For A-level Chemistry, we follow the AQA specification and study in depth three main pathways: physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.
We pick up where you left off with GCSE, taking a more in-depth look at familiar topics such as bonding, atomic structure, reversible reactions/equilibria as well as alkanes and alkenes.
Chemistry is the study of all chemical substances and how to change one chemical into another.
The food you eat, the air you breathe, your own body, the plants and streets around you are all made of chemicals.
Throughout the course, we look at real-world applications of chemistry including how it powers the batteries in your mobile phones through redox reactions, how it is used to test for and quantify alcohol in breath/blood samples and how it can be used to outline the gut during x-rays.
Chemistry is also studied in an environmental and social context with there being a large focus on pollution and sustainability.
With all industries facing pressures to become more sustainable and create a safe environment for future generations,
Chemistry is all the more important as it helps to decrease pollution by detecting the toxins and by destroying them.
We also look at the problems and solutions of polymer disposal; the cause of ozone depletion; as well as carbon neutral processes, for example using ethanol as a biofuel, amongst other current issues that we as a planet are facing.
If you enjoy logical problem-solving, then chemistry is for you.
You’ll develop strong skills in:
Your knowledge and skills will be assessed in a variety of ways, including:
Each level lasts one year, so you’ll spend a year studing AS Level and a year studying A Level.
Each year more students are studying science subjects as they realise that science degrees generally lead on to higher incomes.
More students are studying pure chemistry or chemistry based subjects like pharmacy, medical chemistry or environmental chemistry.
AS or A Level Chemistry is particularly important if you want to study medicine, veterinary science, dentistry or biochemistry at university.
It is also appreciated by admissions tutors in many other subjects, including law, due to its logical discipline.
It is useful if you want to go on and study subjects such as geology, physical geography, engineering or material science.
Many chemistry graduates are also recruited by the financial companies in the City of London and so start with high salaries.
In order to study A-levels with us, all students need to obtain a strong GCSE grade profile, averaging 6 x Grade 6s.
Individual subjects will also have their own specific requirements.
In Chemistry, you will be expected to have either a 7 in GCSE Chemistry or a 7,7 in GCSE Combined Science, along with a 6 in GCSE Maths.
However, if you do not meet this profile, please still come to one of our enrolment events to discuss all of your options with a member of our A-level team.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 0300 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
Knowledge
Mechanical: Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Chemistry: Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Median Salary£34,199
Average QualificationsLevel 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C
Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Median Salary£26,317
Average QualificationsLevel 4 NVQ; Intermediate, DipHE, DipFE
Median Salary£53,656
Average QualificationsHonours, Bachelor's degree
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View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.