Menu

Chemistry A Level

Overview

IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.

This course can be studied alongside 2 A Levels or 1 A Level and 1 vocational course (as part of our 2+1 offer).

Chemistry plays an important role in the modern world and has a huge impact on our lives. Chemists are involved in a diverse range of careers from developing medicines to analytical roles in industry or healthcare.

During this course you will build and develop your knowledge of many chemical principles including reacting amounts, structures, bonding, energetics, equilibria and organic chemistry. The course is delivered through a combination of practical work that will develop your skills as a chemist, interactive lessons and independent study.

What does it combine with?

What our students say

Evie talks to us about the exciting opportunities studying A Levels with us has presented her, including how it differs from school, using the West Notts Travel Pass, and her plans to progress onto university.

Attend an A Level open event

Over 70% of students achieved an A*-C grade in 2025. Join us to find out more about our A Level courses and to see our dedicated sixth form campus. Book today!

What will I study?

This course will help you to build and develop your knowledge of the three main areas of chemistry (physical, organic and inorganic) through a good mix of practical and theory based work.

Core areas will include linking atomic structure to the chemical and physical properties of materials, investigating factors which affect the rate and energy changes of a chemical reaction, and synthesising complex organic molecules from simple precursors.

  • Entry requirements
    • GCSE English Language and GCSE Maths grade 5-9
    • GCSE Double Science grade 6/6 plus another GCSE grade 4-9

    OR

    • GCSE Triple Science grade 6/5/5 with 6 in Chemistry
    • An overall average of a grade 4*.

    *To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Assessment

    A Level certification is awarded upon completion of three examinations at the end of the two year course. A certificate of practical competence is also awarded upon completion of twelve required practical tasks during the course.

  • Progression

    Further study at university-level* on a chemistry-related course, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary science, chemical engineering and many biological science degrees.

    *As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626.

  • Careers

    Some chemists use their well-developed analytical skills to pursue careers in wide-ranging fields such as finance, law or forensics.

  • Qualifications gained
    • GCE A Level in Chemistry
    • AQA
  • Studying A Levels at WNC

    Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Test