A Level Chemistry
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £495
Open the door to a career in Medicine, Dentistry or Biochemistry. Gain a solid foundation in chemical principles, laboratory skills and scientific methods helping you to secure a spot in higher education or the workplace.
- Awarding Bodies: AQA, Cambridge & Pearson Edexcel Exam Boards
- Learning Hours: Full A Level: 360 Study Hours
- Flexible Fast Track Available
- Full A Level Qualification
Overview
Would you like to progress your education through distance learning? An online A Level Chemistry course can open doors to a rewarding career in Science. The programme with Learn Now provides the same fully recognised qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college but giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
If you are an adult learner, a student resitting exams, or someone juggling studies with work and family, this could work perfectly. The course is designed to suit many lifestyles and upon successful completion, you will earn up to 56 UCAS points to support your progression to university. This qualification will provide a stepping stone for highly sought-after degree programmes, such as Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, Medicine, Environmental Science and other STEM pathways.
Choose Your Specification
Whether you are based inside or outside the UK, we can offer a variety of internationally recognised examination boards to suit your specific needs:
- AQA (7405) (UK Learners)
- Cambridge International CIE (9701) (UK and International Learners)
- Pearson Edexcel (YCH11) (UK and International Learners)
Please note that the Cambridge specification involves compulsory physical practical exams whereas the Pearson Edexcel specification is 100% exam based. With Pearson, there will be no science practical endorsement to complete with the course as everything is examined through written assessment. AQA is optional and it all depends on the requirements of the University if you are applying.
Get 10% discount when ordering multiple A Level courses. Use the coupon code: ALEVEL10 at checkout
Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £495
Select your course type from the dropdown below. Choose A Level if you are studying the full two-year syllabus. Alternatively, select IAS or IA2 either just the first or second years content.
AQA A Level Chemistry
Specification Code: A' Level Chemistry AQA: 7405 AS Level Chemistry AQA: 7404
the AQA specification will attempt to answer the question ‘what is the world made of’ and it’s the search for this answer, makes the subject interesting. From investigating how one substance can be changed drastically into another, to researching a new wonder drug to save millions of lives, the opportunities that chemistry provide are endless.
The AS Level has four topics you will need to cover and these same topics are covered in more detail at A Level.
Year One Content
Physical Chemistry
- Atomic Structure
- Amount of Substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Chemical Equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
- Oxidation, reduction and redox equations.
Inorganic Chemistry
- Periodicity
- Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
- Group 7 (17), the halogens.
Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to organic chemistry
- Alkanes
- Halogenoalkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Organic analysis
Relevant Practical Skills
- Independent thinking
- Use and application of scientific methods and practices
- Use and application of scientific methods and practices
- Instruments and equipment.
Year Two Content
Physical Chemistry
The structure of the atom and arrangement of electrons within the atom determine the behaviour of elements and how they are arranged within the periodic table. You will learn about the mass spectrometer and how this measures atoms. You will also discover how quantities can be calculated from mass, solutions or gases. Atoms, ions and molecules are bonded together and the course will cover how intermolecular forces affect the properties of substances. You will also cover thermodynamics and energetics which is the study of energy changes in reactions along with the reasons why reactions happen. Redox reactions, oxidation states and half-equations are also examined along with acids, bases and pH. In this topic, you will cover:
- Atomic Structure
- Amount of Substance
- Bonding
- Energetics
- Kinetics
- Chemical Equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
- Oxidation, reduction and redox equations.
- Thermodynamics
- Rate equations
- Equilibrium constant Kp for homogeneous systems
- Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
- Acids and basis.
Inorganic Chemistry
For inorganic chemistry, you will learn about the periodic table and how it helps chemists understand and predict the properties of elements. You will explore Group 2 (metals) and Group 7 (halogens), concentrating on trends, solubility and physical properties of each element. You will also examine how period 3 elements react with oxygen and how they affect the acidity or alkalinity of the products. There will also be a section on transition metals and practical work will help you understand how transition metal ions behave in solution. In this topic, you will cover:
- Periodicity
- Group 2, the alkaline earth metals
- Group 7 (17), the halogens.
