IGCSE Physics

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.
Trustpilot Rated 4.6/5 :: 2,314 reviews
  Fast Track
  98% Pass Rate
  Exam Pass Guarantee
  Online Learning
  Unlimited Tutor Support

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

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.

Past Papers

You can access past papers for this course. They are free to access and cover a range of exam boards.

Courses Taught by Experts

Sarah

Education and Childcare

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Sarah

Laura

Health care

For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

Laura, tutor

Faye

Early Years

Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

faye-h_compressed

Penny

STEM and History of Art

Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

penny-tc_compressed

Kelly

Counselling and Psychology

I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

Kelly, tutor