Physics

Applications Open: 5th December 2025

Applications Close: 31st January 2026

Entry Requirements: 5 GCSE grades of 4 or above of which must include English & Maths. Then individual subject criteria

Science and Maths - require level 7 in subject to study (plus 6 in maths for science subjects)

Most other courses require level 6 to study

Physics underpins how everything in the universe works – from the smallest subatomic particles to the stars and galaxies in space, Physics can open the door to understanding almost everything.

In Year 12 we revisit topics such as forces, motion, energy, electric circuits and waves and take them further, exploring the relationships from the equations you’ve encountered before to explain why things work the way they do and to explain the historic scientific discoveries behind them.

In Year 13 we then build on this even further, looking back to Newtonian and classical Physics to discover the worlds of thermal Physics, circular motion and oscillations, as well as electric, magnetic and gravitational fields. We then look at more recent significant discoveries, and current key fields of work, including astronomy and cosmology, as well as quantum physics, particle and nuclear physics and their applications in medical physics.

Physics is for those with an inquisitive mind – those students who want to know why. If you’re a curious person who likes a challenge and wants to develop your problem solving skills, Physics is for you.

The course covers a broad range of physics topics, including mechanics, space, materials, electricity, waves, and particles, along with required practical skills. The course also includes a development of practical skills module, foundational physics, and then separate modules for forces and motion, and electrons, waves, and photons

The linear A Level in Physics involves three examinations at the end of Year 13. Two papers are 2 hours and 15 minutes long and one paper is 1 hour and 30 minutes long. These cover overarching themes of:

• Modelling Physics including Forces and Motion and Newtonian World and Astrophysics
• Exploring Physics including Electrons, Waves and Photons and Particle and Medical Physics
• Unified Physics assess content from all models

There is no coursework element to the linear A level however students will be required to complete a number of practical’s throughout the course which Physics specific skills and techniques.

It is possible to take an AS Level examination in Physics at the end of Year 12.

Students will need to have achieved a grade 7 in Separate Physics at GCSE OR a grade 7:7 in Combined Science (including a grade 7 for both Physics papers). Additionally, students will be required to have achieved a grade 6 for Maths GCSE. It is vital that the Mathematics grade is achieved due to the extensive calculations and mathematical analysis that is required.

Physics teaches you many transferrable skills that can be taken into future studies and the workplace. The OCR A level Physics emphasis throughout the course is on developing knowledge, competence and confidence in practical skills and problem solving. This is essential for any STEM degree or career