GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier

Course codes: OSC1375 / OSC1376

Achieve a GCSE in Higher Tier Chemistry with this distance learning course including exams from Open Study College. Study whenever and wherever suits you.

Achieve a fully recognised AQA Chemistry GCSE Higher Tier - exactly the same qualification as school or college
Achieve between grades 4-9 with higher tier
Explore the wonder of chemistry in the science world
Understand chemical bonding, atomic structure and energy changes
Discover the periodic table of elements
Study at your own pace, in your own environment

SAVE £150 when you enrol onto 3 A Levels or GCSEs. Discount applied automatically at checkout.

Course Options	Please choose a course option to see prices	Course Material + Exams + Practical Course Material
Study Options	Study Online Study Pack
Payment Options	Pay Upfront Pay Monthly Pay Monthly is not available in your currency.

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Open up a future in science with our AQA GCSE Chemistry.

If you are considering a future in healthcare or medicine, engineering, forensics or just interested in the subject, study our chemistry GCSE course and gain your fully recognised GCSE qualification.

Understand how atoms work, discover chemical changes and learn about chemical bonds!

Course Duration

Up to 1 year.

Course Outcome

GCSE Higher Tier in Chemistry (you must take the exams and practical to achieve this).

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Assessment

2 paper-based exams and practical assessment.

Unit 1

Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table

Atoms, symbols, relative atomic mass, electronic charge and isotypes
The periodic table
Properties of transition metals

Unit 2

Bonding, Structure and The Properties of Matter

Chemical bonds, ionic, covalent and metallic
Bonding and structure and their relation to the properties of substance
Structure and bonding of carbon
Bulk and surface properties of matter
Nano particles

Unit 3

Quantitative Chemistry

Chemical measurements, conservation of mass and the quantitative interpretation of chemical equations
Amount of substance in relation to masses of pure substances
Yield and atom economy of chemical reactions

Unit 4

Chemical Changes

Reactivity of metals
Reactions of acids
Electrolysis

Unit 5

Energy Changes

Exothermic and endothermic reactions
Chemical cells and fuel cells

Unit 6

The Rate and Extend of Chemical Change

Rate of reaction
Reversible reactions and dynamic equilibrium

Unit 7

Organic Chemistry

Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
Reactions of alkenes and alcohols
Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers

Unit 8

Chemical Analysis

Purity, formulations and chromatography
Identification of common gases
Identification of ions by chemical and spectroscopic means

Unit 9

Chemistry of the Atmosphere

The composition and evolution of the Earth’s atmosphere
Carbon dioxide and methane as greenhouse gases
Common atmospheric pollutants and their sources

Unit 10

Using Resources

Using the Earth’s resources and sustainable development
Life cycle assessment and recycling
Using materials
The Haber process and the use of NPK fertilisers

Assessment

To achieve your GCSE Chemistry you will be assessed across all units by 2 paper based exams.

A range of practical skills for this course will be assessed through written exams. Therefore, we strongly advise you to take your practical assessments and written exams.
If you add your exams, let us know when you are ready to take your exams and practicals and we will book these for you!

Please note: If you add on the exams, exams are to be taken at our Birmingham exam centre. You must make sure you are able to travel to this location. The practical sessions will be held during Easter holidays.

Course Duration

You have 1 full year to complete your course which starts from your enrolment date. During this time, you have access to full tutor support through email.

Course Requirements

You do not need any previous knowledge to enrol on this course. This course is for students aiming to achieve grades 4-9.

If you are wishing to study towards grades 1-5 choose our GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier.

Study Method

Study for your GCSE chemistry around your life commitments. Whether that’s alongside work, college or family – study at a pace that suits you.

Choose to study online or from a course pack. As long as you have your study materials, you can study wherever you want.

Tutor support is available through email, so help is only a click away!

Course Outcome

Once you have studied the course and successfully passed the examinations, you will be awarded your AQA GCSE chemistry.

You will achieve grade between 4-9 with the higher tier paper. If you just fail to achieve grade 4, you will be awarded an allowed grade 3.

Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for an allowed grade 3 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.

For students wishing to study towards grades 1-5, please choose our GCSE Chemistry Foundation Tier course.

Progression

Successful students will be able to study Chemistry A Level.

Paper 1

Type: Written examination
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Weighting: 50% of GCSE
Total Marks: 100
Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Assessed: Units 1-5

Paper 2

Type: Written examination
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Weighting: 50% of GCSE
Total Marks: 100
Question type: Multiple choice, structured, closed short answer and open response
Assessed: Units 6–10

Is this the same qualification as a GCSE from a school or college?

Yes. This qualification is exactly the same GCSE you would receive from a school or college. It is accredited by AQA. The only difference is you are able to study this course at your own pace, in your own environment.

What is included in the cost of the course?

Personal tutor support
Dedicated student support
Exams and practicals (*only if you add these on)
Assignment marking and feedback
FREE XO Student Discounts card
FREE CV critique service
FREE employability guide to help you impress future employers

Our Study Pack Option includes:

Comprehensive study guide
Open Study College pen and highlighter
Student study planner
Document wallet

Do I have to sit an exam?

You will need to take the official GCSE exams and practicals in order to fully complete this course.

If you add on the exams we will book the exams and practicals for you. Just let us know when you are ready and we will book for you!

Please note, students taking the Higher Tier Chemistry paper will achieve a grade between 4 to 9. Students who just fail to achieve grade 4 will be awarded an allowed grade 3. Students who fail to meet the minimum standard for an allowed grade 3 will be recorded as U (unclassified) and will not receive a qualification certificate.

For students wishing to study towards grades 1-5, please choose our GCSE Chemistry – Foundation Tier course.

Are there any additional costs?

If you don’t add on the exams, these are an extra fee that needs to be paid to the exam centre when you book these yourself.

What if I live outside the UK?

You are still able to study this GCSE course, but must take the examinations within the UK, as this is the only guaranteed way to access exam centres.

What happens if I lose my course pack?

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Student Support Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.

What if I still have questions?

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you’re 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our Student Adviser Team a call on 03300 563 100 and they’ll do their best to help.