Two-year advanced chemistry — physical, organic, and inorganic — leading to university science
Exam board: Cambridge · Level: A Level · Syllabus code: 9701
What it is: Two-year advanced chemistry — physical, organic, and inorganic — leading to university science
Best for: Students targeting medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering, or pure chemistry
Leads to: Medical school, pharmacy, chemical engineering, biochemistry, materials science
Cambridge AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) is a rigorous two-year programme that builds significantly on IGCSE foundations. Students go deeper into physical chemistry (thermodynamics, kinetics, equilibria), organic chemistry (mechanisms, spectroscopy, synthesis routes), and inorganic chemistry (period 3, transition metals).
The course has a substantial practical component — students do real lab work that is examined in paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation), which is a written paper testing practical skills rather than the lab itself.
A Level Chemistry is required for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine almost universally. It is strongly recommended for chemical engineering, biochemistry, and many other STEM programmes. The jump from IGCSE is genuine: organic chemistry alone is roughly 5x deeper than at IGCSE, and physical chemistry introduces calculus-flavoured topics like rate equations and Kp expressions.
Students can take AS Level only (papers 1, 2, 3) or full A Level (papers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). AS results count toward the full A Level if completed in the same series. Top international schools typically push for A* or A, which requires consistent practice with past papers and confidence with calculations.
Pairs well with: Biology (medicine pathway) · Physics (engineering pathway) · Mathematics (universally helpful) · Further Mathematics
Difficulty: 5/5
Demanding. The IGCSE → A Level jump is one of the largest of any subject. Organic chemistry mechanisms and physical chemistry calculations are the most common areas where students struggle.
Linear; AS = papers 1+2+3 (50% of A Level); full A Level = AS + papers 4+5
| Paper | Name | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Multiple Choice | 75 min | 40 | 15.5% (A Level) |
| 2 | AS Level Structured Questions | 75 min | 60 | 23% (A Level) |
| 3 | Advanced Practical Skills | 120 min | 40 | 11.5% (A Level) |
| 4 | A Level Structured Questions | 120 min | 100 | 38.5% (A Level) |
| 5 | Planning, Analysis and Evaluation | 75 min | 30 | 11.5% (A Level) |
Paper 3 is a real practical exam (school must be approved as a practical centre). Paper 5 tests practical skills via a written paper.
20+ verified Cambridge A Level Chemistry tutors available on IG Academy.
Yes — every UK and most international medical schools require A Level Chemistry (or equivalent) at A or above.
Yes — AS Chemistry (papers 1, 2, 3) is a standalone qualification. Many universities accept AS for general entry but not for medicine/pharmacy.
Paper 4 tests your knowledge across all topics. Paper 5 tests practical skills — planning experiments, analysing data, evaluating procedures — but is itself a written paper, not a lab session.
Different kinds of difficulty. Chemistry combines memorisation (organic mechanisms), abstract reasoning (bonding, periodicity), and calculation (kinetics, equilibria). Many students find it the hardest of the three sciences; some find Physics harder.
UK medical schools typically need A*AA or AAA at A Level, with Chemistry and usually Biology being two of those. International medical schools vary but A is the practical floor.
4–5 lessons plus 4–6 hours of independent work is realistic for a strong A or A* result. Past-paper practice is essential.