A-Level Geography

Course Entry Requirements:

A grade 5 in GCSE Geography GCSE

General Course Description:

Geography is an outstanding subject with amazing breadth. It covers all sorts of topics which are relevant to how we live our lives every day. Geography is important for the air we breathe, the environments we live in and the landscapes around us. It is a fascinating combination of human endeavours and physical processes. Geography brings together studies from science, from humanities and other disciplines.

An A-level in Geography will provide an excellent basis to be a global citizen. It will excite the mind, challenge perceptions and stimulate investigative and analytical skills. The topics studied reflect the world today and build appreciation of how physical and human environments have developed.

Content:

Component 1: Physical geography
Section A: Water and carbon cycles
Section B: Coastal environments
Section C: Hazards

Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes 40% of A-level

Component 2: Human geography
Section A: Global systems and global governance
Section B: Changing places
Section C: Contemporary urban environments

Written exam: 2 hours 30 minutes 40% of A-level

Component 3: Geography fieldwork investigation
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. 3,000–4,000 words, 20% of A-level.Marked by teachers, moderated by AQA

Board: AQA

Career Pathways:

Geography is one of the most transferable subjects available. This means the skills you gain are very highly regarded by universities and employers alike. Geography provides a perfect foundation for a successful future, in a wide array of careers. You could do anything from working at sea to working with the Environment Agency, running housing schemes, or working almost anywhere is the public sector. With further qualifications or training, you could also teach geography, do urban design or town planning, or become a chartered surveyor. Other options include: environmental consultant, cartographer, recycling manager, GIS analyst, park ranger, travel agent, landscape architect, water/land management, tourism… and many, many more.