- Properties of period 3 elements and their oxides
- Transition metals
- Reactions of ions in aqueous solution.
Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry focuses on carbon-based compounds which can be found in fuels, medicines and plastics. You will also explore major families of organic compounds such as alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, halogenoalkanes, carbonyl compounds and carboxylic acids etc. You will learn to link their structures and properties to reactions. You will also consider polymers and the environmental impacts linked to their use. You will cover the role of organic chemistry such as sustainability, medicine, energy and new technologies. Finally, you will explore biological molecules such as amino acids, proteins and DNA. In this topic, you will cover:
- Introduction to organic chemistry
- Alkanes
- Halogenoalkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Organic analysis
- Optical isomerism
- Aldehydes and ketones
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Aromatic chemistry
- Amines
- Polymers
- Amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Organic synthesis
- Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Chromatography
Relevant Practical Skills
If you are opting to take the practical endorsement, you will be expected to be able to use certain apparatus and techniques. These will be covered within the course but if you feel you need any hand-on experience, it may be worth contacting your exam centre to see if they can provide a session before the exam.
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations/practicals at an AQA approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
A Level Exams
There are three exams for the Full Advanced Level qualification. The length of each exam is two hours long.
AS Level Exams
There are two exams for the Advanced Subsidiary qualification. The length of each exam is 1 hour 30 minutes long. 
This A’ Level Chemistry course forms part of the linear qualifications. This means that learners will sit exams for their particular qualification at the end of the completed course in the June series.
You will not be able to carry forward your AS qualification to the A’ Level qualification as they are now classed as entirely independent qualifications and you will sit either AS or A’ Level exams.
Practical Assessment
Assessment of practical skills in the AS specification will be by written exams only. Therefore the practical endorsement does not apply to the AS specification. At least 15% of the marks for the AS Chemistry qualification will require the assessment of practical skills through written exams only.For the Full A Level, practical assessments have been divided into those that can be assessed in written exams and those that can only be directly assessed whilst learners are carrying out experiments.
A-level grades will be based only on marks from written exams. A separate endorsement of practical skills can be taken alongside the A-level.
For more information regarding practical examinations, please click here.
Course Outcome
On successful completion of all your exams, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:
A Level in Chemistry with AQA | AS Level in Chemistry with AQA
Click here for more information about AQA and to be taken to their official website
Cambridge A Level Chemistry
Specification Code: 9701
This Cambridge specification builds on the skills acquired at Cambridge IGCSE (or equivalent) level. The syllabus includes the main theoretical concepts which are fundamental to the subject, a section on some current applications of chemistry, and a strong emphasis on advanced practical skills. Practical skills are assessed in a timetabled practical examination.
The emphasis throughout is on the understanding of concepts and the application of chemistry ideas in novel contexts as well as on the acquisition of knowledge. The course encourages creative thinking and problem-solving skills which are transferable to any future career path. The programme is ideal for students who want to study chemistry or a wide variety of related subjects at university or to follow a career in science.
The Full A Level has four modules you will need to cover which are split into IAS and IA2. The IAS Level has two modules and all of these are listed below.
Year One Content
Physical Chemistry
For physical chemistry, you will gain an understanding of why substances react, how fast they react and how their structure affects their properties. The topic will combine theory, maths and experiments to help give you a better understanding of chemistry.
- Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry
- Atomic structure
- Chemical bonding
- States of matter
- States of matter
- Electrochemistry
- Equilibria
- Reaction kinetics
Inorganic Chemistry
For this section you will study elements and their compounds along with patterns in the periodic table. You will also cover industrial and environmental applications.
