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Pearson Edexcel · A Level

Pearson Edexcel A Level Physics

Physics for Pearson Edexcel A Level (syllabus YPH11) — what the qualification covers, and the study material Marlbridge publishes for it.

Syllabus
YPH11
Board
Pearson Edexcel
Qualification
A Level

At a glance

Qualification
Pearson Edexcel A Level Physics
Spec code
YPH11
Does Marlbridge teach it?
Yes
Are resources available?
Yes — 33 published
Is enrolment open?
Enquire to join — no online enrolment yet
Where was this verified?
2026-08-18, official Pearson Edexcel specification

Compiled and maintained by the Marlbridge Academic Team, checked against the official Pearson Edexcel specification on 2026-08-18.

Spotted something wrong on this page? Report an error — see the corrections policy.

The qualification

Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Physics (YPH11)

The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced Level in Physics develop knowledge and understanding of mechanics, materials, waves, electricity, fields, thermodynamics, radiation, particles, oscillations and cosmology, alongside practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills. — Pearson Edexcel, official syllabus page

Modular qualification: the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS, code XPH11) is claimed on completion of Units 1-3; the full International Advanced Level (IAL, code YPH11) requires all six units (1-6). Units 1, 2, 4 and 5 are content units; Units 3 and 6 are practical-skills-only externally examined papers. First teaching September 2018, first examination January 2019, current specification Issue 3 (July 2021).

Specifications change between examination series. Always confirm the current syllabus and assessment structure on the Pearson Edexcel syllabus page for your examination year.

Assessment structure

Modular qualification

Assessment components for Pearson Edexcel Physics YPH11
Component Duration Marks Weighting Type
WPH11/01: Unit 1: Mechanics and Materials 1h 30m 80 20% Unit
WPH12/01: Unit 2: Waves and Electricity 1h 30m 80 20% Unit
WPH13/01: Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I 1h 20m 50 10% Unit
WPH14/01: Unit 4: Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles 1h 45m 90 20% Unit
WPH15/01: Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology 1h 45m 90 20% Unit
WPH16/01: Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics II 1h 20m 50 10% Unit

Source: official Pearson Edexcel specification, verified 2026-08-28. Directly confirmed against the official PDF (Specification Issue 3, July 2021): the standard Edexcel IAL modular structure -- three IAS units (1-3) plus three IA2 units (4-6), each externally assessed. Units 1, 2, 4 and 5 (the four main content units) are each 20% of the full IAL; Units 3 and 6 (Practical Skills in Physics I and II) are each 10%, both written examinations rather than hands-on practical tests -- Pearson's IAL sciences assess practical competence through a dedicated written paper, not a lab-based endorsement. Unit 1 and 2 each 1h30/80marks; Unit 3 and 6 each 1h20/50marks; Unit 4 and 5 each 1h45/90marks. First teaching September 2018, first examination January 2019. The spec states a minimum of 40% of marks across the papers overall will target mathematics at Level 2 or above -- the highest of the three IAL sciences (Chemistry and Biology both state 20%), reflecting Physics's heavier quantitative content.

Assessment FAQs

How is Pearson Edexcel Physics (YPH11) assessed?

Pearson Edexcel Physics (YPH11) is assessed through: WPH11/01 (Unit 1: Mechanics and Materials) — 1h 30m, 80 marks, 20% of the qualification; WPH12/01 (Unit 2: Waves and Electricity) — 1h 30m, 80 marks, 20% of the qualification; WPH13/01 (Unit 3: Practical Skills in Physics I) — 1h 20m, 50 marks, 10% of the qualification; WPH14/01 (Unit 4: Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles) — 1h 45m, 90 marks, 20% of the qualification; WPH15/01 (Unit 5: Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology) — 1h 45m, 90 marks, 20% of the qualification; WPH16/01 (Unit 6: Practical Skills in Physics II) — 1h 20m, 50 marks, 10% of the qualification. It is a modular qualification. Source: official Pearson Edexcel specification, verified 2026-08-28.

The subject

Physics teaching and study resources, organised by level and topic.

All Physics at Marlbridge

Syllabus topics

The 4 topics below are the official subject content of Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level in Physics (YPH11), for the Issue 3 examination series, reproduced from the Pearson Edexcel syllabus document.

A topic listed here is part of the syllabus. It does not mean Marlbridge has published material for it — topics with resources are marked. Marlbridge currently has resources for 4 of 4 topics.

  1. 1 Mechanics and Materials

    6 Marlbridge resources

    Mechanics · Materials

  2. 2 Waves and Electricity

    6 Marlbridge resources

    Waves and Particle Nature of Light · Electric Circuits

  3. 4 Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles

    9 Marlbridge resources

    Further Mechanics · Electric and Magnetic Fields · Nuclear and Particle Physics

  4. 5 Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology

    12 Marlbridge resources

    Thermodynamics · Nuclear Decay · Oscillations · Astrophysics and Cosmology

Source: Pearson Edexcel -- official International Advanced Level Physics specification PDF — Issue 3 series. Verified 2026-08-18. Always check the current syllabus for your examination year.

Study resources

Revision material

Exam preparation

Physics at other qualifications

These are separate qualifications with different syllabuses and assessments — not different names for the same course. Check which one your school enters you for.

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