beginning of term. We will keep you updated!
This course aims to develop your interest and enthusiasm for Physics. The topics covered will inspire and nurture your passion for Physics, laying the groundwork for further study in science or engineering.
You will also develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works, such as the particles and processes involved in the Large Hadron Collider.
It is strongly recommended that A level Mathematics should be taken with this course.
Who is the course for?
Physics is considered to be one of the more challenging A level subjects, however, if a student is hard-working and self-motivated, it will prove to be a stimulating and rewarding course. Physics students will study the interactions between matter, space, time and energy from the smallest scale of sub-atomic particles to that of the entire universe.
Physics is considered to be one of the more challenging A level subjects, however, if a student is hard-working and self-motivated, it will prove to be a stimulating and rewarding course. Physics students will study the interactions between matter, space, time and energy from the smallest scale of sub-atomic particles to that of the entire universe.
Course content
Year 1
1
Measurements and their errors
2
Particles and radiation
3
Waves
4
Mechanics and materials
5
Electricity
Year 2
6
Further mechanics and thermal processes
7
Fields and their consequences
8
Nuclear Physics
9
Turning Points in Physics
For the full A level the 9 topics studied are assessed in three written exam papers each lasting 2 hours. Students will complete a range of practical activities and the knowledge and understanding of these will be assessed within the written exams.
Practical skills endorsement
Alongside the exam grade student certificates will also show if they have earned a Practical Endorsement. This is a pass/fail mark generated from a portfolio of practical work.
Year 1
|
1 |
Measurements and their errors |
|
2 |
Particles and radiation |
|
3 |
Waves |
|
4 |
Mechanics and materials |
|
5 |
Electricity |
Year 2
|
6 |
Further mechanics and thermal processes |
|
7 |
Fields and their consequences |
|
8 |
Nuclear Physics |
| 9 |
Turning Points in Physics |
For the full A level the 9 topics studied are assessed in three written exam papers each lasting 2 hours. Students will complete a range of practical activities and the knowledge and understanding of these will be assessed within the written exams.
Practical skills endorsement
Alongside the exam grade student certificates will also show if they have earned a Practical Endorsement. This is a pass/fail mark generated from a portfolio of practical work.
Methods of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The course is tutored by well-qualified staff. The approach is active and practical wherever possible. There is a mix of individual and group work.
Methods of Assessment
The A level grade is entirely assessed by written examination at the end of the course. Students will complete a range of practical activities; and the knowledge and understanding of these will also be assessed within the written exams. You will complete twelve required practicals in which you will provide evidence to achieve a practical endorsement alongside you’re A Level grade.
Over the course of the two years of teaching there will be regular Key Assessments to check on progress and identify where students need extra support to achieve their full potential.
The course is tutored by well-qualified staff. The approach is active and practical wherever possible. There is a mix of individual and group work.
Methods of Assessment
The A level grade is entirely assessed by written examination at the end of the course. Students will complete a range of practical activities; and the knowledge and understanding of these will also be assessed within the written exams. You will complete twelve required practicals in which you will provide evidence to achieve a practical endorsement alongside you’re A Level grade.
Over the course of the two years of teaching there will be regular Key Assessments to check on progress and identify where students need extra support to achieve their full potential.
Resources and Charges
Support for students is provided by the Learning Resource Centre and within the department, where there is access to a small physics library, the Internet and a wide range of specialist physics apparatus.
Charges
A charge may be made if external visits are arranged, these are optional.
Support for students is provided by the Learning Resource Centre and within the department, where there is access to a small physics library, the Internet and a wide range of specialist physics apparatus.
Charges
A charge may be made if external visits are arranged, these are optional.
Enrichment
University masterclasses, visiting speakers, academic challenges (such as the Physics Olympiad), work experience placements and trips.
University masterclasses, visiting speakers, academic challenges (such as the Physics Olympiad), work experience placements and trips.
Progression
An A level in Physics can be used as part of the entry requirement for many degree courses. The problem-solving, communication and mathematical skills required to achieve an A level in Physics make it an excellent qualification for a range of careers.
Typical careers include physics and astrophysics research, finance, mechanical engineer, aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, sound engineering, robotics engineering, weather forecaster, renewable energy (e.g. wind farm development and design), programming and medical physics including medicine etc.
An A level in Physics can be used as part of the entry requirement for many degree courses. The problem-solving, communication and mathematical skills required to achieve an A level in Physics make it an excellent qualification for a range of careers.
Typical careers include physics and astrophysics research, finance, mechanical engineer, aeronautical engineering, civil engineering, sound engineering, robotics engineering, weather forecaster, renewable energy (e.g. wind farm development and design), programming and medical physics including medicine etc.
Where can this course lead?
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