- The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity
- Group 2
- Group 17
- Nitrogen and sulfur
Organic chemistry and analysis
Organic chemistry will cover compounds containing carbon. You will learn how they are structured, react and how they can be made or broken down. You will cover techniques and methods used to identify carbon-based compounds along with figuring out what elements and functional groups are present, the molecular structure and the purity of the samples.
- An introduction to organic chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Halogen compounds
- Hydroxy compounds
- Carbonyl compounds
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Nitrogen compounds
- Polymerisation
- Analytical techniques
Year Two Content
Physical Chemistry
In IA2, you will gain an understanding of atoms, bonding, states of matter and basic reactions. This topic will go into more depth and teach you how reactions occur, how fast and how energy is involved.
- Chemical energetics
- Electrochemistry
- Equilibria
- Reaction kinetics
Inorganic Chemistry
For IA2 Inorganic Chemistry you will go deeper into group 2. You will learn more about how their properties change as you go down the group and their applications. You will study transition elements which behave differently from group 2 elements. This topic will also focus on advanced chemistry concepts involving transition metals.
- Group 2
- Chemistry of transition elements
Organic chemistry and analysis
This topic leads on from IAS Organic Chemistry but covers organic synthesis too. The analytical techniques is more details with more focus on interpreting data.
- An introduction to organic chemistry
- Hydrocarbons
- Halogen compounds
- Hydroxy compounds
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Nitrogen compounds
- Polymerisation
- Organic synthesis
- Analytical techniques
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations/practicals at CIE approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
A Level Exams
There are five exams for the Full Advanced Level qualification. 
AS Level Exams
There are three exams for the Advanced Subsidiary qualification. 
For Cambridge, learners can:
take Papers 1, 2 and 3 only (for the Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary qualification) or
follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1, 2 and 3 (for the Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary qualification) in one series, then Papers 4 and 5 (for the Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later series or
take Papers 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level.
Practical Assessment
Experimental skills will be assessed in Paper 3 and Paper 5.
In each of these papers, the questions may be based on chemistry not included in the syllabus content, but students will be assessed on their practical skills rather than their knowledge of theory. Throughout the course, you will cover practical scenarios in preparation for your exams. Where appropriate, students will be told exactly what to do and how to do it. Students will need to ensure that their chosen centre are able to provide them with the practical examinations. Click here for more information regarding the practical examinations.
Course Outcome
On successful completion of all your exams, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:
International A Level in Chemistry with CIE | International AS Level in Chemistry with CIE
Click here for more information on CIE and to be taken to their official website.
Edexcel A Level Chemistry
Specification Code: A Level Chemistry: YCH11 AS Level Chemistry: XCH11
The Pearson Edexcel specification will enable you to gain an essential knowledge and understanding of different areas of Chemistry.
Chemistry is the branch of science that studies the composition, structure, properties, and change of matter. It focuses on elements and compounds, which are made up of atoms, molecules, and ions, and how they interact and transform. You will also learn a variety of practical, mathematical and problem-solving skills.
Year One Content
For IAS Chemistry, the course will build on a foundational understanding of physical and organic chemistry. You will begin with writing chemical formulae, balancing equations and calculating moles. You will then explore atomic structure and the periodic table to see how electron configurations affect chemical behaviour. The topic will then lead onto bonding and structure which covers ionic, covalent and metallic bonding.
The course will introduce organic chemistry, alkanes and alkenes. In physical chemistry, you will learn about energetics and how they examine energy changes in reactions along with intermolecular forces and their interactions between molecules.
Redox chemistry and groups 1, 2 and 7 combine electron transfer with trends in elements. You will also be provided with an introduction to kinetics and equilibria and finally, organic chemistry such as halogenoalkanes, alcohols and spectra.
