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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE · Specification 4PH1
Online IGCSE Physics Course
Explore forces, electricity, waves, energy, matter,
electromagnetism, radioactivity and astrophysics through a
structured home-study course. Develop scientific knowledge,
mathematical confidence and the investigative skills required
for both written examinations.
Immediate access to the online course
Seven modules covering the complete 4PH1 course
Optional tutor marking, tutorials and printed materials
Start your Physics course
£14.99 / month
Today’s payment:
£24.99
Includes:
- Course materials subscription
- Academic induction session and booking fee
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£14.99 per month
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Course overview
Build a broad understanding of the physical world
Study the principles that explain motion, electricity, waves, energy, matter, magnetism, radioactivity and the universe. The course combines physical theory with calculations, data handling and the investigation of practical methods.
Qualification
Pearson Edexcel IGCSE
International GCSE Physics specification 4PH1.
Course structure
7 modules · 30 lessons
An introductory numerical-skills lesson is followed by seven subject modules and final examination practice.
Recommended study time
Approximately 200 hours
Work through the course at a pace that suits your timetable and intended examination date.
Enrolment
Start at any time
There is no fixed term date, so you can begin when it suits your study plans.
Assignments
10 Tutor-marked Assignments
Examination-style assignments are spread throughout the course, followed by practice papers for both examinations.
Assessment
2 written papers
Paper 1 lasts two hours and Paper 2 lasts 75 minutes. Together they assess the complete qualification.
Practical skills
Investigations assessed in writing
Three lessons focus directly on designing, carrying out and interpreting scientific investigations.
Entry and grading
Untiered · grades 9–1
All candidates sit the same papers, with questions becoming progressively more demanding.
Suitable for students new to Physics
The course is designed to be understandable for students with little or no previous background in science. Students who have already studied some Physics will recognise ideas that are developed in greater depth.
Practical understanding is an important part of the course
There is no separate practical examination, but both written papers include questions about experimental methods. Students should study the investigative lessons carefully and carry out suitable practical activities where it is safe and practical to do so.
how the course works
Study theory, calculations and practical methods together
Begin with the numerical skills used in Physics and then work through the seven modules in order. Each lesson combines course notes, textbook reading, activities, key terminology and
opportunities to test your understanding.
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Enrol and start online
Receive immediate access to your online Physics course and begin studying without waiting for a fixed term date.
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Work through structured lessons
Follow the modules in sequence, using the course notes, required Pearson textbook, activities and selected online resources.
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Apply Physics to calculations and experiments
Practise using equations, interpreting graphs and data, evaluating methods and explaining physical phenomena.
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Prepare for your examinations
Revise all seven modules, practise unfamiliar applications and complete both practice papers under timed conditions.
Optional extra support
Add tutor support when it would help
Assignment marking, practice-paper marking, Email Tutor Support and one-to-one tutorials can be added when you need feedback, explanation or help with calculations and examination technique.
What you’ll study
Seven modules covering the complete IGCSE Physics course
The course progresses from motion and forces through electricity, waves, energy, matter and electromagnetism before concluding with radioactivity, particle physics and astrophysics.
Introduction Using Numbers in Physics Prepare for the calculations, quantities, units and numerical methods used throughout the course. 1 introductory lesson
- Using Numbers in Physics
Module 1 Forces and Motion Speed, forces, momentum, experimental design, turning effects, stretching and the Solar System. 6 lessons
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Forces
- Friction and Momentum
- Investigative Skills A: Experimental Design
- Turning and Stretching
- The Solar System
Tutor-marked Assignment A
Tutor-marked Assignment B
Module 2 Electricity Mains and static electricity, current, voltage, resistance and the interpretation of experimental data. 5 lessons
- Mains Electricity
- Static Electricity
- Electrical Circuits 1: Current and Voltage
- Electrical Circuits 2: Resistance
- Investigative Skills B: Interpretation
Tutor-marked Assignment C
Tutor-marked Assignment D
Module 3 Waves Wave properties, the electromagnetic spectrum, light, sound and accurate experimental readings. 5 lessons
- Properties of Waves
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Light
- Sound
- Investigative Skills C: Taking a Reading
Tutor-marked Assignment E
Module 4 Energy Resources and Energy Transfer Energy transfers, thermal energy, work, power, electricity generation and energy resources. 4 lessons
- Energy Transfers
- Thermal Energy
- Work and Power
- Energy Resources and Electricity Generation
Tutor-marked Assignment F
Module 5 Solids, Liquids and Gases Density, pressure, heating, changes of state and the behaviour of gases. 3 lessons
- Density and Pressure
- Heating and Change of State
- Gases
Tutor-marked Assignment G
Module 6 Magnetism and Electromagnetism Magnetic fields, electric motors and electromagnetic induction. 2 lessons
- Magnetism
- Electric Motors and Electromagnetic Induction
Tutor-marked Assignment H
Module 7 Radioactivity, Particles and Astrophysics Atomic structure, radioactive decay, nuclear energy, particle processes and the wider universe. 5 lessons
- Atoms and Radioactivity
- Radiation and Half-life
- Applications of Radioactivity
- Fission and Fusion
- Astrophysics
Tutor-marked Assignment I
Tutor-marked Assignment J
Practice Examination — Paper 1
Practice Examination — Paper 2
Complete the modules in order
The course has been written so that mathematical, theoretical and investigative skills develop progressively. Complete the introductory numerical lesson first and then work through the seven modules in sequence.
