AS/A2 in Physics

Duration:1 Year Fee: Under 24 year old :
Full-Time courses for 16-18 School Leavers are Free.

If you are studying at Level 1 or 2 AND you meet the Eligible Benefit criteria tuition fees will be waived. (Registration Fees will still apply). If you are studying at Level 3 AND you meet the Eligible Benefit criteria AND are aged between 19 and 23, tuition fees will be waived. Tuition fees will not be waived for students aged over 23 studying a Level 3 or higher course, however these students may qualify for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan.
Course Content: This course will encourage you to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of the principles of physics, whilst gaining hands-on practical skills and data analysis skills. Throughout the two years you will see how physics links to other sciences and how the subject underpins important technologies.

At AS you will study topics including Electricity, Particles and Quantum Phenomena. From January onwards you will study topics such as Mechanics, Waves, and Properties of Materials.

At A2, you will study units including Fields, Nuclear and Thermal Physics and Astrophysics.

Both AS and A2 are each made up of 3 units: 2 theory units, worth 40% each and a practical unit worth 20%. Entry Qualification: You are required to have achieved at least 5 A*-C grades at GCSE Level including a grade B in Maths, Additional science and Core Science. Special Features: Students are expected to attend extra support sessions every week to enable them to develop A Level standard problem-solving skills. Course Format: You will have three one and a half hour lessons a week which will include whole class discussion, problem-solving in pairs and small groups, and individual practical work.

You will have two written exams; one in January and one in June, covering each of the units studied. At AS the exams are one and a quarter hours. You will also have one practical Investigative Skills Assignment (ISA) that you will complete during lessons. Progression: Students who wish to progress onto A2 Physics must achieve a grade D at AS Level.

Students who then progress onto HE usually take a degree in related physics related courses.