What is the course about?

Geography is a demanding subject, but one which combines well with many other A Levels, both in the arts and the sciences. One of the most popular combinations is combining geography with one or more science subjects eg biology or chemistry, as well as mathematics or physical education. Students will be trained to apply information in a logical manner and make reasoned applications to situations around the world. 

The course allows for specialisation and progression to higher education and employment. It is also a natural progression from GCSE to A Level where many topic areas are revisited in more detail. Students will be given the opportunity to develop fieldwork skills and to study geographical issues and impacts.

Course content

• Component 1 – Physical geography: Water and carbon cycles, coastal systems and hazards.
• Component 2 – Human geography: Global systems and global governance, changing places and contemporary urban environments.
• Component 3 – fieldwork: Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The individual investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student relating to any part of the specification content.

Assessment

• Component 1: Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 96 marks, 40% of A Level.
• Component 2: Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes, 96 marks, 40% of A Level.
• Component 3: 3,000-4,000 words, 35 out of 60 marks, 20% of A Level, marked by teachers , moderated by AQA.

Career pathways

Geography is the most employable subject in comparison to others. More geography graduates achieve a multi-skilled discipline suitable for a wide range of diverse and rewarding careers, including media/TV researcher, architecture, hazard management, meteorology, banking, teaching, town planning, cartography, travel and tourism, estate management and aviation.

Entry criteria

Minimum of grade 6 in GCSE Geography.