Course Overview

Unlock the mysteries of matter, motion, and the universe with our flexible online A level Physics course.

A level Physics is an exciting and challenging subject that helps you understand how everything works—from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies.

Physics stands out at A level for its balance of theoretical exploration and real-world application. You’ll study topics like motion, forces, electricity, waves, energy, quantum physics, and the universe—developing a solid grasp of the principles that underpin both natural phenomena and cutting-edge technology.

This A level course strengthens your analytical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. With flexible online study, it’s ideal for students aiming for university or careers in engineering, astrophysics, data science, medicine, or research.

  • 50%
pass rate at grade B and above in 2024

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

A level Physics at a glance

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel 9PH0

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Edexcel A level Physics Student Book 1, M Benn and G George, Hodder Education, 2015
  • Edexcel A level Physics Student Book 2, T Akrill and G George, Hodder Education, 2015

Additional texts:

  • Maths Skills for A level Physics, C Tear, Oxford University Press, 2013
course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 16 core practicals
course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 30% of marks  (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 30% of marks  (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 40% of marks  (2 hours 30 minutes)

The exams are written, with no practical element, but throughout the exam you will be expected to use your understanding of practical theory – gained through the 16 core practicals within your course – to answer questions.

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • an additional assessment providing opportunity to gain a practical skills endorsement to demonstrate practical skills as well as knowledge
  • separately endorsed and reported as a separate grade
  • does not contribute to the result of the A level  qualification
  • for some university programmes, like medicine, you will need to have the endorsement as well as the A level
course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel 9PH0

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 30% of marks  (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 30% of marks  (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 40% of marks  (2 hours 30 minutes)

The exams are written, with no practical element, but throughout the exam you will be expected to use your understanding of practical theory – gained through the 16 core practicals within your course – to answer questions.

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • an additional assessment providing opportunity to gain a practical skills endorsement to demonstrate practical skills as well as knowledge
  • separately endorsed and reported as a separate grade
  • does not contribute to the result of the A level  qualification
  • for some university programmes, like medicine, you will need to have the endorsement as well as the A level
course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 16 core practicals
course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Edexcel A level Physics Student Book 1, M Benn and G George, Hodder Education, 2015
  • Edexcel A level Physics Student Book 2, T Akrill and G George, Hodder Education, 2015

Additional texts:

  • Maths Skills for A level Physics, C Tear, Oxford University Press, 2013
course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel 9PH0

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Edexcel A level Physics Student Book 1, M Benn and G George, Hodder Education, 2015
  • Edexcel A level Physics Student Book 2, T Akrill and G George, Hodder Education, 2015

Additional texts:

  • Maths Skills for A level Physics, C Tear, Oxford University Press, 2013
course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 16 core practicals
course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

  • 30% of marks  (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 30% of marks  (1 hour 45 minutes)
  • 40% of marks  (2 hours 30 minutes)

The exams are written, with no practical element, but throughout the exam you will be expected to use your understanding of practical theory – gained through the 16 core practicals within your course – to answer questions.

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

  • an additional assessment providing opportunity to gain a practical skills endorsement to demonstrate practical skills as well as knowledge
  • separately endorsed and reported as a separate grade
  • does not contribute to the result of the A level  qualification
  • for some university programmes, like medicine, you will need to have the endorsement as well as the A level

Why study A level Physics

Future opportunities

  • Studying physics or STEM subjects at university.
  • Physics develops a unique skill set, well suited to a diverse range of careers in fields such as biotechnology, astronomy, meteorology, medicine, astrophysics, radiography, nanotechnology, climate science, engineering, computer science, journalism, architecture and teaching.
  • According to the Institute of Physics, graduates with a physics degree earn more due to their highly transferable and valued skill set.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

Working as a physicist

  • Maths in physics
  • Quantities and units
  • Calipers and micrometers
  • Practical skills
  • Experiments with a spring
  • Experiments with a laser pointer and a CD
Section 2

Mechanics

  • Rectilinear motion
  • Momentum
  • Forces
  • Resolved forces and moments
  • Work, energy and power
  • Applied mechanics
Section 3

Electricity

  • Charge and current
  • Potential difference, electromotive force and power
  • Current-potential difference relationships
  • Resistance and resistivity
  • Internal resistance, series and parallel circuits and the potential divider
Section 4

Materials and vibrations

  • Fluids
  • Turbulence
  • Solid materials
  • Nature of waves
SECTION 5

Waves and the particle nature of light

  • Transmission and reflection of waves
  • The eye
  • The oscilloscope
  • Superposition of waves
  • Particle nature of light
  • Making a CD spectrometer
SECTION 6

Collisions, circular motion and oscillations

  • Momentum and energy
  • Motion in a circle
  • Oscillations
SECTION 7

Gravitational and electric fields

  • Universal gravitation
  • Electrical fields
  • Millikan’s oil drop experiment
  • Capacitance
  • Touch screen technologies
SECTION 8

Magnetic fields and particle physics

  • Magnetic fields
  • Electrons and nuclei
  • Particle physics
SECTION 9

Thermodynamics

  • Specific heat capacity
  • Thermometry
  • Internal energy, absolute zero and change of state
  • Gas laws
SECTION 10

Nuclear decay and space

  • Nuclear decay
  • Detecting radiation
  • Cosmology
  • Astrophysics
  • Life cycle of a star

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £730
    Deposit £73
    Amount of credit £657
    Monthly payment £54.75
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £730
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

    Tutor sitting at her desk looking at her laptop
    With you every step of the way

    Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor

    You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.

    “I love learning and I love inspiring other people to learn. I’ve worked with students from primary to undergraduate level as I have taught in schools and universities. Now, I specialise in home education and distance learning, teaching people in the UK and overseas. I have a degree in physics with astrophysics and a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) in physics, science and maths, both from the University of Birmingham, and an LLM in Law from the University of Leeds. A senior examiner for several exam boards, I am also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors.”

    Julie, Physics Tutor
    MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS
    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
    • Or contact us today by phone or email.

    We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

    Talk to a course advisor

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

    We teach you the core practicals that you need to be familiar with for your exam. This varies by course, but each core practical typically includes a method, list of equipment and some sample results. You can have a go at some of these practicals safely at home – we will let you know when this is the case. If the experiment is not safe to complete at home, or if you don’t want to complete the experiment yourself, our detailed description of the investigation will give you the information you need. Where appropriate, we also link videos demonstrating the experiment.

    People who study A level Physics also take…

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.