Why maths and physics go together
A Level Physics is one of the most maths-heavy A Levels: 40% of the marks in AQA Physics test maths skills. Rearranging equations, working with logarithms and exponentials, reading gradients and areas under graphs, and handling vectors and trigonometry come up in almost every topic. A Level Maths covers the same tools in more depth, and its mechanics content (kinematics, forces and Newton's laws, moments) overlaps directly with Physics.
That is why most physics, engineering and many computer science degrees ask for both, and why learners who study them together often find each subject makes the other easier.
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| AQA A Level Mathematics 7357 | AQA A Level Physics 7408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Papers | 3 written papers, 2 hours each, 100 marks each | 3 written papers, 2 hours each (85, 85 and 80 marks) |
| Content | Paper 1 pure; Paper 2 pure and mechanics; Paper 3 pure and statistics | Eight core sections plus one option topic, 12 required practicals |
| Maths in the marks | All of it | 40% |
| Practical endorsement | None | CPAC, reported separately |
| Calculator | Allowed on all papers | Allowed |
| Exam series | May/June | May/June |
| UCAS points | Up to 56 | Up to 56 |
Sources: AQA 7357 and 7408 specifications; Lift College course pages.
What a maths and physics tutor should help you with
- The maths inside physics. Rearranging and combining equations, units and significant figures, logs and exponential decay, and drawing and reading graphs.
- Mechanics in both subjects. SUVAT, forces, moments and projectiles appear in Maths Paper 2 and in Physics, so practising them once helps twice.
- Exam technique. Multi-step calculations, "show that" questions and extended responses in Physics; showing working clearly for method marks in Maths.
- Practical skills. Uncertainties, graph analysis and the 12 required practicals in Physics, which are examined in the written papers.
- Marked practice. Feedback on full answers, not just whether the final number is right.
Studying A Level Maths and Physics online with a named tutor
At Lift College each A Level comes with its own named UK tutor. You work through the full AQA specification online at your own pace, submit marked practice in every unit and get feedback back in 5 to 7 working days, with mock papers and AI Study Support between submissions. Your dashboard shows unit scores and topic strengths, which your tutor uses to tailor feedback.
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| Plan (per subject) | Monthly (pay today) | Annual (pay today, save up to 17%) | What is included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study | £49.99 (£59.99 after a 7-day free trial) | £449.99 (£611.99 after a 7-day free trial) | Full course, named UK tutor, marked practice, mocks |
| +Exams | See the course page | See the course page | Study plus AQA exam entry and Tutors & Exams centre fees, seat booked for you |
| +Exams & CPAC (Physics) | See the course page | See the course page | +Exams plus the CPAC practical endorsement at a Tutors & Exams laboratory venue |
You choose a plan for each subject in your basket. Every plan starts with a 7-day free trial: £0 today, nothing charged until day 8, no contract, no credit check, and a 14-day money-back guarantee on every payment. Monthly +Exams plans have a 9-month expected term because exam fees are built in; you can cancel any time with no exit fee.
Most learners spend 8 to 12 hours a week per subject and finish in 12 to 18 months. The courses are open to anyone aged 14 or over (under 18s enrol with a parent or guardian's permission and support), with no formal entry qualifications. GCSE Maths at grade 6 or above is recommended for both subjects, and GCSE Physics or Combined Science at grade 6 or above for Physics.
Start with A Level Physics or A Level Mathematics, or browse all online A Levels.
Should you take Maths and Physics at the same time?
You do not have to. Some learners start with Maths, because it builds the tools Physics uses, and add Physics a few months later. Others take both together so the shared mechanics and graph work reinforce each other. Both subjects are examined in the May/June series, and all papers for a subject are sat in the same series. Your tutors can help you plan which series to aim for.
Useful guides
- A Level Physics formula sheet: what is in the AQA and Edexcel data booklets
- A Level Maths past papers
- A Level Further Maths, if you are aiming for a highly competitive physics or engineering course
- A Level Physics complete guide
Sources checked
- AQA, A Level Physics 7408 and A Level Mathematics 7357 specifications, aqa.org.uk
- Lift College, A Level Physics and A Level Mathematics course pages and the A Levels hub: papers, marks, maths weighting, plans, prices and tutor turnaround (checked 15 October 2026)