Geography

A Level Geography

About A Level Geography

Entry requirements: A minimum grade 6 in GCSE Geography.

Much of the subject content links directly to and builds on the GCSE, allowing the candidates to expand upon knowledge and understanding as well as explore new skills.

Course Content:

Geography is a diverse subject that covers issues relevant to our world today. The course embraces contemporary Geography whilst retaining key elements of traditional Physical and Human Geography. The subject content follows an 'issues and impacts' approach throughout. It has a developmental structure which helps to facilitate progression through the course and beyond to link with the demands of higher level study.

Paper 1

Physical Geography

Section A: Water and carbon cycles

Section B: Coastal systems and landscapes

Section C: Hazards

Paper 2

Human Geography

Section A: Global systems and global governance

Section B: Changing places  

Section C: Contemporary urban environments 

Component 3

Fieldwork investigation

Assessment:

There are two examinations each lasting 2 hours 30 minutes, separately covering the physical and human aspects of the subject. The examination will comprise multiple-choice, short answer, levels of response and extended prose questions. The examinations reflect 80% of the final mark.

The remaining 20% of the final mark is derived from 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. The examination board recommends that the report is between 3,000 and 4,000 words. There are several field work opportunities throughout the course including a residential. All students are required to attend these excursions.

Higher Educations and Careers:

Geography is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects. You may already be thinking ahead to potential university and career choices, so it is worth bearing in mind that Geography is a broad based subject and the skills you use in your geographical studies make you of potential interest to a wide range of employers. For example, for careers in sustainability and green issues, urban regeneration, energy supply, retail location, managing the effects of hazards and climate change, Geography is an obvious choice.

For careers in the world of business, an understanding of global economics forms an important part of geography. If you are thinking of a career in law, human rights, international relations or welfare then Geography gives you the opportunity to consider relevant issues such as; How do we measure development? What are the consequences of migration on societies?

If you are working towards a future course in Medicine or Veterinary Science, then Geography is a good choice to give your A Level options the breadth that universities seek, as you will gain a clear understanding of how the environment affects health and survival of people, animals and ecosystems as well as enhancing your skills of writing essays and extended reports.

Statistics show that compared with other graduates, Geographers are among the most employable. Many of those leaving university with a Geography Degree enter three fields of employment: administration and management, marketing or financial work. However, in an ever changing world it is less likely that employees will spend all their life in one company or organisation. If your career path is to be varied, you will need to develop transferable skills. Geography fosters these qualities and provides a firm base for life-long learning.