TOPIC 1: FORMULAE, EQUATIONS AND AMOUNT OF SUBSTANCE
- 1A Atoms, elements and molecules
- 1B.1 Writing chemical equations
- 1B.2 Typical reactions of acids
- 1B.3 Displacement reactions
- 1B.4 Precipitation reactions
- 1C.1 Comparing masses of substances
- 1C.2 Calculations involving moles
- 1C.3 Calculations using reacting masses
- 1C.4 The yield of a reaction
- 1C.5 Atom economy
- 1D.1 Empirical formulae
- 1D.2 Molecular formulae
- 1E.1 Molar volume calculations
- 1E.2 Concentrations of solutions
- 1E.3 Concentrations in ppm
TOPIC 2: ATOMIC STRUCTURE AND THE PERIODIC TABLE
- 2A.1 Structure of the atom and isotopes
- 2A.2 Mass spectrometry and relative masses of atoms, isotopes and molecules
- 2A.3 Atomic orbitals and electronic configurations
- 2A.4 Ionisation energies
- 2B.1 The Periodic Table
- 2B.2 Periodic properties
TOPIC 3: BONDING AND STRUCTURE
- 3A.1 The nature of ionic bonding
- 3A.2 Ionic radii and polarisation of ions
- 3A.3 Physical properties of ionic compounds
- 3B.1 Covalent bonding
- 3B.2 Electronegativity and bond polarity
- 3B.3 Bonding in discrete (simple) molecules
- 3B.4 Dative covalent bonds
- 3C.1 Shapes of molecules and ions
- 3C.2 Non-polar and polar molecules
- 3D Metallic bonding
- 3E.1 Introduction to solid lattices
- 3E.2 Structure and properties
TOPIC 4: INTRODUCTORY ORGANIC CHEMISTRY AND ALKANES
- 4A.1-6 (1): 4A.1 What is organic chemistry?
- 4A.2 Different types of formulae
- 4A.4 Nomenclature
- 4A.5 Structural isomerism
- 4A.6 Types of reaction
- 4A.1-6 (2): 4A.1 What is organic chemistry?
- 4A.2 Different types of formulae
- 4A.3 Functional groups and homologous series
- 4A.5 Structural isomerism
- 4A.6 Types of reaction
- 4B.1 Alkanes from crude oil
- 4A.7 Hazards, risks and risk assessments
- 4B.2 Alkanes as fuels
- 4B.3 Alternative fuels
- 4B.4 Substitution reactions of alkanes
TOPIC 5: ALKENES
- 5A.1 Alkenes and their bonding
- 5A.2 Geometric isomerism
- 5A.3 Addition reactions of alkenes
- 5A.3 Addition reactions of alkenes
- 5A.4i The mechanisms of addition reactions
- 5A.3 Addition reactions of alkenes
- 5A.4ii The mechanisms of addition reactions
- 5B.1 Polymerisation reactions
- 5B.2 Dealing with polymer waste
TOPIC 6: ENERGETICS
- 6A Introducing enthalpy and enthalpy change
- 6B Enthalpy level diagrams
- 6C Standard enthalpy change of combustion
- 6D Standard enthalpy change of neutralisation
- 6E Standard enthalpy change of formation and Hess’s law
- 6F Bond enthalpy and mean bond enthalpy,
- 6G Using mean bond enthalpies
TOPIC 7: INTERMOLECULAR FORCES
- 7A Intermolecular interactions
- 7B Intermolecular interactions and physical properties
TOPIC 8: REDOX CHEMISTRY AND GROUPS 1, 2 AND 7
- 8A.1 Electron loss and gain
- 8A.2 Assigning oxidation numbers
- 8A.4 Oxidation numbers and nomenclature
- 8A.3 Recognising reactions using oxidation numbers
- 8A.5 Constructing full ionic equations
- 8B.1 Trends in Groups 1 and 2
- 8B.2 Reactions of Group 1 elements
- 8B.3 Reactions of Group 2 elements
- 8B.4 Oxides and hydroxides in Groups 1 and 2
- 8B.5 Thermal stability of compounds in Groups 1 and 2
- 8B.6 Flame tests and the test for ammonium ions
- 8C.1 Trends in Group 7
- 8C.2 Redox reactions in Group 7
- 8C.3 Reactions of halides with sulfuric acid
- 8C.4 Other reactions of halides
- 8D.1 Making standard solutions
- 8D.2 Doing titrations
- 8D.2 Doing titrations,
- 8D.3 Calculations from titrations
- 8D.4 Mistakes, errors, accuracy and precision
- 8D.5 Measurement errors and measurement uncertainties
