Course Overview
Ignite your passion for this complex and interesting subject as you explore atomic structure, chemical reactions and organic chemistry.
A Chemistry GCSE 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 online IGCSE Chemistry 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 GCSE 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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66.67% pass rate at Grades 8 & 9 in 2025
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Interactive course
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Dedicated tutor support
IGCSE Chemistry at a glance
Our International GCSE Chemistry course is offered in conjunction with Pearson Edexcel 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.
Course Overview
IGCSE Chemistry
Studying International GCSE Chemistry reveals the answers to a myriad of questions about our world.
This downloadable overview of the course provides a look at how studying your course on our online learning platform learn@nec works, what you will study, and the additional support and services available to you.
Download your IGCSE Chemistry course overview today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the online IGCSE Chemistry course.
Once you have submitted your details the link to download your course overview will appear here.
With you every step of the way
IGCSE Chemistry Tutor Support
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.”
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered about our online IGCSE Chemistry Course. Read more FAQs.
Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry is a completely un-tiered course, giving every learner the opportunity to achieve the full range of grades from 9 to 1 without tier restrictions. There are no formal entry qualifications needed to enrol, as the necessary GCSE level mathematical skills are integrated directly into the course to support both adult retakers and home-educated students.
You will explore core chemical concepts like organic chemistry, quantitative calculations, and atomic structure while completing 12 Core Practicals using everyday household materials or provided specimen data. Because practical knowledge is assessed entirely through written exam papers, no specialist laboratory equipment or set textbooks are required to succeed.
Organised into ten structured sections on learn@nec, covering everything from atomic structure to electrolysis, the course guides you step-by-step using interactive elearning topics, PDFs, and revision quizzes. Your qualified teacher tutor marks your 10 end-of-section assignments within three working days, delivering expert feedback on exam-style questions to build real confidence before test day.
Assessment consists of two un-tiered written papers set by Pearson Edexcel: Paper 1C (2 hours, 61% weighting) and Paper 2C (1 hour 15 minutes, 39% weighting). NEC guarantees all enrolled learners an exam place at one of our nationwide UK partnership exam centres, offering a smooth, stress-free assessment process.
Yes, Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry is identical in standard and rigor to a traditional UK GCSE, making it fully accepted by sixth-form colleges, universities, and employers worldwide. It offers an ideal progression route into A Level Chemistry and STEM careers, while providing distance learners the unique advantage of written practical assessment.
The syllabus covers key advanced concepts including chemical energetics, rate equations, dynamic equilibria, reversible reactions, and organic polymerisation. Each topic breaks down detailed scientific principles into manageable interactive modules on learn@nec, supported by end-of-section assignments to solidify your core knowledge.
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 (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
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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Physics IGCSE
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Maths GCSE
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Double Science IGCSE
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