GCSE Physics Higher

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Break free from stressful revision, and embrace home learning. Achieving your GCSE Physics Higher Tier has never been simpler.

GCSE Physics Higher

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About This Course

Achieve the popular GCSE Physics Higher Tier qualification from home, with the guidance of our exam-expert personal tutors and support team.

Explore the science that underpins every facet of life and the world we live in. Ideal for students looking to achieve a career in medicine, sciences, and engineering, as well as those looking to access various science and maths A levels.

We'll help pay for your exam costs!

Find your nearest exam centre here

Please note that this is the Higher Tier version of GCSE Physics, meaning that students are able to achieve grades 4-9. This course is considered more challenging and requires students to focus on topics in  greater depth. Students seeking grades 1-5 and a less challenging study experience should explore our GCSE Physics Foundation Tier course.

From the study of energy to the physics of space, this GCSE Physics Higher Tier online course will allow you to explore the key topics of physics and prepare you for your GCSE exams.

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 work through the concepts and principles of physics, achieving a solid foundation of knowledge you can showcase in your exams. This course will:

  • Allow you to achieve an internationally recognised GCSE qualification
  • Offer you the opportunity to study from home, stress-free, without classrooms or deadlines
  • Give you access to unlimited tutor support, self-assessment exercises, and feedback

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 Higher 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 Higher 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

There is no required knowledge to enrol on GCSE Physics Higher Tier, however, we suggest that students have a good understanding of what level they are at within the subject. Students who think they would benefit from a less-challenging course of study will be better suited to our GCSE Physics Foundation Tier.

Awarding Body

Upon passing your exams, you’ll be awarded an AQA GCSE Physics Higher 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.

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, all of our courses are distance learning which means your tutor will mark your work and send it back to you via email or by using our online portal.


Unlike other providers, Association of Learning use a fast-track system to get your certificate to you within six weeks (our average is two weeks).


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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