GCSE Physics Foundation

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Study a GCSE Physics Foundation Tier qualification from home! Wave goodbye to stressful revision, and hello to a learning experience tailored to you.

GCSE Physics Foundation

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About This Course

Explore the science that underpins everything in our universe, from the smallest molecules of energy to the physics of space.

Now you can achieve this popular qualification from home, with the support of our team of personal tutors! Ideal for students seeking careers in engineering, medicine, and technology, as well as those looking to access various science and maths A Levels.

We'll help pay for your exam costs!

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Please note that this is the Foundation Tier version of the GCSE Physics course, meaning that students are able to achieve grades 1-5. This course is considered less challenging than the Higher Tier version. Students seeking grades 4-9 should consider our GCSE Physics Higher Tier course.

This course matches the curriculum taught in traditional UK schools, meaning that despite studying online, you’ll achieve the exact same qualification as your peers.

Please note: You are able to complete this course without sitting exams; however, in order to achieve a full GCSE Physics qualification, exams are mandatory.

Bundle Offer

Buy this course as a bundle and save 30%

GCSE Combined Science: Foundation Trilogy

Total cost if courses bought separately: £1,485

£495

or £44.55 per month

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Course Benefits

Over the course of 8 units, you’ll explore the key concepts of physics, and gain a level of understanding that will allow you to pass your GCSE exams. This course will:

  • Allow you to achieve a popular GCSE qualification
  • Offer you the opportunity to revise from the comfort of your own home, without the pressure of deadlines and classrooms
  • Give you unlimited tutor support, in-depth study guides, and self-assessment exercises

Course Units

Qualification Number: 601/8751/7

Unit 1: Energy

Unit 2: Electricity

Unit 3: Particle Model of Matter

Unit 4: Atomic Structure 

Unit 5: Forces 

Unit 6: Waves 

Unit 7: Magnetism and Electromagnetism 

Unit 8: Space Physics 

Assessment

To successfully achieve a Physics GCSE, you will be required to sit and pass two GCSE written exams, as well as a practical examination. These exams will be held at an official exam centre, where you will be supervised throughout. There is a separate fee for booking your exams, which will be paid directly to the exam centre at the time of booking. We’ll help you with booking your exams when you’re ready, and they’ll take place in May and June.

Paper 1:

  • 1 hour and 45 minutes written exam
  • 50% of total GCSE Physics Foundation Tier marks
  • What’s assessed: Topics 1-4: Energy; Electricity; Particle Model of Matter; and Atomic Structure

Paper 2: 

  • 1 hour and 45 minutes written exam
  • 50% of total GCSE Physics Foundation tier marks
  • What’s assessed: Topics 5-8: Forces; Waves; Magnetism and Electromagnetism; and Space Physics

Practical Assessment

Practicals are required to achieve this qualification but if you are unable to participate, you can enrol on the IGCSE Physics instead. In this qualification, you would not be required to complete the practicals, however examination is still required.

Required Knowledge

You don’t need to have any prior knowledge or qualifications in physics to enrol on this course.

Awarding Body

Upon passing your exams, you’ll have achieved an AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier qualification.

Support

From the time you enrol to the time you sit your exams, you’ll be supported and guided by our hands-on tutors and student team. Distance learning doesn’t mean distance support with us, as you’ll be paired with one of our exam-expert personal tutors who will guide and mentor you towards success.

In-depth study guides and self-assessment exercises mean you’ll be able to consolidate what you’ve learned, ready to tackle your exams head on. We’ll even help you book your exams, leaving you able to focus on your studies.
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Our materials have been designed to make studying for your GCSEs as engaging and accessible as possible. Revision can be stressful, but we’re committed to providing you with all the support you need to pass your exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a question that our team are often asked, there are many reasons but here are the main reasons to choose Association of Learning:

  • No hidden charges, the price you see includes everything, from tutoring to certification.
  • Our average tutor marking time is 3 working days (most providers are 10+).
  • Our customers have rated us ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot.
  • Our courses are up to date. Many providers create course content and fail to keep it up to date.
  • We are open later than any other home learning provider.
  • As many submissions as you need to complete, many providers cap how many times you can submit work.
  • All courses are fully endorsed by external awarding organisations.
  • 14 day money back guarantee or course switch.

If you need any more reasons to choose Association of Learning, contact our team!


You have 2 years to complete this course, but can complete at a faster pace without any additional costs.


Practical exams are currently only available in our Birmingham exam centre. Theory exams are available at most of our centres UK wide.

Alternatively, you are also welcome to use a private exam centre of your choosing.

When you’re ready, we’ll help you book your exams.


There are two payment options, pay in full for your course or monthly. Our monthly payment option allows you to spread the cost of your course over a 10 month period.

If you choose to pay using a payment plan, to apply you must be able to answer yes to the following:

  • Your billing address is based in the UK
  • You have a UK based bank account
  • Bill payer must be 18 or above.

No, this is a distance learning course, which means your assessments will be submitted and marked using our online LMS (Learner Management System).


The decision to study at a foundation or higher tier for your GCSEs depends on your current level of knowledge and your future goals.

Foundation Tier

  • Designed for students who may find the subject challenging or need additional support. There is a more limited range of topics at a lower level of difficulty.
  • You can achieve grades 1-5 (formerly G to C) on the foundation tier.
  • Foundation tier may be suitable if you struggle with the subject or don’t plan to pursue further education in that subject. It’s considered a more achievable pathway to success.

Higher Tier

  • Higher tier is more comprehensive and covers a broader range of topics at a higher level of difficulty.
  • You can achieve grades 4-9 (formerly C-A*) on the higher tier.
  • If you are confident in the subject and plan to study it at a higher level or pursue a career that requires a strong understanding of the subject, then a higher tier might be the right choice. It also leaves more doors open for advanced studies.

Students who reside outside of the United Kingdom are able to study our GCSE courses. However, examinations must occur within the UK.


There are no prerequisites or required qualifications to study this course.

In other words, if you’re reading this, you’re ready!


This is a government-regulated qualification, with certification provided by an Ofqual-regulated awarding body.

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