Conquer International A-Level Chemistry

Build confidence in International A-Level Chemistry with practice on physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry.

Content reviewed February 2026 · Aligned to current specifications

About International A-Level Chemistry

International A-Level Chemistry provides a rigorous study of the composition, structure and properties of matter and the changes it undergoes. The syllabus covers physical chemistry (energetics, kinetics, equilibria), inorganic chemistry (periodic trends, transition metals) and organic chemistry (reaction mechanisms, synthesis, analysis), building on iGCSE foundations to develop a deep understanding of chemical principles.

The modular examination structure is a defining feature of the International A-Level. Students can sit AS and A2 unit exams in separate sessions throughout the year, with the option to resit individual units. This allows students to demonstrate their knowledge progressively rather than relying on a single high-stakes examination series at the end of the course.

International A-Level Chemistry is essential for university courses in chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, chemical engineering and materials science. It is recognised worldwide as equivalent to the domestic UK A-Level and is accepted by all major universities for admissions purposes.

Topics Covered

Atoms & Bonding Energetics Kinetics Equilibria Organic Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry Electrochemistry Analytical Techniques Practical Skills

Exam Boards

International A-Level Chemistry is available from these exam boards

Cambridge International Edexcel International

How UpGrades Helps

Exam-Style Questions

Practice with Chemistry questions that mirror the format and difficulty of real International A-Level exams.

Detailed Explanations

Understand not just the answer, but the reasoning and methodology behind every Chemistry solution.

Progress Tracking

See exactly how you're progressing across all 9 Chemistry topics with detailed analytics.

Study Tips for Chemistry

✓ Master organic reaction mechanisms by drawing them out repeatedly. Understanding electron movement, curly arrows and the logic behind each mechanism is far more effective than rote memorisation.
✓ Create a comprehensive summary of periodic trends (atomic radius, ionisation energy, electronegativity, reactivity) and practice explaining these trends in terms of atomic structure.
✓ Practice multi-step calculations (moles, concentrations, energetics, equilibria) daily. International A-Level Chemistry is quantitatively demanding, and speed and accuracy come only from regular practice.
✓ Build reaction maps for organic chemistry showing how different functional groups can be interconverted. This is essential for synthesis questions.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Chemistry

✓ Always show units and significant figures in calculation answers. International A-Level mark schemes specifically penalise incorrect or missing units and inappropriate significant figures.
✓ For mechanism questions, draw curly arrows clearly from the electron-rich site to the electron-poor site. Poorly drawn arrows are a common reason for losing marks.
✓ In synoptic questions that span multiple topics, identify which areas of chemistry are being tested and structure your answer to address each aspect systematically.

Other International A-Level Subjects

Physics

9 topics

CIE EDEXCEL INTL

English Literature

8 topics

CIE EDEXCEL INTL

History

8 topics

CIE EDEXCEL INTL

Geography

8 topics

CIE EDEXCEL INTL

View all International A-Level subjects →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is International A-Level Chemistry accepted for medicine? +

Yes. Medical schools in the UK and internationally accept International A-Level Chemistry as equivalent to the domestic A-Level. Chemistry is required or strongly preferred by virtually all medical schools.

How does the modular structure work for International A-Level Chemistry? +

You sit individual unit exams at different points during the course (typically January, June and October for Edexcel International). Your best result for each unit counts towards the final grade. This means you can resit specific units without retaking the entire qualification.

Is International A-Level Chemistry harder than iGCSE Chemistry? +

Significantly. A-Level Chemistry requires deeper understanding, more complex calculations, organic reaction mechanisms and the ability to apply knowledge to unfamiliar contexts. Strong iGCSE foundations in bonding, stoichiometry and the periodic table are essential.

What maths skills do I need for International A-Level Chemistry? +

You need confidence with algebra, logarithms, standard form, significant figures and graph interpretation. The quantitative demands are substantial, particularly in physical chemistry topics such as energetics, kinetics and equilibria.

Related International A-Level Chemistry Study Guides

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A-Level Chemistry Periodic Table: How to Read and Use It in Exams

Master the A-Level chemistry periodic table with our complete guide. Learn how to read it, understand periodic trends, and apply it effectively in your exams.

Useful Resources

How to Revise Chemistry Past Papers Formula Sheets Exam Timetables Specifications

Chemistry at other levels: GCSE Chemistry · A-Level Chemistry · iGCSE Chemistry

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