Submission deadline
14 August 2026
Extended upload deadline
Competition
Upcoming
Computational Challenge
A computational physics contest where entrants build models and explain their working in a short screencast, using spreadsheets or code.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
Competition
Upcoming
Computational Challenge
A computational physics contest where entrants build models and explain their working in a short screencast, using spreadsheets or code.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
What Succeed checks
We review public competition details such as eligibility, cost, entry format, deadlines, recognition and submission requirements.
What Last verified means
Last verified is the latest date Succeed checked the public details shown on this page. Competition details can still change.
How official sources are used
Succeed uses official provider information where available, then rewrites it into a student-facing summary for comparison and planning.
Why some dates are reference dates
If the current cycle is not available, Succeed may show the latest verified cycle dates so you can understand typical timing.
Succeed is independent from this provider unless a partnership is clearly stated.
Computational Physics Challenge at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Students still at school
Age range / Year group
Up to 18
Location / Region
Online
Cost
Free
Prize highlight
E-certificates; top five Golds present
Entry format
Three-minute screencast
Latest deadline
14 August 2026 · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Get next-cycle reminderComputational Physics Challenge summary
Build computer models for a set of quantum mechanics problems, using a spreadsheet or programming language.
Explain your graphs, code, spreadsheets and working through a concise screencast rather than submitting a conventional written solution.
The challenge suits entrants who enjoy combining physics, mathematics, data visualisation and practical computing.
What is Computational Challenge?
The Computational Challenge is a British Physics Olympiad competition focused on building computer models for physics problems. The 2026 specification centres on quantum mechanics and allows entrants to use spreadsheets or a programming language.
Entrants tackle modelling and visualisation tasks covering subjects such as random walks, radiation, diffraction, quantum cryptography and atomic orbitals. Their final screencast must demonstrate the resulting graphs or programs and make their working easy to follow.
Why Succeed highlights Computational Physics Challenge
It connects A-level-style physics and mathematics with practical computational modelling.
Entrants can begin with familiar spreadsheet tools rather than needing previous coding experience.
The short screencast rewards clear explanation and visible working alongside technical results.
Bronze, Silver and Gold standards give entrants concrete targets for developing their work.
The optional extensions create room for ambitious apps, research papers and deeper simulations.
Who is Computational Physics Challenge for?
Best for
Students who enjoy physics and mathematics and want to turn theoretical ideas into graphs, simulations or small programs.
Not ideal if
You want a quick quiz-style contest or would rather avoid independent technical problem-solving and recorded explanation.
Is Computational Physics Challenge worth it?
It can be worthwhile for students who want substantial evidence of computational thinking rather than another short test score. Building and explaining a working model can support later reflection on physics, mathematics, engineering or computing interests.
The main limitation is the workload: ten modelling tasks and a clear screencast require sustained independent effort. Recognition is certificate-based, so the strongest value comes from the skills and finished work rather than a monetary award.
How much preparation does Computational Physics Challenge need?
Effort level
High
Best started
Soon after the challenge pack is released, allowing several weeks for modelling and revision.
Main challenge
Showing convincing working within a three-minute screencast.
Typical preparation
Read the specification once before choosing which software to use.
Complete a basic working version of every task before attempting extensions.
Keep notes and screenshots while developing each model so the final explanation is easier to plan.
Draft and time the screencast, then remove detail that does not demonstrate your method.
Useful if
You know core school physics and are comfortable learning technical tools.
What do students do on Computational Physics Challenge?
Entrants build computational models for the published physics tasks and turn their results into a short explanatory screencast.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Choose suitable spreadsheet or programming software.
- 2
Follow the mathematical instructions in the challenge presentation pack.
- 3
Build and test the required models, plots, animations or visualisations.
- 4
Attempt coding and extension work where appropriate to the intended award level.
- 5
Record a screencast showing the outputs and explaining how the solutions were produced.
- 6
Upload the completed video through the competition form.
Computational Physics Challenge dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Competition dates
16 March-14 August 2026
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Submission deadline | 14 August 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Competition dates | 16 March-14 August 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Still attending school through summer 2026
Not studying at university
Not professionally involved in programming
Correct name, school and school email required
Individual entries or pairs
Both partners must contribute equally
How much does Computational Physics Challenge cost?
