Engineering
Chemistry National 5
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 5
Study mode Part time
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
National 5 Chemistry is a part-time course designed to teach you a deep understanding of Chemical Changes and Structure, Nature's Chemistry and Chemistry in Society. Chemistry is the study of properties and behaviour of matter and plays a crucial role in our everyday existence. Due to advances in industry, this varied subject is now more exciting and relevant than ever.
Our Science department offers you the opportunity to study in purpose-built laboratories. These will support the development of your general and specialist practical skills whilst enhancing your theoretical understanding of science. This course will help you progress towards a career in the science and biology industry or further study at a university level.
National 5 courses, accredited by the SQA, are typically studied at high school and college. These qualifications act as pathways to further study, including university entry. Edinburgh College offers a selection of subjects at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher level part-time. You may choose to study up to two subjects. These courses are challenging and require the ability to study independently.
What you will learn
Chemical Changes and Structure
- Rates of reaction
- Formulae and reacting quantities
- Acids and bases
Nature's Chemistry
- Homologous Series
- Everyday consumer products
- Energy from fuels
Chemistry in Society
- Metals
- Plastics
- Fertilisers
- Nuclear chemistry
- Chemical analysis
How the course is assessed
- The course assessment determines the final grade and has two components. Both are marked externally by the SQA. The first component is a question paper of 2 hours and 30 minutes. The second component is an assignment completed within 8 hours, which includes 1 hour and 30 minutes for a report stage.
Number of days per week
- Day class, 4 hours per week across 2 days (Monday and Wednesday - subject to change)
Entry requirements
- National 4 Chemistry (or equivalent) at a minimum of grade B
- National 4 English is recommended but not mandatory
- Pass at National 4 (with added value unit) or Standard Grade 3 or 4 in Maths. We do not accept Applications of Maths for this course.
- You should identify your reasons for studying National 5 Chemistry in your application.
Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements
- You will be invited to a short entry test if your qualifications are five years old or older.
- Applications from students who wish to repeat a course, have previously been enrolled on any Science course, apply again and/or have previously withdrawn from any Science course will be placed on the waiting list. Applications will only be considered in August if there are places available on the course. If the course reaches capacity before August, an offer will not be possible. Therefore, we advise students to consider other options within the College.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 5.5Progression and Articulation Routes
- This course and its units will provide progression to other qualifications in Chemistry or related areas as well as further study.
Career options
Careers in the field of:
- Research
- Various Science related industries
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Part time | 25/08/25 |
