A-Level Geography

Course Entry Requirements:

A grade 5 in GCSE Geography GCSE

General Course Description:

A level specifications encourage students to gain enjoyment, satisfaction and a sense of achievement as they develop their knowledge and understanding of the world. Students should grow as independent thinkers and global citizens, who understand the role and importance of geography as one of the key disciplines relevant to understanding the world’s changing peoples, places and environments. (National Curriculum 2014)

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 and is well regarded by universities and employers. The curriculum is engaging and involves a breadth of different skills and topics which directly feed into a variety of careers. You could do anything from working on a royal navy vessel, 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 manage or tourism.