A-level Physics: content, exams and the maths you need
What A-level Physics covers, how AQA, OCR and Edexcel examine it, how much maths it involves and where it can lead.
A-level Physics had nearly 46,000 entries in 2026. It is required for physics and most engineering degrees and is highly regarded for maths, computer science and architecture. It is the most mathematical of the sciences: at least 40% of the marks test maths skills, so most students take it with A-level Maths.
What you study
- Measurements and their errors, particles and radiation, and waves.
- Mechanics and materials, and electricity.
- Further mechanics, thermal physics, and fields (gravitational, electric and magnetic).
- Nuclear physics, and an option such as astrophysics, medical physics, engineering physics or electronics (AQA).
The exact topics depend on the exam board your school or college uses, so check its specification.
How it is examined
Like all reformed A-levels, it is a linear two-year course: you sit all the exams at the end of Year 13, and an AS taken along the way does not count towards the A-level.
| Exam board | Code | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| AQA | 7408 | Three 2-hour papers; paper 3 includes your chosen option. |
| OCR A | H556 | Three papers: two of 2 hours 15 minutes and one of 1½ hours. |
| OCR B (Advancing Physics) | H557 | Three papers. |
| Pearson Edexcel | 9PH0 | Three papers: two of 1 hour 45 minutes and one of 2½ hours. |
Coursework: None, but see the practical endorsement below. Calculator: Calculators are allowed.
As in all A-level sciences, you also carry out a set of practical activities in class. Your teacher assesses them for the practical endorsement, which is reported separately as Pass or Not classified; it does not change your grade, but many universities expect a Pass. Questions about practical work also make up at least 15% of the marks in the written exams.
Grades and how hard it is
In summer 2026, 45,800 students took A-level Physics in the UK. 11.5% were awarded an A* and 32.5% an A* or A, compared with about 28% across all A-levels in England. See how subjects compare in the hardest and easiest A-levels.
Entry requirements: Usually a grade 7 in GCSE Physics or combined science and a 7 in Maths.
Where it can lead
A-level Physics is useful for physics, all branches of engineering, astrophysics, computer science, architecture and natural sciences.
Goes well with: Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Computer Science.
Work out what your predicted grades are worth with our UCAS points calculator.
Tips for doing well
- Take A-level Maths alongside it if you can; the topics support each other.
- Learn to explain, not just calculate: written explanations carry many marks.
- Practise with your board’s data and formulae booklet.
Questions people ask
Is A-level Physics hard?
It is challenging, especially for students who find maths difficult. In 2026, 32.5% of entries got an A* or A.
Can I take Physics without Maths?
Yes, but it is harder, and most physics and engineering degrees ask for both.
Which A-level Physics board is easiest?
No board is officially easier; grade boundaries are set so standards are comparable. Choose the board your school teaches best.
