What To Expect From A Level Physics
Overview
A-Level Physics builds on GCSE knowledge and introduces you to deeper scientific concepts, practical skills, and analytical thinking. Whether you’re aiming for a career in science, engineering, or just fascinated by how the universe works, this course offers a strong foundation. The following information is exam-board specific so simply click on your exam board to find out more.
AQA
📚 Course Structure (AQA A-Level Physics A)
The AQA course is divided into the following core topics:
AS & A-Level Topics (Both Years)
Measurements and Their Errors
Understanding SI units, uncertainties, and error analysis
AQA Topic GuideParticles and Radiation
Quarks, leptons, photons, and wave-particle dualityWaves
Wave properties, superposition, interference, diffractionMechanics and Materials
Motion, forces, energy, momentum, materials’ propertiesElectricity
Circuits, resistors, potential difference, current
A-Level Only Topics (Second Year)
Further Mechanics and Thermal Physics
Circular motion, simple harmonic motion, internal energy, specific heat capacityFields and Their Consequences
Gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields, capacitors, electromagnetic inductionNuclear Physics
Radioactivity, nuclear instability, nuclear energyOptional Topics (Choose one)
Astrophysics, Medical Physics, Engineering Physics, Turning Points, or Electronics
AQA Optional Content
🔗 Useful Links
OCR A
OCR A-Level Physics A provides a rigorous and well-balanced understanding of physical principles, practical skills, and mathematical applications. It’s ideal preparation for science and engineering degrees, as well as careers in research, medicine, or technology.
📚 Course Structure (OCR Physics A H556)
AS & A-Level Core Content
Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Physics
Practical techniques and analysis
Data collection, evaluation, error analysis
OCR Practical Endorsement Info
Module 2: Foundations of Physics
Units, vectors, scalar quantities
Measurements and uncertainties
Module 3: Forces and Motion
Kinematics, dynamics, Newton’s laws
Momentum and energy
Module 4: Electrons, Waves and Photons
Electricity, resistance, I–V characteristics
Wave properties, quantum physics, photoelectric effect
A-Level Only Modules (Year 2)
Module 5: Newtonian World and Astrophysics
Circular motion, oscillations
Thermodynamics, gravitational fields
Cosmology and astrophysics
Module 6: Particles and Medical Physics
Capacitance, electric fields, electromagnetism
Nuclear physics, diagnostics, and imaging in medicine
📘 Full specification:
OCR A-Level Physics A Specification (PDF)
OCR B: Advancing Physics
OCR B (Advancing Physics) takes a context-led approach to teaching physics — developing knowledge through practical investigations and modern-day examples. It’s designed to help students see the relevance of physics in technology, engineering, and innovation.
This course is ideal for students who enjoy applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations and using practical work to explore key ideas.
📚 Course Structure (OCR B H557)
AS & A-Level Core Content
Foundations of Physics
Physical quantities and units
Measurements and uncertainties
Motion and forces
Electrons, Waves and Photons
Electrical circuits
Wave behaviour
Quantum phenomena
Forces and Motion
Dynamics and kinematics
Momentum and Newton’s laws
Energy conservation
Newtonian World
Circular motion and oscillations
Thermal physics and ideal gases
Gravitational fields
Electricity, Magnetism and Thermodynamics
Electric fields and capacitors
Magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction
Thermodynamics and heat engines
Modelling the Universe
Nuclear decay and astrophysics
Hubble’s law, cosmology, and dark matter
📘 Full Specification PDF:
OCR B A-Level Physics Specification
🧠 Skills You Will Develop
Scientific modelling and system analysis
Data interpretation and graphical reasoning
Application of physics to modern technologies
Investigation design and evaluation
This course encourages deeper conceptual thinking, ideal for students aiming to study physics, engineering, or applied sciences.
Edexcel
Edexcel A-Level Physics A offers a balanced and concept-based approach to understanding the laws of nature, the workings of the universe, and the technologies we rely on. It’s a blend of theory, mathematics, and experimental physics — ideal preparation for further study in science and engineering.
📚 Course Structure (Edexcel A-Level Physics A)
Edexcel’s course is split into six core topics, plus an optional topic studied in the second year.
