The invention of mobile phones, aircrafts and televisions are just a few examples of things physics helped create. Without physics we wouldn’t have telecommunications, electricity or magnetism, three things that are essential to modern society.
From physics to mechanical engineering, completing a physics post-16 will give you a greater understanding of a range of undergraduate degree subjects. A-Level Physics is a ‘facilitating’ subject for courses including computer science, engineering, and physics itself and is highly regarded when applying for other courses.
Completing physics post-16 is enjoyable and challenging. Don’t let the fear of not understanding something put you off – the satisfaction you get when you finally master a confusing topic is immense. It will also teach you perseverance and equip you with the tools to handle difficult situations in the future. Furthermore, physics takes the maths equations you’ve learnt and applies them to real-life situations. Thus, you’ll gain a greater understanding of maths in general.
Although studying physics at a higher level will greatly enhance your physics knowledge, you’ll also gain a number of transferable skills. Skills you’ll gain while studying physics include: analysis, organisation, problem-solving, research and numeracy. These skills are highly valued by employers, and will assist you in your professional and personal ventures.
One of the best things about studying physics is that it allows you to unlock a range of career options. Interested in engineering? Studying physics gives you the skills necessary to become an AI engineer (designing and implementing artificial intelligence) or a renewable energy engineer (producing renewable energy to combat climate change). Or, if you’re an avid gamer, there are opportunities within VFX, game design and game development. Physics graduates are also sought after within the legal industry, especially as patent attorneys.
The entry requirements for A-Level Physics are a grade 6 or above in GCSE Physics or GCSE Combined Science and a grade 6 or higher in GCSE Maths.