Chemistry is a physical science – the study of the properties of and interactions between matter and energy. In other words, chemistry is a way to study the properties, characteristics, and physical changes of matter.
Chemistry also has a huge number of applications, including treating diseases with targeted drugs, maximising our use of natural resources, and developing new materials.
OCR A A-Level Chemistry is taught within the two-year A-Level programme.
Chemistry is a content-led, flexible approach where the specification is divided into topics, each covering different key concepts of chemistry. Teaching of practical skills is integrated with the theoretical topics: both are assessed through written papers and the Practical Endorsement, which is studied in the A2 year. This consists of a minimum of 12 Practical Activity Groups (PAGs) that demonstrate the required skills and techniques.
Exam Board: OCR A
| Unit | Modules | Weighting | Format |
| Periodic table, elements and physical chemistry | 01 | 37% / 100 marks | Written paper:
2 hours 15 mins |
| Synthesis and analytical techniques | 02 | 37% / 100 marks | Written paper: 2 hours 15 mins |
| Unified chemistry | 03 | 26% / 70 marks | Written paper: 1 hour 30 mins |
| Practical endorsement | 04 | Reported separately | Non-exam assessment |
5 GCSEs grade 5 or above including Maths, English, Chemistry (or IGCSE Double Science or GCSE Science) or equivalent international qualifications.
For international students who have taken IELTS, we require an overall score of 5.5 with a minimum of 5.5 for each of the reading and writing components.
For international students who have taken IGCSE English (Second Language), we require grade 5 or above.
Chemistry links particularly well with Biology, Physics and Mathematics.
A qualification in Chemistry leads to a wide variety of careers including medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy and engineering.
If you are undecided about your career, studying Chemistry can help you keep your options open.
Studying the chemical sciences at university teaches you many skills such as problem solving, communication, creativity and teamwork, together with specialised industrial knowledge: hence, chemical scientists are much sought-after and can pursue careers in many exciting and varied fields of work.
Our recent students have gone on to study Chemistry, Medicine, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences and Geology at top universities, amongst other subjects. Chemistry is also an essential requirement for Medicine, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Pharmacy.