Entry cost
Check official page
How to enter Computational Physics Challenge
- 1
Register with your correct name, school and school email address.
- 2
Add your partner's details if entering as a pair.
- 3
Complete the computational tasks using suitable software.
- 4
Record a screencast of no more than three minutes.
- 5
Use the emailed upload link to submit the video through the web form.
- 6
Download the form response copy as confirmation of submission.
Competition prompts
Choose one question from your selected subject area. Succeed shows a small preview here, but always check the current competition instructions before writing.
Questions shown from the latest verified cycle, for reference only.
Q1.Random walk
Q2.Brownian motion
Submission requirements
The screencast should make the entrant's method and contribution clear, not simply display final answers.
Maximum three-minute screencast
No deliberately speeded-up video
Show graphs and computational outputs
Explain code or spreadsheet methods
Demonstrate how solutions were reached
Equal contributions from both partners
Submit through the provided web form
Prizes and recognition
Bronze
A Bronze e-certificate for a complete qualifying entry.
Silver
A Silver e-certificate for completing all tasks in code.
Gold
A Gold e-certificate for high-standard work with possible extensions.
Top five Golds
An invitation to present the work at a special ceremony.
What this may help with
Demonstrating computational physics work and reflective problem-solving.
What it does not guarantee
University admission or further competition selection.
Judging criteria
- Clear evidence of working
- Completion of spreadsheet-based challenge elements
- Completion of all tasks in code for Silver
- High-standard completion for Gold
- Meaningful extension work for stronger Gold entries
- Clear graphs, code, spreadsheets and explanations
No percentage weighting is published.
How to stand out
- Make every graph readable and explain why it supports your conclusion.
- Show the development of your method instead of presenting only polished outputs.
- Use code consistently across the tasks if aiming beyond Bronze.
- Test models carefully and discuss unexpected behaviour rather than hiding it.
- Choose one meaningful extension, such as an app or research write-up, and develop it well.
- Edit the screencast tightly so every second demonstrates working or insight.
Computational Physics Challenge FAQs
No. Entrants may use Excel, and the associated course introduces Python from the basics.
Yes. Entries may be completed alone or in pairs, but both partners must contribute equally to the screencast.
Any suitable software is allowed. The specification recommends MATLAB or Python, while spreadsheets can complete many of the core tasks.
It should show the relevant graphs, code or spreadsheets and clearly explain how the solutions were produced.
No. Entry was originally restricted to course attendees, but this requirement has been relaxed.
The 2026 challenge covers quantum mechanics through modelling tasks on topics including radiation, diffraction, atomic orbitals, cryptography and particle behaviour.
A video longer than three minutes cannot receive Gold, and deliberately speeded-up videos are disqualified.
Alternatives to Computational Physics Challenge
Compare these related science, mathematics and computational competitions if you want a different format or subject balance.
Alternatives to Computational Physics Challenge
Breakthrough Junior Challenge
Recently closed
Online science challenge spanning biology, mathematics and physics
Science
15 Sep 2026
Free
13-18
Best for
Students who prefer explaining one scientific idea on video
Purple Comet! Math Meet
Open now
Online team mathematics and problem-solving meet
Mathematics
15 Apr 2027
Free
11-19
Best for
Students who prefer timed mathematics in a team
Online art competition including coding and artificial intelligence
Art
15 Sep 2026
Free
14-18
Best for
Students combining digital technology with visual creativity
Save this competition in Succeed to compare it with other essay prizes, deadlines and entry formats in one place.
Compare with other competitionsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- The Eclecticon of Dr French
- Registration to enter the BPhO Computational Challenge Competition 2024
- Microsoft Forms
- BPhO Computational Physics Challenge 2026 Specification
- Downloading anaconda
- Computational Challenge
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Official page checked
2026 specification reviewed
Submission rules verified
Eligibility reviewed
Awards checked
Course schedule checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current submission instructions before entering.
Keep this competition organised in Succeed
Compare it with current competitions
Save it if you want to revisit it later
Get a next-cycle reminder if it returns
Keep related recommendations organised
Not ready to enter yet? Keep it for later.
Get a next-cycle reminder
Compare similar options
Save it for later
Keep recommendations organised