Physics 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.
- Unlimited Tutor Support
- Get as much help as you want from your expert personal tutor
- Fast Track
- In a rush? You can complete this course under a year at no extra charge
- 98% Pass Rate
- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
- Exam Pass Guarantee
- If you don't pass first time, we'll support you for free until your next exams
- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our our learning platform, MyOxbridge
Course Introduction
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.
Whether you’re preparing for IGCSEs or taking other online courses, our expert tutors are here to support you every step of the way. Enrol with Oxbridge and earn valuable qualifications from the comfort of your home.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- Syllabus Code
- Units
-
9–24 months
-
150
-
Level 2
-
Edexcel IGCSE
-
4PH1
-
9 units (view units)
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.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
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
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
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
Unit 4: Energy Resource and Energy Transfers
- Storing and transferring
- Forms of energy
- Conservation
- Work and power
- Fossil fuels and the environment
- Renewable energy
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
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
Unit 7: Radioactivity and Particles
- Atomic structure
- Radioactive decay and detection
- Alpha, Beta, and Gamma
- Applications of radioactivity
- Safety risk and precautions
- Fission
- Fusion
Unit 8: Astrophysics
- The Solar System
- Orbits and gravity
- Gravitational fields
- Stellar evolution
- Types of stars
- The origin of the Universe
- Cosmic microwaves
Unit 9: Preparing for Your Exam: 4PH1
- Exam preparation
- Practice Paper 1
- Practice Paper 2
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.
Progression Routes
The progression routes after IGCSE Physics are varied and offer numerous opportunities for further education and career development. The foundational knowledge and skills gained from IGCSE Physics can open doors to an exciting and rewarding future.
Examinations and Assessments
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.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
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.