Physics - AS

L3 Level 3
Full Time
3 September 2025 — 23 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Physics AS programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. 

Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, learners may be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.

A qualification in Physics can lead to a higher education course in Physics, Engineering or other science/technology related subjects, or to employment where knowledge of Physics would be useful.

What you will study

The following topics will be covered:

Unit 1: Motion, Energy and Matter 

Written exam 1hr 30m, 50% of AS mark.

  • Basic physics
  • Kinematics
  • Dynamics
  • Energy concepts
  • Solids under stress
  • Using radiation to investigate stars
  • Particles and nuclear structure

Unit 2: Electricity and Light 

Written exam 1hr 30m, 50% of AS mark.

  • Conduction of electricity
  • Resistance
  • D.C. circuits
  • The nature of waves
  • Wave properties
  • Refraction of light
  • Photons
  • Lasers

Entry requirements

Individual Subject Entry Requirement Maths minimum: B[H] B in Physics Higher or BB in Double Award

Teaching and assessment

Two written exams

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

23 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

ASCC3F44
L3

Qualification

Physics - AS
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“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at CAVC. I feel like it was definitely the right choice for me.  I really enjoyed the Scholars program - the amount of opportunities that were relayed to us were incredible, like going to a STEM competition hosted by a university.”

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Studying A Levels in further Maths, Chemistry and Physics

Career prospects & further study

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University:

  • Construction and Built Environment
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Information Technology
  • Mechanical Engineering

Need to know

A Levels Learner

Scholars Programme

Gain the skills and support to succeed at top-level universities.
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Opportunities

CAVC offers lots of opportunities beyond your studies including a great enrichment programme and sporting opportunities.

Next steps

Find out more

Download a course guide for your area of interest.

Open Evenings

Visit us at one of ours sites, chat to tutors about your course of interest and see our great facilities for yourself.

Apply online

Applying to CAVC is easy and all online.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE