This course enables students to develop an interest in, and enthusiasm for Chemistry, and appreciate how society makes decisions about scientific issues, understanding how the sciences contribute to the success of the economy and society. It encourages students to develop and demonstrate a deeper appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of how science works and of the different areas of chemistry and how they relate to each other. It is an interesting and engaging subject requiring and developing a variety of skills.

A qualification in Chemistry is highly valued, leading to a wide variety of careers.

Chemical principles will be developed in the context of how chemistry is used in industry and at the frontiers of research through the four main branches of the subject: Physical Chemistry (thermodynamics, molecular and atomic structure and reaction kinetics), Inorganic Chemistry (underlying trends and patterns across the Periodic Table), Organic Chemistry (Study of the molecules on which life is built ranging from synthetic polymers to biochemical structures) and Practical Chemistry.


There will be the opportunity to visit the Chemistry in Action lectures which take place at several universities. As members of the Royal Society of Chemistry we are able to take advantage of any Chem Net events taking place and also have links to the Stem Ambassador Network.




3 written papers.




Paper 3 is 1 hour 30 minutes and covers all modules.

Paper 3 is worth 26% of the final mark.

Followed by a practical endorsment in Chemistry.



  • Five GCSEs at grade 5 or above.