Physics · XPH11 / YPH11

How International A level Physics works

Start here: the units, their exam codes and when you can sit them for Pearson Edexcel International AS and A level Physics.

Two qualifications in one course

International A level Physics is modular: you sit it unit by unit.

The International AS (cash-in code XPH11) is Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3. It is a qualification on its own.
The full International A level (cash-in code YPH11) is all 6 units: the AS units plus Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 6.

You can bank AS results in Year 12 and add the A2 units in Year 13.

The units

Each unit has its own exam code. These are the codes your exams officer uses to enter you.

Unit	Code	Title	Level	Exam series 2026/27
Unit 1	WPH11	Mechanics and Materials	AS	October, January and June
Unit 2	WPH12	Waves and Electricity	AS	October, January and June
Unit 3	WPH13	Practical Skills in Physics I	AS	October, January and June
Unit 4	WPH14	Further Mechanics, Fields and Particles	A2	October, January and June
Unit 5	WPH15	Thermodynamics, Radiation, Oscillations and Cosmology	A2	October, January and June
Unit 6	WPH16	Practical Skills in Physics II	A2	October, January and June

Source: Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027, International A level

When you can sit them

Pearson runs International A level exams in January, May to June and October, but not every unit is offered in every series. Plan your units with your teacher, and always confirm entries with your exams officer: Pearson updates the manual every year.

Worked example

You finish Year 12 having sat the AS units in Physics. What can you claim?

The AS units are Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3.
Together they give the International AS (XPH11).

Answer: The International AS in Physics (XPH11); add the A2 units in Year 13 for the full A level (YPH11).

Key idea: International AS Physics = Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3 (XPH11). Full International A level = all 6 units (YPH11). Not every unit is offered in October.

Check yourself

What is the cash-in code for the full International A level in Physics?
- YPH11
- XPH11
- ZPH11
- WPH11
Show answer
YPH11. YPH11 is the full International A level; XPH11 is the International AS.
Which code is the International AS in Physics?
- YPH11
- WPH11
- XPH11
- QPH11
Show answer
XPH11. XPH11 is the International AS cash-in code.
How many units make up the full International A level in Physics?
Show answer
6. The full A level is 6 units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4, Unit 5, Unit 6.
In 2026/27, in which exam series can you sit Physics Unit 1 (Mechanics and Materials)?
- January and June only
- June only
- January only
- October, January and June
Show answer
October, January and June. Pearson's 2026/27 manual lists Unit 1 as available in: October, January and June.
Which Physics unit has the code WPH12?
- Unit 1
- Unit 2
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
Show answer
Unit 2. WPH12 is Unit 2: Waves and Electricity.

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Sources

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.