AS & A-Level Topics (Year 1 and Year 2 Core Content)
Working as a Physicist
Measurement, SI units, uncertainties, significant figures
Core experimental methods and evaluation
➤ Practical Endorsement Guide (PDF)
Mechanics
Kinematics, dynamics, energy and momentum
Motion under gravity, projectile motion
Electric Circuits
Current, potential difference, resistance, and electrical power
Series and parallel circuits
Materials
Stress-strain, Young modulus
Elastic and plastic deformation
Waves and the Particle Nature of Light
Wave properties, refraction, interference
Photoelectric effect, photons, wave-particle duality
Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles
Circular motion, simple harmonic motion
Gravitational, electric and magnetic fields
Capacitance, electromagnetic induction
Nuclear radiation and particle physics
Optional Topics (Choose One for Paper 3)
Astrophysics
Medical Physics
Applied Physics
Turning Points in Physics
📘 Full Edexcel Specification PDF:
Edexcel A-Level Physics Specification A
🧠 Skills You Will Develop
Analytical thinking and logic
Problem-solving under exam pressure
Laboratory and practical investigation
Applying mathematical methods to real-world scenarios
📝 Question Types in A-Level Exams
You’ll encounter a range of questions in your assessments:
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Quick recall and application; 1 mark eachCalculations Using Data Book Equations
Often multi-step with standard form, unit conversionsLong Practical Descriptions
5–6 mark structured questions about experimental setup, accuracy, and improvementsGraphing & Uncertainty Analysis
Drawing graphs, finding gradients/intercepts, using error bars“Show That” Proofs
Require precise, forward calculations—not reverse engineeringMixed-Topic Paper 3 Questions
Test your ability to apply knowledge across the course
✅ How to Approach Each Type of Question
Multiple Choice
Treat as a warm-up or leave until the end—find your rhythm.
Use logic and process of elimination.
Calculations
Know your formula booklet inside out.
Memorise unit prefixes (micro, kilo, mega etc.).
Practise rearranging equations and handling standard form.
Practical Descriptions
Structure your answers clearly:
Procedure: Outline step-by-step method
Equipment: List all apparatus
Variables: Identify independent, dependent, and control variables
Safety: Mention relevant safety precautions
Accuracy: Describe improvements and identify possible errors
Analysis: Explain data processing with equations and clear terms
Graph Questions
Graphs should fill the grid and be neatly labelled
Use large triangles for gradients (>50% of the axis length)
Be meticulous with units and error bars
“Show That” Questions
Start from known values and derive the target answer logically
Do not work backwards from the expected result
Definitions
Memorise textbook definitions word-for-word
For equations, always define all symbols used
🧪 General Exam Tips
Arrive early and stay calm
Bring spares: pens, pencils, calculator
Open your exam paper like a book—some questions span pages
Read the whole question before answering
Always show your full working for calculation questions
🧮 Using Your Calculator Effectively
Set the Correct Angle Mode
Degrees for most school physics problems
(Reset if unsure)Master Common Functions
Practice trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential calculationsUse Brackets!
Avoid order-of-operations errorsTest Yourself with Past Papers
Comparing Exam Boards
| Feature | AQA | OCR A | OCR B (Advancing Physics) | Edexcel A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approach | Concept-based | Concept-based | Context-led (real-world applications) | Concept-based with strong maths focus |
| Course Code | 7408 | H556 | H557 | 9PH0 |
| Teaching Style | Theoretical and practical balance | Traditional physics route | Emphasis on scientific literacy and real-world scenarios | Balanced theory and practical, high emphasis on mathematical modelling |
| Paper 1 Focus | Core content: Mechanics, Materials, Particles | Modules 1–4 | Fundamentals (modules 1–4) | Advanced Physics I (Mechanics, Materials, etc.) |
| Paper 2 Focus | Fields, Thermal Physics, Nuclear | Modules 5–6 | Scientific literacy (contextual questions) | Advanced Physics II (Fields, SHM, Nuclear, etc.) |
| Paper 3 Focus | Practical skills and optional topic | Unified Physics (overview and practicals) | Practical skills and data analysis | General & Practical Principles + optional topic |
| Optional Topics | 5 options (e.g. Astrophysics, Medical Physics) | No formal options – all students study same content | No optional topics | 4 options (e.g. Medical Physics, Astrophysics) |
| Maths Content | Approx. 40% | Approx. 40% | Slightly lower – more narrative and conceptual | Approx. 40% – often seen as more maths-heavy |
| Practical Endorsement | 12 required practicals | 12 required practicals | 12 practicals integrated into modules | 16 core practicals |
| Exam Board Support | Excellent past paper archive and data book | Strong textbook alignment and maths skills guide | Tailored textbooks and strong contextual materials | Structured revision resources and excellent formula booklet |
| Best For Students Who… | Prefer clear structure and diverse question types | Want a traditional physics pathway with strong support | Prefer applied/contextual learning and case studies | Are strong in maths and want a flexible structure |
🧠 Which Exam Board Should You Choose?
AQA: Great for students who want clear modular structure, practical focus, and the flexibility to explore optional topics.
OCR A: Ideal for students who prefer a traditional physics education and strong preparation for STEM degrees.
OCR B (Advancing Physics): Suited to students who enjoy applied learning, interpreting real-world data, and connecting physics to everyday life.
Edexcel A: A good fit for students who are confident in maths and want a deep dive into theoretical and practical physics with some flexibility in topic choice.
🎯 Final Advice
A-Level Physics is intellectually demanding but extremely rewarding. Regular practice, strategic revision, and strong problem-solving habits will give you a real edge.