A Levels - A Level Geography

Geography relates to the world around us, it is topical, it is exciting and you are always actively involved in learning, either in the classroom or on field trips.

Geography is suitable for anyone who has an interest in the study of the earth’s landscapes, people, places and environments. It informs us about the places and communities in which we live and work, our natural environments and the pressures they face, the interconnectedness of the world and our communities within it and how and why the world is changing.

What you will study

Year 1 of the course consists of 4 main areas:

Tectonic Processes and Hazards – a study of the causes of tectonic hazards, the impact of tectonic activity on people, and responses.

Landscape Systems, Processes and Change – an integrated study of processes, landforms and landscapes.

Globalisation – causes and consequences for different people and places.

Shaping Places: Regenerating Places – the meanings and identities attached to different places.

Year 2 of the course comprises of:

The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity – human and natural factors that impact on water cycling, consequences for water security and future conflicts.

The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security – human and natural factors, the consequences for ecosystems and management strategies.

Superpowers – the reasons for shifting economic and political power, the impacts of superpowers and their influence in governing the global commons.

Health and Human Rights – consideration of variations in levels of human development and the interventions used to support the promotion of Human Rights.

You will take three exams which total 80% of your grade, with 20% for the independent investigation.

All exams are at the end of the course and include:

Terminology questions which require a precise definition

Short-answer questions using a resource, such as a graph, photograph or map

Short answer questions requiring explanation or analysis

Skills questions where you make calculations

Short essays where you will assess a point of view, action or issue

Longer essays which require you to evaluate a viewpoint

Further study

Geography A-level is one of the facilitating subjects for Russell Group universities, which may be an entry requirement for the university course you choose, whether related to geography or not. Therefore, studying geography, even if you are not sure of your next steps, will help to keep your options open. Geography A-level is particularly useful for the following types of university course:

• Sustainability and Environmental Policy

• Environmental science

• Anthropology and Archaeology

• Civil Engineering or urban planning

• Economics and Business

• Estate Management and Surveying

• Geology and Earth Sciences

• History or Sociology

• Human or Physical Geography

• Meteorology or Hazard Management

• Philosophy or politics

• Transport Studies

Career opportunities

All aspects of business and industry need the skills you will gain during your geography A-level. Geography helps you to develop your numeracy and literacy skills as well as graphicacy (interpreting data and figures), cartography (map skills) and communication skills.

You will become more able to express your ideas and explain complex issues as well as debate both sides of an argument. The practical activities and fieldwork will help you to plan, carry out and draw conclusions from a project, whilst the study skills you learn will enable you to be self-managing and independent.

Potential Careers:

Town Planner

Tourist Officer

Environmental Consultant

Landscape Architect

Commercial Surveyor