Courses / GCSE / Physics IGCSE

Physics IGCSE

Edexcel IGCSE
Physics is the science that deals with physical matter, motion, energy and the laws that govern the universe. Our distance learning IGCSE course introduces you to the key concepts of the science, taking a look at areas including heat, light, magnetism and electricity.
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Overview

By studying the IGCSE Physics online course, answer age-old questions, such as, how do you know how mobile phones work? How do we walk without slipping? How do we hear things through earphones? Physics is more than just black holes and the atmosphere; it examines all the invisible forces that govern our world, providing answers to life’s most challenging questions.

IGCSE Physics opens up a range of career paths in astronomy, environmental science, engineering, and more, as well as higher education at university.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Forces and Motion

    • Movement and position
    • Measurements and units
    • Speed, velocity and acceleration
    • Types of forces
    • Physical quantities
    • Mass and weight
    • Newton’s Laws of Motion
    • Terminal velocity
    • Moments and equilibrium
    • Elasticity and Hooke’s Law
    • Momentum

  2. Unit 2 - Electricity

    • Mains electricity
    • Units of electricity
    • Measuring electrical energy
    • Alternating & direct currents
    • Energy and voltage
    • Series and parallel circuits
    • Resistors and resistance
    • Ohm’s law
    • Electric Charge
    • Conductors and insulators
    • Protons and electrons
    • Electrostatics

  3. Unit 3 - Waves

    • Transverse Waves
    • Longitudinal Waves
    • Properties of waves
    • Wave behaviour
    • The Doppler Effect
    • The Electromagnetic Spectrum
    • Applications and hazards
    • Light and sound waves
    • Reflection and refraction
    • Amplitude and pitch

  4. Unit 4 - Energy Resource and Energy Transfers

    • Storing and transferring
    • Forms of energy
    • Conservation
    • Work and power
    • Fossil fuels and the environment
    • Renewable energy

  5. Unit 5 - Solids, Liquids and Gases

    • Density
    • Pressure
    • States of Matter
    • Melting, boiling and evaporation
    • Specific heat capacity
    • The Kinetic Theory of Matter
    • Absolute Zero
    • The Kelvin Scale

  6. Unit 6 - Magnetism and Electromagnetism

    • Attraction and repulsion
    • Magnetic and electromagnetic induction
    • Magnetic field patterns
    • Electromagnets and field patterns
    • Forces on a current-carrying wire
    • Generating electricity
    • Transformers
    • Transmission of electricity

  7. Unit 7 - Radioactivity and Particles

    • Atomic structure
    • Radioactive decay and detection
    • Alpha, Beta, and Gamma
    • Applications of radioactivity
    • Safety risk and precautions
    • Fission
    • Fusion

  8. Unit 8 - Astrophysics

    • The Solar System
    • Orbits and gravity
    • Gravitational fields
    • Stellar evolution
    • Types of stars
    • The origin of the Universe
    • Cosmic microwaves

  9. Unit 9 - Preparing for Your Exam: 4PH1

    • Exam preparation
    • Practice Paper 1
    • Practice Paper 2

Awarding Body

Edexcel Logo

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

View our other Edexcel qualifications.

Awarding Body

edexcel

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation offering academic and vocational qualifications in schools, colleges and workplaces in the UK and abroad. Edexcel is a multinational education and examination body covering A-Level Courses and GCSE Courses.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an IGCSE in physics, issued by Edexcel. This syllabus (4PH1) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

This qualification is linear; therefore, students will sit all their exams at the end of the course. You’ll be required to complete two GCSE standard written exams.

  • Paper 1 – Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of IGCSE, 100 marks.
  • Paper 2 – Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of IGCSE, 100 marks.

The exams contain a mixture of different question styles, including multiple-choice questions, short-answer questions, calculations and extended open-response questions. We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.

During your course, you’ll be required to complete various assignments. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to monitor your progress.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this level two course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English.

Course code: X814

Physics IGCSE

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is IGCSE Physics like Double Science?

Double Science will cover subjects such as Physics and Chemistry, but IGCSE Physics is a different qualification based solely on physics. 

How many exams are there for IGCSE Physics?

You must sit two written exams to complete your IGCSE Physics course.

Can I do A-level Physics without GCSE/IGCSE Physics?

Yes! You do not need a GCSE/IGCSE Physics qualification to study the subject at A-level. 

What can I do with IGCSE Physics?

While this subject is particularly appealing for those wanting to move into science roles in the future, it also fits into many other fields such as medicine, business, and law. 

How to get a 9 in Physics IGCSE?

To achieve a 9 in IGCSE Physics, you must revise diligently and commit a reasonable amount of time to study. We provide unlimited tutor support and various learning materials to help you achieve your desired grade. 

Is IGCSE Physics harder than GCSE Physics?

IGCSEs are generally considered more complicated than GCSEs as they cover a wider variety of subjects. However, both courses are designed to provide students with a beneficial learning experience. 

How do you get copies of GCSE certificates?

Contact your exam board to get a replacement or copy of a GCSE exam certificate.

Can I do GCSEs courses online?

Absolutely! With Oxbridge, you can study online and learn from the comfort of your home at a pace that suits you.

How do GCSE grades work?

GCSEs are now graded from 9 to 1, with 9 being the highest and 1 being on the opposite end of the scale. 

Do you have past papers that I can use to practice for my exams?

Yes! We have GCSE and A-Level past papers. Our past papers cover a variety of subjects and awarding bodies. We are adding more papers all the time.

Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you're enrolled, you'll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you'll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule. Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.
Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it's important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low - there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps...

Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don't worry - everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn't get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn't one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you're not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education. At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true. Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed. On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same! If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success. Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before. If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as Geography, English Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for 'International General Certificate of Secondary Education'. Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

Will you be required to complete a reading list?

Yes, you can find out more by clicking here.

Why study Physics IGCSE online?

You can study in your own time, at your own pace, with a clear induction and well-structured assignments to help you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for your exams. 

What will you learn on this Physics IGCSE course?

In this fascinating online course, you’ll take a close look at different forms of energy, and the ways in which they’re stored and transferred. You’ll gain an understanding of how the particles that form the world around us are structured and how they interact with one another. You’ll examine electromagnetism, the properties of radiation waves, and you’ll gaze up to the night sky to take a look at the wonders of the solar system.

How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them - find out more. Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you're not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date - all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.