- 8D.6 Overall measurement uncertainty
TOPIC 9: INTRODUCTION TO KINETICS AND EQUILIBRIA
- 9A.1 Reaction rate, collision theory and activation energy
- 9A.4 Effect of catalysts on rate of reaction
- 9A.2 Effect of concentration, pressure and surface area on rate of reaction
- 9A.3 Effect of temperature on rate of reaction
- 9A.3 Effect of temperature on rate of reaction
- 9A.4 Effect of catalysts on rate of reaction
- 9B.1 Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium
- 9B.2 Effect of changes in conditions on equilibrium composition
- 9B.3 Reversible reactions in industry
TOPIC 10: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: HALOGENOALKANES, ALCOHOLS AND SPECTRA
- 10B.1 Halogenoalkanes and hydrolysis reaction
- 10B.3 Halogenoalkane reactions and mechanisms
- 10A General principles in organic chemistry
- 10B.2 Comparing the rates of hydrolysis reactions
- 10 B.3 Halogenoalkane reactions and mechanisms
- 10C.1 Alcohols and some of their reactions
- 10C.2 Oxidation reactions of alcohols
- 10C.3 Purifying an organic liquid
- 10D.1 Mass spectrometry of organic compounds
- 10D.2 Deducing structures from mass spectra
- 10D.3 Infrared spectroscopy
- 10D.4 Using infrared spectra
Year Two Content
For IA2, you will build on year one content. You will begin with kinetics and explore reaction rates, rate equations and mechanisms. You will also gain a deeper understanding of energy changes through the introduction of entropy and energetics. This will link to chemical equilibria where equilibrium constants and the position of equilibrium are studied quantitively.
Organic chemistry extends to carbonyls, carboxylic acids and chirality. This covers new functional groups, reaction pathways and stereochemistry. Redox equilibria introduces electrode potentials and electrochemical cells. Transition metals examines their unique properties, oxidation states and catalytic roles. Finally, you will explore benzene, electrophilic substitution reactions and the chemistry of aromatic systems.
TOPIC 11: KINETICS
- 11A.1 Techniques for measuring the rate of reaction
- 11A.2 Rate equations, rate constants and orders of reaction
- 11A.3 Determining orders of reaction
- 11A.4 Rate equations and mechanisms
- 11A.5 Activation energy and catalysis
- 11A.6 Effect of temperature on the rate constant
TOPIC 12: ENTROPY AND ENERGETICS
- 12A.1 Introduction to entropy
- 12A.2 Total entropy
- 12A.3 Understanding entropy changes
- 12B.1 Lattice energy, ΔLEH, and Born–Haber cycles
- 12B.2 Experimental and theoretical lattice energies
- 12B.3 Enthalpy changes of solution and hydration
TOPIC 13: CHEMICAL EQUILIBRIA
- 13A.1–2 Equilibrium constant, Kc; Equilibrium constant, Kp
- 13A.3–4 Factors affecting equilibrium constants 1–2
- 13A.5 Relating entropy to equilibrium constants
TOPIC 14: ACID-BASE EQUILIBRIA
- 14A.1 The Brønsted–Lowry theory
- 14A.2 Hydrogen ion concentration and the pH scale
- 14A.3 Ionic product of water, Kw
- 14A.4 Analysing data from pH measurements
- 14B.1 Acid–base titrations, pH curves and indicators
- 14B.2 Buffer solutions
- 14B.3 Buffer solutions and pH curves
TOPIC 15: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: CARBONYLS, CARBOXYLIC ACIDS AND CHIRALITY
- 15A.1–3 Chirality and enantiomers; Optical activity; Optical activity and reaction mechanisms
- 15B.1–3 Carbonyl compounds and their physical properties; Redox reactions of carbonyl compounds; Nucleophilic addition reactions
