Physics

One of the most sought after subjects for entry into higher education, Physics focuses on the organisation of the universe and the laws that affect its behaviour. A Level Physics is a traditional and well respected science qualification and a requirement for admission to many engineering and scientific degree courses.

Before You Start

You may be required to complete an activity before you start in order to help introduce you to the subject. Check back in the summer term for more details.

Year 1

In the first year you will investigate mechanics, electricity, waves and particle physics. Much of the course contains a strong mathematical focus and students are expected to have a strong background in mathematics and to choose Maths as another of their subjects

Year 2

In year two areas of study will include gravitational fields, electromagnetism and thermodynamics. You will develop strong numeracy and analytical skills and carry out a range of laboratory-based experiments and activities to enhance both your understanding and practical skills.

You are also encouraged to supplement your programme with the Extended Project.

Find out more about The Extended Project

A key course for students planning to continue on to university to study a physical sciences degree or any branch of engineering; it is also a useful support subject in any science degree, including medicine. Please note a physics based degree course would require A Level Mathematics also. The Physics A Level course also provides a strong grounding for those wishing to pursue other analytical subjects at degree level.

Last year students went on to various destinations including university places at Cardiff, Swansea, Warwick, Coventry, Exeter, Winchester, Sheffield, Leicester, Oxford Brookes, Surrey, Southampton Solent, Teeside, Kingston, Aston, Royal Holloway, Portsmouth, Bristol, Kent and Leeds Trinity.

Alternatively, students may consider direct entry into employment.

Careers

If you enjoy physics but aren’t sure how it could help your job prospects. Employers across a huge range of industries are crying out for people with physics skills right now. There are thousands of exciting, rewarding physics-related careers to choose from.

You could work in hundreds of different scientific areas, from astrophysics, studying and explaining the universe, to Particle physics, where the fundamental building blocks of matter are created and investigated. Perhaps a career in climate science, or designing renewable energy sources could be something that you use your physics qualification for. Maybe you could predict the weather? Or design and use new medical techniques to diagnose illness and save lives. And It isn’t just science, physics is a desired qualification for engineers of all types, as well as lawyers, financiers and computer programmers and games designers.

Higher Education

A key course for students planning to continue on to university to study a physics sciences degree or any branch of engineering; it is also a useful support subject in any science degree, including medicine. Please note a physics based degree course would require A Level Mathematics also. The Physics A Level course also provides a strong grounding for those wishing to pursue other analytical subjects at degree level.

Last year students went on to various destinations including university places at Cardiff, Swansea, Warwick, Coventry, Exeter, Winchester, Sheffield, Leicester, Oxford Brookes, Surrey, Southampton Solent, Teeside, Kingston, Aston, Royal Holloway, Portsmouth, Bristol, Kent and Leeds Trinity.

Students are required to complete at least 30 hours of enrichement per academic year whilst studying at The Henley College, learn more about Enrichment here.

Learn more about our application process here.