To study A-Level Chemistry, you typically need strong GCSE results, usually at least a grade 6 or 7 in GCSE Chemistry (or Combined Science 6/6), plus good grades in Maths (often grade 5+) and English, with many colleges requiring a Grade 6 in Maths and Science subjects for entry, and top universities demanding much higher grades (A/A*s) for competitive courses like Medicine, according to.
One of your GCSEs must be a Grade 6 or above in GCSE Maths plus Grade 6 or above in GCSE Chemistry. This includes a 6/6 in Combined Science/Science Trilogy. The following qualifications are NOT accepted: GCSE Applied Science.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
For example, a student who scores 90% or higher may receive an A*, while a student who scores between 70% and 79% may receive a B grade.
Understanding Grade Boundaries for Popular A Level Subjects
For example, maths grade boundaries usually place an A grade around 70–75% of the total marks, with an A* closer to 85–90%.
Chemistry does not and can not do anything akin to 'boosting' a student's ATAR. When students study more than 10 units, UAC takes not of how often a subject will contribute to a student's ATAR. In Chemistry in 2024, there were 9,772 students in the course.
The three grades awarded are equivalent to an A level grade and awarded the same UCAS points. A final grade of DDD is equivalent to achieving 3 grade A's at A-level and attracts the same UCAS points for university.
For example, if the grade boundary for a B is 60 marks, then 60 is the minimum mark at which a B can be achieved. A mark of 59 would therefore be a C grade.
Opportunities include, but are not limited to:
If you plan to take chemistry through to the second year and beyond, we recommend strongly that you have A level maths (or an equivalent) — AS is not sufficient. However, you can take the first year course without A level maths.
A-Level Chemistry is highly respected by UK universities, particularly in medicine and pure science degrees. It guarantees mastery of the key principles and mathematical underpinnings needed for advanced study.
Across England, only 67.8% of GCSE grades were at grade 4 or above. The percentage you'll need to achieve a grade 4 varies, but it typically falls around 40-60% for GCSE Foundation Maths. For Higher Tier students, you'll only need around 10-25% to secure a grade 4 “pass”.
Kate achieved 11 GCSEs before going on to score As in Maths and Art and a B in English for her A-levels.
For example, to take Grade 12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U) or Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U), you need Grade 11 Functions (MCR3U). Similarly, Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U) usually requires Grade 11 Chemistry (SCH3U).
You'll usually need to receive a letter grade between A and D to pass a class, often the numerical equivalent of 65 percent or higher. Receiving an F—which stands for “fail”—indicates that you did not pass the class. The cutoff to receive an F is usually 64 percent.
To have the best shot of getting in, you should aim for the 75th percentile, with a 1580 SAT or a 36 ACT. You should also have a 4.2 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score.
| Grade 8 is equivalent to a high Grade A. | Grade 9 is equivalent to higher than a Grade A*. These are the top grades. Grade 9 is the highest grade possible, and is awarded to students for exceptional exam performance — if you get one, well done you!
But they are the best preparation for the world of work because they give students academic and practical knowledge and skills in a wide subject area. Often parents and students look at them as an easier option — but beware! They are not easier than A Levels — they just provide a different way of learning.
Postgraduate degree classifications
Rather than being marked with a first, 2:1, 2:2 or third like you are at undergraduate level, instead Masters students receive one of the following classifications: Distinction - 70% and above. Merit - 60-70% Pass - 50-60%
What is the ATAR for Medicine in NSW and Canberra? For students wishing to study medicine in New South Wales, they will need to achieve an ATAR above 90 and in most cases in the mid-90s or even higher.
As we're sure you're already aware, chemistry is fairly math intensive, requiring the need for various statistical analyses, equations, and problem-solving. Many jobs within the field require a good level of mathematics.
More students studied chemistry, physics, Mathematics Extension 1 and 2 (known as “four-unit”) and English Advanced than any other combination of HSC subjects last year – some with exceptional results.