Course Overview
Ignite your passion for this complex and interesting subject as you explore atomic structure, chemical reactions and organic chemistry.
A Chemistry IGCSE will ignite your passion for scientific discovery as you master chemistry and dive into a fascinating course providing engaging online content and practical experiments you can perform at home.
Providing a comprehensive understanding of physical, organic and inorganic chemistry, our IGCSE Chemistry online course covers essential topics such as atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding, reaction kinetics and organic chemistry.
Designed to develop your analytical and problem-solving skills, IGCSE Chemistry explores the principles of chemistry and their applications in the real world.
With our IGCSE Chemistry course you’ll build knowledge of key concepts and put theory into practice using 12 core practicals which are suitable for home study.
You’ll build skills that are crucial for further studies and careers in various scientific and engineering fields, and improve your employability.
Start your journey to unlocking the mysteries of matter today.
If you are looking at completing a GCSE in one year, or if you are looking for more structured support including live online teaching from subject specialists, check out our fully supported one-year Structured Chemistry IGCSE course. Achieve your goals, your way.
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100% pass rate in 2024
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Interactive course
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1:1 tutor support
IGCSE Chemistry at a glance
Our (I)GCSE courses are offered in conjunction with leading UK examination boards and you’ll have to sit exams to get your qualification. Our Exams and Assessment page provides more information on sitting your exams.
Edexcel 4CH1
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
12 core practicals
No additional set texts required.
Exams (two):
61% of marks (2 hours)
39% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Edexcel 4CH1
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
No additional set texts required.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
12 core practicals
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Exams (two):
61% of marks (2 hours)
39% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
Edexcel 4CH1
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
12 core practicals
No additional set texts required.
Exams (two):
61% of marks (2 hours)
39% of marks (1 hour 15 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Why study IGCSE Chemistry
Future opportunities
- Studying Chemistry or STEM subjects at A level or unversity.
- Chemistry develops skills that are well suited to careers 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.
IGCSE Chemistry taster
Studying IGCSE Chemistry reveals the answers to a myriad of questions about our world.
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the Chemistry IGCSE course.
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 (I)GCSEs 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
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 monthly 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 replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £470 |
| Deposit | £47 |
| Amount of credit | £423 |
| Monthly payment | £35.25 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £470 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enrolling on more than one GCSE or IGCSE? Use voucher code GCSEMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I have taught for NEC since the late 1970s on maths, sciences and engineering courses and have also been a tutor for the Open University in technology. Each student has different goals and I aim to help everyone succeed. When students find themselves in difficulty with their course, I endeavour to show them clearly the way to reach the correct answer. I have a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and engineering. I have conducted research in chemistry and engineering and have a PhD in the latter. I completed the adult teaching qualification Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (now called Education and Training Level 3). I live in East Anglia.”
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.
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.
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.
People who study IGCSE Chemistry also take…
Want to study more than one subject? We offer a 10% multi-buy offer when you enrol on two or more courses together.
Biology IGCSE
If you appreciate nature and want to learn more about life on planet Earth this fascinating subject will teach you how to make predictions, test your theories and evaluate and communicate your scientific findings.
Physics IGCSE
How is energy transferred and conserved? How does sound and light travel? What is radioactivity? If you are keen to understand how things work or want to explore ‘big ideas’ that explain our world and universe, physics is the ideal course for you.
Maths GCSE
Become better equipped when it comes to problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical and interpretative skills, and learn the importance of maths in society, employment and study.
Double Science IGCSE
Discover the fascinating worlds of biology, chemistry, and physics with this comprehensive course offering in-depth study and providing a robust foundation for further education and careers in scientific and technical fields. Double Science IGCSE is the equivalent of two (I)GCSEs.
