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Original poster

To do chemistry GCSE as an adult

38 replies

MiltonBook · 01/01/2025 13:33

I know nothing about chemistry. At school we only had to do one science GCSE (many years ago) and I did physics.

It feels like a real gap in my understanding of the world so I’m thinking of doing the GCSE (with exam). I can buy a textbook and my husband has chemistry A level so could presumably help if I get stuck.

I have a PhD and work in an academic-adjacent profession so am confident I can still study. I’d be grateful for any views on this, how viable it is and how long I should give myself for the course (aiming for a 9). Thank you!

OP posts:
LavenderFields7 · 01/01/2025 14:15

Why do you need a gcse in it? Why can’t you just read a textbook if you want to learn?

MujeresLibres · 01/01/2025 14:09

I live in a major city, and it's not terribly easy to do these courses at a local college as an adult. I would suggest IGCSEs because of the practical element, and then perhaps Open University courses for extended study.

DottyDodger · 01/01/2025 14:05

Go to your local college and sign up for an evening class, that way you can complete the practicals.

I did this a few years ago and really enjoyed it (carried on studying to post grad level as I was so inspired and loved the learning again!).

I got full marks in the GCSE, so certainly doable - even more so with an academic background.

jigglywigglyhungryhippo · 01/01/2025 14:02

Why not just do an A-level? GCSE are very easy for an adult (my opinion) and you'll find it rather dull.

You've said you've got a PhD so academically very capable. Again- you'll have practical elements you'll have to complete, but you can do that at a college on set days/planned.

But yes- learning at any age is always a good move!

ErrolTheDragon · 01/01/2025 13:59

YANBU!
Do the gcse and then maybe you'll want to continue - imo chemistry gets more and more interesting the further you get! But the basics are so fundamental to so many things.Smile

weathervane1 · 01/01/2025 13:56

Is it important to obtain a qualification or just learn? I'm thinking if you have to do a practical element to pass an exam, you could omit that if the actual qualification doesn't matter so much.

Thepeopleversuswork · 01/01/2025 13:54

Following this with interest because I'd love to study for a couple of GCSEs (and maybe ultimately aim for another degree) but haven't got a clue how to go about it as an adult.

As PPs have pointed out chemistry will involve a large amount of lab work: is it worth talking to your local FE college or sixth form college to see if they could facilitate this?

Do the Open University do pre degree level courses or access courses? That might be another way into it.

KittenPause · 01/01/2025 13:51

There are a lot of practicals involved ie one a week if you were at school but you can watch them all online.

No harm in giving it a go and just seeing how you get on

Nn9011 · 01/01/2025 13:45

Go for it, I did it many years ago and I'm sure things are slightly different but I really recommend getting whatever study guide the course recommends. I used it more than my textbook and it really helped.

SnowyIcySnow · 01/01/2025 13:44

The standard GCSE's from the uk won't work for you. A big chunk (around 15% of the exam) is linked to a series of required practicals that you won't be able to access at home.

I've a feeling the iGCSE could be different. There must be a way to do it, as home educated students can, but I dont know how.

caramac04 · 01/01/2025 13:37

I think it’s a great idea.

Thingamebobwotsit · 01/01/2025 13:36

Go for it. Lifelong learning is so important. You may want to look at adult education courses, online or distance courses though. There is something nice about being in a group if you can make it work.

I really wish I had time to study. There are lots of subjects I would like to try!

Danascully2 · 01/01/2025 13:35

I'm sure others will have more useful advice but I believe some exam boards will have a practical assessment element so if you're going to study completely independently you would need to find a syllabus without that.
Good luck, chemistry is brilliant!