- 15C.1–2 Carboxylic acids and their physical properties; Preparations and reactions of carboxylic acids
- 15D.1–2 Carboxylic acid derivatives: Acyl chlorides; Esters
- 15D.3 Carboxylic acid derivatives: Polyesters
- 15E.1 Simple chromatography
- 15E.2 Determining structures using mass spectra
- 15E.3–4 Chromatography: HPLC and GC; Chromatography and mass spectrometry
- 15E.5–6 Principles of NMR spectroscopy; 13C NMR spectroscopy
- 15E.7–8 1H NMR spectroscopy; Splitting patterns in 1H NMR spectra
TOPIC 16: REDOX EQUILIBRIA
- 16A.1–2 Standard electrode (redox) potentials; Electrochemical cells
- 16A.3 Standard electrode potentials and thermodynamic feasibility
- 16B.1 Fuel cells
- 16B.2 Redox titrations
TOPIC 17: TRANSITION METALS AND THEIR CHEMISTRY
- 17A.1 Transition metal electronic configurations
- 17A.2 Ligands and complexes
- 17A.3 The origin of colour in complexes
- 17A.4–6 Common shapes of complexes; Square planar complexes; Multidentate ligands
- 17B.1–3 Different types of reactions; Reactions of cobalt and iron complexes; The chemistry of chromium
- 17B.4–5 Reactions of manganese complexes; The chemistry of vanadium
- 17B.6 Reactions of nickel and zinc complexes
- 17C.1–2 Heterogeneous catalysis; Homogeneous catalysis
TOPIC 18: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY: ARENES
- 18A.1 Benzene: a molecule with two models
- 18A.2–3 Some reactions of benzene; Electrophilic substitution mechanisms
- 18A.4 Phenol
TOPIC 19: ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
- 19A.1–3 Amines and their preparations; Acid–base reactions of amines; Other reactions of amines
- 19A.4 Amides and polyamides
- 19A.5–6 Amino acids; Peptides and proteins
TOPIC 20: ORGANIC SYNTHESIS
- 20A.1 Organic analysis
- 20A.2 Organic synthesis
- 20A.3 Hazards, risks and control measures
- 20A.4–5 Practical techniques in organic chemistry – Parts 1 and 2
Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at an Edexcel approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.
A Level Exams
There are six exams for the Full Advanced Level qualification. 
AS Level Exams
There are three exams for the Advanced Subsidiary qualification. Practical Assessment
It is really important to remember that the term practical skills covers a very wide range of requirements at A level. It does not mean just the ability to handle equipment in a school laboratory or know how to use some particular piece of apparatus. It ranges from using mathematics in a practical context to understanding how scientists investigate ideas, how they analyse their data and how they are very cautious when drawing conclusions.Practical skills are assessed through a dedicated examination unit both at AS (Unit 3) and at A Level (Unit 6).
The practical assessment is by written exam only. For further information, please click here
Course Outcome
On successful completion of all your exams, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:
International A Level in Chemistry with Pearson Edexcel | International AS Level in Chemistry with Pearson Edexcel
Click here for more information about Pearson Edexcel and to be taken to their official website
Enrolment Fees
Our Enrolment fee for this course is noted at the top of this page where you can enrol directly onto the course. This fee includes access to your course including tutor support for 2 years.
Our enrolment fee includes:
- All study materials covering the full specification.
- Full support where you can also message your tutor as many times as you need to.
