“I found distance learning with NEC to be an ideal way to study and gain the knowledge needed to make the transition into a new career path.” – Darius, Structured Fast Track student

Our Structured Fast Track A level Physics course has been specifically designed to follow a carefully considered 36-week study programme, providing you with the extra support you need to gain the all-important grades you require. The A level takes approximately 250-300 hours to complete, which works out at about 15-20 hours per week over the 36-week study programme.

You and a small cohort of fellow students will attend regular live seminars with your course tutor and actively engage with the subject through tutor-led forums, interactive learning activities and quality course materials.

The course is fully online and can be studied anywhere, anytime, to fit in with your lifestyle. Included within the course is a mid-course review, past-paper marking and UCAS service to make sure you are fully prepared for the exams and the next stage of your learning journey.

Find more FAQs here.

NEC’s Structured Fast Track A level Physics course will follow the same topics as Pearson Edexcel’s physics A level but has a set schedule, allowing you to complete the course within one academic year rather than two.

Start: Introduction to studying A level Physics

• Introduction and progress checker
• Introductory quiz
• Refresher topics
• Additional introductory topics – Experiments with a pendulum, Experiments with a lens, Forces and simple machines.

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

Progress Review

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

Past Paper Marking and Revision

• Three past papers
• One revision seminar

There is one Ebook included with the course:

• Benn, M, George, G, and Akrill, T (2019), Pearson Edexcel A level Physics Student Book (Year 1 and Year 2), Hodder Education, ISBN 978-1-5104-7005-3

Assessment

Exams (three):

• 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
• 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)
• 33.3% of marks  (2 hours)

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 18 core practicals within your course – to answer questions.

Non-exam assessment (NEA):

There is an optional practical endorsement available for the A level Physics qualification. This NEA is an additional assessment providing an opportunity to demonstrate practical skills as well as knowledge. The endorsement is reported as a separate grade and does not contribute to the result of the A level qualification.

However, some universities require the completion of practical endorsements for STEM undergraduate courses, such as medicine. In these cases, we’ve got you covered. NEC can organise Practical Endorsements at one of our partnership centres. If you’re unsure, we recommend double-checking with your desired university.

Need help booking exams?

With our exam booking service, you are guaranteed an exam place at one of our partnership centres. When the time comes, simply fill out an application form and we’ll do the rest.  Find out more.

We know that our younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies.  In our experience, learning online works best when the parents are involved, so when you enrol your child with NEC, you’ll have a unique set of services to help you to support your child.

This includes:

• Your own log in to learn@nec to access the course so you can view the course materials and other information for yourself.
• Access to your child’s gradebook to help you to monitor progress and provide appropriate and timely intervention and support
• You’ll receive emails and forum posts so that you have all the examination and assessment updates/information provided by the NEC team
• Dedicated Progress Portal Pages and targeted blogs with updates/information/help and advice on many aspects of home education.

Read more about how we work with young students who are studying at home or through a school.

Would you like to talk to our Course Advice Team about the best route for you? Visit our Contact Us page, fill in the form and a member of the team will get back to you!