Course Overview

Gain a deeper understanding of the reactions and elements that shape our world with our online International A level Chemistry course—designed for students around the globe.

International A level Chemistry is an engaging and essential subject for students who want to understand the building blocks of matter and the reactions that drive the world around us.

This course covers a wide range of topics including atomic structure, bonding, energetics, kinetics, equilibria, and organic chemistry. You’ll also explore how chemistry is used to tackle global issues such as climate change, energy production, and sustainable development.

Designed for international learners, this online course through NEC builds confidence in scientific thinking, data analysis, and experimental skills—providing a strong foundation for further study or careers in medicine, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or environmental science.

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    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

International A level Chemistry at a glance

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Exam board

Edexcel YCH11

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Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Cliff, Curtis, et al (2020) Pearson Edexcel International AS Level Chemistry Student Book, VitalSource
  • Cliff, Curtis, et al (2020) Pearson Edexcel International A level Chemistry Student Book, VitalSource
course requirements icon
Requirements

An (I)GCSE or equivalent in both Maths and Chemistry or Double/Triple Science is recommended

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 19 core practicals
course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

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UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

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Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

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Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Structure, bonding and introduction to organic chemistry
  • Paper 2: Energetics, group chemistry, halogenoalkanes and alcohols
  • Paper 3: Practical skills in Chemistry I
  • Paper 4: Rates, equilibria and further organic chemistry
  • Paper 5: Transition metals and organic nitrogen chemistry
  • Paper 6: Practical skills in Chemistry II
course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel YCH11

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

course requirements icon
Requirements

An (I)GCSE or equivalent in both Maths and Chemistry or Double/Triple Science is recommended

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Structure, bonding and introduction to organic chemistry
  • Paper 2: Energetics, group chemistry, halogenoalkanes and alcohols
  • Paper 3: Practical skills in Chemistry I
  • Paper 4: Rates, equilibria and further organic chemistry
  • Paper 5: Transition metals and organic nitrogen chemistry
  • Paper 6: Practical skills in Chemistry II
course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 19 core practicals
course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Cliff, Curtis, et al (2020) Pearson Edexcel International AS Level Chemistry Student Book, VitalSource
  • Cliff, Curtis, et al (2020) Pearson Edexcel International A level Chemistry Student Book, VitalSource
course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course exam board icon
Exam board

Edexcel YCH11

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbooks – included as a free ebook with your course:

  • Cliff, Curtis, et al (2020) Pearson Edexcel International AS Level Chemistry Student Book, VitalSource
  • Cliff, Curtis, et al (2020) Pearson Edexcel International A level Chemistry Student Book, VitalSource
course requirements icon
Requirements

An (I)GCSE or equivalent in both Maths and Chemistry or Double/Triple Science is recommended

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assignments icon
Assignments
  • 11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade
  • 19 core practicals
course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace

Approx. 250-300 hours* plus time for completing assignments

education icon
UCAS points

Earn up to 56 UCAS points

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

There are no academic requirements for this course.

Course materials are written in English so a good level of written English is required.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with 1:1 tutor support

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (six):

Unit 1, 2 and 3 (Paper 1, 2 and 3 below) are IAS Units. Units 4, 5 and 6 (Paper 4, 5 and 6 below) are IAL Units. Students must sit all six units to gain the A level qualification.

  • Paper 1: Structure, bonding and introduction to organic chemistry
  • Paper 2: Energetics, group chemistry, halogenoalkanes and alcohols
  • Paper 3: Practical skills in Chemistry I
  • Paper 4: Rates, equilibria and further organic chemistry
  • Paper 5: Transition metals and organic nitrogen chemistry
  • Paper 6: Practical skills in Chemistry II

Why study International A level Chemistry

Future opportunities

  • employers value candidates who can demonstrate science-based skills.
  • studying chemistry or STEM subjects at university.
  • a range of rewarding careers including in medicine, research, biochemistry, chemical engineering, consumer product development, forensic science, environmental law, pharmaceuticals, space exploration, software design or related areas such as the food industry, technical writing, transportation and education.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

The structure of the atom and bonding

  • Maths help
  • Atoms, elements, molecules and reactions
  • Calculations with moles
  • Empirical and molecular formulae
  • Calculations with solutions and gases
  • Atomic structure
  • The Periodic Table
  • Ionic bonding
  • Covalent bonding
Section 2

Molecule shapes and organic chemistry

  • Maths help
  • Shapes of molecules
  • Metallic bonds
  • Giant lattices
  • Introduction to organic chemistry
  • Reactions of organic chemicals
  • Alkanes
  • Alkenes
  • Polymers
Section 3

Energetics, redox chemistry and quantitative analysis

  • Maths help
  • Enthalpy
  • Using bond enthalpies
  • Intermolecular interactions
  • Redox reactions
  • Reactions in Group 1 and 2
  • Oxides, hydroxides and thermal stability in Groups 1 and 2
  • Reactions in Group 7
  • Other reactions in halides
  • Titration
Section 4

Kinetics and qualitative analysis

  • Maths help
  • Factors affecting reaction rates
  • Equilibrium
  • Rates of organic reactions: halogenalkanes
  • Reactions of alcohols
  • Spectroscopy
SECTION 5

Experimental skills and consolidation

  • Maths help
  • Errors and uncertainties
  • Accurate measurement and experimental methods
  • Describing an experiment
  • Experiment 1: Flame tests
  • Experiment 2: Monitoring a reaction by measuring the loss of mass
  • Experiment 3: Measuring the molar volume of a gas
SECTION 6

Kinetics, entropy and chemical equilibria

  • Maths help
  • Quantifying reaction rates
  • Finding the reaction order
  • Reaction mechanisms
  • Activation energy and the Arrhenius equation
  • Introduction to entropy
  • Entropy change
  • Lattice energy
  • Equilibrium constants
  • Factors affecting the equilibrium constant
  • Summary
SECTION 7

Acid-base equilibria, further organic chemistry

  • Maths help
  • Strong and weak acids
  • Acid-base titrations
  • Chirality
  • Carbonyl compounds
  • Carboxylic acids
  • Carboxylic acid derivatives
  • Chromatography and mass spectra
  • NMR spectroscopy
  • Summary
SECTION 8 – 10

Continued

  • Sections 8-10 will cover the rest of the specification.

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for A levels offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts, and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 month repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and repayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £730
    Deposit £73
    Amount of credit £657
    Monthly payment £54.75
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £730
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
    • Or contact us today by phone or email.

    We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

    Talk to a course advisor

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:

    Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.

    Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.

    Our team is happy to help you explore your options.

    We teach you the core practicals that you need to be familiar with for your exam. This varies by course, but each core practical typically includes a method, list of equipment and some sample results. You can have a go at some of these practicals safely at home – we will let you know when this is the case. If the experiment is not safe to complete at home, or if you don’t want to complete the experiment yourself, our detailed description of the investigation will give you the information you need. Where appropriate, we also link videos demonstrating the experiment.

    People who study International A level Chemistry also take…

    Purchasing more than one A level? Use voucher code ALMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.