Course Overview
Chemistry is the study of the behaviour of materials. It is concerned with how chemical elements combine to make the myriad of compounds around us.
If you like doing experiments and following up the challenging ideas they generate, then chemistry is for you as you'll develop essential skills in practical tasks.
If you want to learn more about the chemicals of life, are keen to discover more about everyday substances and get a buzz from experiments with chemical compounds then this course is for you. You need to be a logical thinker, open minded to new scientific developments and be confident using mathematics.
Chemistry naturally sits well with other A-level sciences and mathematics. To study for a veterinary or medical degree requires high grades in Chemistry.
At Hartpury, we follow the AQA Chemistry specification.
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Physical Chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Amount of substance (calculations)
- Bonding, structure and intermolecular forces
- Energetics
- Kinetics (rates of reaction)
- Equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
- Oxidation, reduction and redox reactions Inorganic
- Thermodynamics
- Rate equations
- Equilibrium constant Kp
- Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
- Acids and bases
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Periodicity
- Group 2, Alkaline earth metals
- Group 7, Halogens
- Period 3 elements and their oxides
- Transition metals
- Reactions of aqueous ions in solution
- Organic Chemistry
- Naming organic compounds, formulae, isomerism
- Alkanes
- Halogenoalkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Organic analysis
- Optical isomerism
- Aldehydes and ketones
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Aromatic chemistry
- Amines
- Polymers
- Amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Organic synthesis
- NMR spectroscopy
- Chromatography
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, and our modern science laboratories, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
Exam board: AQA
Total of six hours assessment split over three examination papers. Each paper will have a duration of two hours. Practical endorsement: 14 required practicals covered over two years.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
An A-level in Chemistry can be combined with subjects like Environmental Science, Geography, Biology, Mathematics, Physics or English Language and Literature and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in medicine, engineering, conservation, life sciences, or education.
Popular combinations include Chemistry with Environmental Science or Geography for careers in ecology, geology, land management or sustainability. Studying Chemistry with Biology can lead to medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, biosciences or pharmaceuticals. Pairing Chemistry with Maths or Physics prepares students for careers in chemical engineering, materials science, renewable energy or biomedical engineering. Chemistry with English supports progression into science communication, chemical sales, teaching or environmental health.
These combinations support national skills priorities in health and social care, life sciences, clean energy, education and advanced manufacturing. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in agriculture and food, energy and green renewables, health, engineering, infrastructure and professional services.
Course Overview
Course information
Chemistry is the study of the behaviour of materials. It is concerned with how chemical elements combine to make the myriad of compounds around us.
If you like doing experiments and following up the challenging ideas they generate, then chemistry is for you as you'll develop essential skills in practical tasks.
If you want to learn more about the chemicals of life, are keen to discover more about everyday substances and get a buzz from experiments with chemical compounds then this course is for you. You need to be a logical thinker, open minded to new scientific developments and be confident using mathematics.
Chemistry naturally sits well with other A-level sciences and mathematics. To study for a veterinary or medical degree requires high grades in Chemistry.
At Hartpury, we follow the AQA Chemistry specification.
What you’ll learn
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Physical Chemistry
- Atomic structure
- Amount of substance (calculations)
- Bonding, structure and intermolecular forces
- Energetics
- Kinetics (rates of reaction)
- Equilibria, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
- Oxidation, reduction and redox reactions Inorganic
- Thermodynamics
- Rate equations
- Equilibrium constant Kp
- Electrode potentials and electrochemical cells
- Acids and bases
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Periodicity
- Group 2, Alkaline earth metals
- Group 7, Halogens
- Period 3 elements and their oxides
- Transition metals
- Reactions of aqueous ions in solution
- Organic Chemistry
- Naming organic compounds, formulae, isomerism
- Alkanes
- Halogenoalkanes
- Alkenes
- Alcohols
- Organic analysis
- Optical isomerism
- Aldehydes and ketones
- Carboxylic acids and derivatives
- Aromatic chemistry
- Amines
- Polymers
- Amino acids, proteins and DNA
- Organic synthesis
- NMR spectroscopy
- Chromatography
How you’ll learn
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, and our modern science laboratories, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
How you’ll be assessed
Exam board: AQA
Total of six hours assessment split over three examination papers. Each paper will have a duration of two hours. Practical endorsement: 14 required practicals covered over two years.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
What can you do after this course?
An A-level in Chemistry can be combined with subjects like Environmental Science, Geography, Biology, Mathematics, Physics or English Language and Literature and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in medicine, engineering, conservation, life sciences, or education.
Popular combinations include Chemistry with Environmental Science or Geography for careers in ecology, geology, land management or sustainability. Studying Chemistry with Biology can lead to medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, biosciences or pharmaceuticals. Pairing Chemistry with Maths or Physics prepares students for careers in chemical engineering, materials science, renewable energy or biomedical engineering. Chemistry with English supports progression into science communication, chemical sales, teaching or environmental health.
These combinations support national skills priorities in health and social care, life sciences, clean energy, education and advanced manufacturing. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in agriculture and food, energy and green renewables, health, engineering, infrastructure and professional services.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Mathematics and Chemistry or Combined Sciences at grade 6 or above. For Combined Science, you'll need double grade, 66.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. In the past, these have included visits to Alton Towers, the Houses of Parliament, JCB, Uttoxeter, and the Cadbury Factory. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
Which other A-levels does this work well with?
A-level Chemistry typically goes well with: Biology, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Geography.
Can I study A-level Chemistry and play in the Sports Academy?
This will depend which other A-levels you are studying. Where possible we try to work academy timetables around academic timetables, however this is not always possible. Please email to discuss your individual circumstances.
Can I bring my horse and study A-levels?
Yes - we provide students with the opportunity to bring their horse (or horses) with them while they study. On-site livery is offered to students on a DIY or full livery basis. This is subject to availability as demand is always high. Fees apply.
How much does the course cost?
If you're a UK student under the age of 19 enrolling in full-time A-level courses at Hartpury College, you typically won't need to pay tuition fees. For further information, details for those over 19 year-of-age and international students, visit: Finance | Hartpury College
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.4% pass-rate
With an A-level pass rate of 99.4% (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
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