A-Level Physics: Complete Guide for 2026 Entry

The core runs from particles and quantum phenomena through waves, mechanics and materials, electricity, further mechanics and thermal physics, then the trio that defines Year 13: gravitational, electric and magnetic fields, and nuclear physics. Most specifications finish with an optional topic; astrophysics is the most commonly taught on AQA. Threaded through everything are twelve or more required practicals and, crucially, mathematics: rearranging multi-variable equations, logarithms, exponential decay and gradient reasoning appear in almost every exam question. At least 40% of exam marks assess maths skills by design.

Physics is a very challenging A-Level and the results show it: 11.2% A* and 32.1% A*-A in 2025 (JCQ) from an already able cohort. The specific difficulty is translation: turning a paragraph about a skydiver or a capacitor discharge into the right equation, with the right assumptions, in two or three steps. Students who are secure in maths but weak at modelling, or fluent talkers who avoid calculation, both hit the same wall. Compared with Chemistry it has less to memorise and more to derive; compared with Maths it adds experimental judgement and unit discipline.

Physics plus Maths is the qualifying pair for nearly every engineering and physical science degree in the country, and physics graduates flow into finance, data science and technology at rates most subjects envy. Intellectually, it is the A-Level that explains the most with the least: a handful of principles covering everything from particle decays to planetary orbits.

Physics is a problems-first subject: for every hour of notes, spend two on questions. Use a derive-then-apply loop; reconstruct each key equation from its physical setup before using it, so formulae stay attached to meaning. Keep a formula sheet annotated with when each equation applies and its limiting assumptions. For practicals, rewrite each required practical as a one-page method-plus-uncertainties summary; Paper 3 questions are built from precisely these.

Making beautiful notes on content while avoiding multi-step problems; the exam is the problems. Revising topics in isolation when examiners love hybrid questions (a capacitor in a gravitational-field context). Neglecting definitions: one-mark definition questions are the cheapest marks on the paper and students still drop them.

Five to seven hours a week outside lessons works for most students: 3 hours of problem sets, 1 hour consolidating definitions and derivations, 1 hour on practical write-ups and analysis, and past-paper work rising through Year 13. Little and often beats bingeing; problem-solving speed is a trained reflex.

Essential for: physics, astrophysics and most engineering degrees (mechanical, aerospace, civil and electrical courses overwhelmingly require Maths and Physics together, though a small number accept Maths plus Further Maths for some disciplines, so check each course page). Highly recommended for: materials science, Cambridge Natural Sciences on the physical route. Useful for: computer science, architecture, medicine (as a third subject) and any quantitative degree.

Physics + Maths is non-negotiable for physical science aims; the classic third is Further Maths (for physics/engineering at the top departments) or Chemistry (for engineering breadth and Natural Sciences). Can you do Physics without Maths A-Level? You can sit the A-Level, but most physics and engineering degrees will still require Maths, so the combination question usually answers itself.

Physics is a facilitating subject valued across the board. For the top courses, plan for admissions tests: Oxford Physics and Engineering Science use the PAT; Cambridge Natural Sciences and Engineering, and Imperial Physics, use the ESAT. Check where your grades and subjects place you with our Free calculator.