Some specification material is assessed only in Paper 2. The course identifies this within the aims at the beginning of the relevant lessons.
Exams and assessment
How IGCSE Physics is assessed
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics is assessed through two written examination papers. Both papers include calculations, data handling, explanations and questions about practical investigations.
Physics Paper 1
4PH1/1P
2 hours
Exam duration
110 marks
Available marks
61%
Of the qualification
Paper 1 assesses the core specification content and all assessment objectives. It does not assess the additional material identified in the specification as Paper 2-only content.
Physics Paper 2
4PH1/2P
1 hour 15 minutes
Exam duration
70 marks
Available marks
39%
Of the qualification
Paper 2 can assess content from across the complete specification, including the additional topics identified as Paper 2 material.
Entry tier
Untiered examination
All candidates sit the same papers. Questions increase in difficulty so that the papers remain accessible while also testing the highest grades.
Practical assessment
Assessed through written questions
There is no separate practical examination or coursework. Investigative skills are assessed in both theory papers.
Question formats
Calculations, graphs and explanations
Students may need to calculate, draw and interpret graphs, analyse data and explain physical phenomena in familiar and unfamiliar settings.
Calculator and grading
Calculator permitted · grades 9–1
A suitable calculator may be used in both papers. Candidates must provide their own approved examination calculator.
Examination entry
You arrange your examination centre separately
Course enrolment does not automatically enter you for the examinations. Private candidates should locate a centre that accepts Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics and confirm its entry arrangements, fees and deadlines.
Formula-sheet arrangements can change between examination series. Students should check the current Pearson guidance for the year in which they intend to sit the papers.
Support and add-ons
Choose the level of Physics support you need
Your subscription provides the structured online course. Optional add-ons let you purchase written feedback, direct tutor contact, live explanations and printed materials when they would help.
Written feedback
Assignment marking
Purchase marking for individual tutor-marked assignments and receive feedback on calculations, explanations, experimental methods and examination technique.
Assignment marking bundle£89.91
Exam preparation
Practice-exam marking
Complete the Paper 1 and Paper 2 practice examinations under timed conditions and purchase marking to identify strengths, gaps and revision priorities.
Practice examination marking bundle£47.50
Written tutor contact
Email Tutor Support
Ask focused questions about a physical principle, calculation, graph, experiment or course activity through the managed Email Tutor Support service.
Email Tutor Support£10.00 / month
Live support
One-to-one tutorials
Book a live tutorial for personalised explanation, calculation practice, practical-method guidance or focused examination preparation.
Tutorial time Purchased separately
Study your way
Printed course materials
Add printed Oxford Home Schooling course materials if you prefer working through explanations, diagrams and calculations on paper. The required textbook is separate.
Printed course materials£50.00
Flexible support
Add support when you need it
Begin with the core course and add marking, tutor contact, tutorials or printed materials as your Physics studies progress.
Course support
See all available Physics support
Prospective students can compare the available support services. Existing students can purchase Physics marking, tutorials and other course-specific add-ons through their account.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about the IGCSE Physics course
Find answers about previous scientific experience, practical work, examinations, calculations, assignments and the required textbook.
Do I need to have studied Physics before?
No. The course is designed to be understandable for students with little or no previous background in science. It begins with an introductory lesson on using numbers in Physics before developing the main subject content.
Do I need to buy a textbook?
Yes. The course is designed to be used alongside the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) Physics Student Book by Brian Arnold, Penny Johnson and Steve Woolley. The textbook is referenced in every lesson and must be obtained separately.
Do I have to carry out practical experiments?
You should carry out suitable practical work where it can be done safely at home or through supervised laboratory access. This helps develop the experimental skills tested in the written papers.
You should not attempt any activity that cannot be carried out safely with the equipment and supervision available.
Is there practical coursework or a practical exam?
No. There is no coursework component and no separate practical examination. Experimental design, practical methods and data interpretation are assessed through questions in both written papers.
How many examinations are there?
There are two examinations. Paper 1 lasts two hours, carries 110 marks and contributes 61% of the qualification. Paper 2 lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, carries 70 marks and contributes the remaining 39%.
Is the IGCSE Physics examination tiered?
No. All candidates sit the same two examination papers. Questions progress in difficulty, and the qualification is graded on the 9–1 scale.
Can I use a calculator in both papers?
Yes. A suitable calculator may be used in both papers. Mobile phones and devices capable of connecting to the internet cannot be used as examination calculators.
Will I be given a formula sheet?
Pearson’s formula-sheet arrangements may vary between examination series. Check the current guidance for the year in which you will sit the examinations.
Even where a formula sheet is supplied, you still need to understand which equation to use and how to apply it correctly.
How are Tutor-marked Assignments used?
The course contains ten Tutor-marked Assignments placed throughout the seven modules. Marking can be purchased when you want feedback on your understanding, calculations, explanations and practical reasoning.
What types of questions appear in the examinations?
Questions may require calculations, graph drawing, data interpretation, descriptions of physical phenomena and written explanations. Some information may be unfamiliar, so students must apply physical principles rather than rely only on recalling facts.
What can I study after IGCSE Physics?
In combination with other suitable IGCSE subjects, the course provides useful preparation for Physics at A level. Students should check the entry requirements of their intended sixth-form or course provider.
Ready to begin?
Start your online IGCSE Physics course
Enrol at any time and begin working towards the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics qualification through a structured, flexible home-study course.
- Start studying at any time
- Immediate access to the online course
- Develop theoretical and practical understanding
Start your Physics course
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