- Access to our online Library with a full range of eBooks.
- Help completing university applications including UCAS and The Common Application.
- Reference and predicted grade(s) for University.
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Marked and graded practise examination papers
- Eligibility for a Totum Card if you reside within the UK
- Fast Track A Level if required and flexible learning from home 24/7.
The only other fee you will need to pay is for your exams which is due approximately six months prior to the exam series and this will be paid directly to the exam centre. Please see our private candidate exam guide for more information.
Request More Information about A Level Chemistry
FAQs
Will I find this course hard?
Some learners may struggle initially with Chemistry especially if they haven’t covered the subject at GCSE. Chemistry can be tough due to the maths element (moles, equilibria, pH) and large range of topics to cover.
If you are someone who likes patterns and logical thinking, are good with basic maths and able to be consistent with your revision, you should be able to tackle this subject. Whilst some students do struggle initially, it generally all clicks into place later on.
Will I need to buy any books?
You will not be required to purchase any books with this course. We automatically include logins to our online e-Library which includes access to eBooks such as:
AQA
- AQA A-Level Chemistry Book 1 (Hachette Learning) – Alyn G. McFarland, Teresa Quigg, Nora Henry
- AQA A-Level Chemistry Book 2 (Hachette Learning) – Alyn G. McFarland
Cambridge (CIE)
- Cambridge IAL Chemistry – Ryan Lawrie (Cambridge Press)
Pearson Edexcel
- Pearson Edexcel IAS Chemistry Student Book 1 – Cliff Curtis (Pearson)
- Pearson Edexcel IAL Chemistry Lab Book – Cliff Curtis (Pearson)
- Pearson Edexcel IAL Chemistry Student Book 2 – Cliff Curtis (Pearson)
Not see the book you are looking for? Ask us and we will let you know if we have it!
Which subjects should I study alongside this course?
If you love research and have an inquisitive mind, then A Level Chemistry may be the course for you. Many students who study this subject also undertake the following subjects:
- Mathematics – Maths can help with moles, calculations, equilibria and rates. Topics like entropy and kinetics will be much easier if you have covered maths.
- Biology – Biology overlaps with certain topics such as enzymes, proteins and pharmacology. Pathways for both Biology and Chemistry lead to medicine, pharmacy or biomedical science.
If you are looking to progress into Engineering, Chemistry or Physics, we would recommend combining Physics and Maths with Chemistry.
Can I study this course from outside the UK?
AQA can only be taken within the UK and some British Overseas Territories. If you are located outside the UK, you can take the Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel course which offer exam centres worldwide.
AQA,Cambridge (CIE) and Pearson Edexcel provide global recognition for their qualifications and are recognised by universities.At the end of the course you will receive an internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to apply to most universities situated anywhere in the world.
What is the difference between AS and A Level?
AS and A levels are standalone qualifications, however the Full A Level carries more UCAS points than the AS Level. It also requires more study hours as follows:
- AS Level = 180 hours
- A Level = 360 hours
You will see the difference in the content above under ‘syllabus’ but you can also refer to our article on What is AS Level? for more information.
How long does the course take?
You will receive access and support for two years, however you can complete it much sooner if you want to. Exams for this subject fall as follows:
- AQA – May/June
- Cambridge (CIE) – May/June or October/November
- Pearson Edexcel – January, June or October
We have more information on Exam Timetables here.
What can I do with A Level Chemistry
Students in the past have progressed onto the following degree courses:-
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Pre-clinical medicine
- Mathematics
- Pharmacology
Studying Chemistry at University gives you all sorts of exciting career options, including:-
- Analytical chemist
- Chemical engineer
- Biochemist
- Pharmacologist
- Research scientist (physical sciences)
- Doctor
- Toxicologist
- Chartered certified accountant
- Environmental consultant
- Higher education lecturer
- Patent attorney
- Science writer
- Secondary school teacher