Course Overview

Geography is one of the most wide-ranging subjects you can choose to study. It involves developing knowledge of both the physical and human world and understanding how they impact each other. It looks at how and why the world we live in has changed and how people need to look towards a more sustainable future.

Geography allows students to explore theoretical ideas and concepts such as plate tectonics, and apply them to real life situations in an attempt to explain past events and prepare for or prevent future natural disasters. When will the next supervolcano erupt? Why is there a constant famine in parts of Africa? Can you work out a sustainable solution? Can you change the future of the Earth?

Fieldwork is required to be undertaken for at least four days throughout the A Level course. This will include a residential visit to the Cranedale Centre in North Yorkshire as well as locally-based visits.

Links with other subjects

Geography is uniquely placed as a subject that bridges the Arts and Sciences. It enables you to maintain a broad education if taken with either arts- or science-based subjects. The content is complementary with subjects like Biology and Economics, whilst the skills learnt from the course complement subjects such as Mathematics and English.

Future Opportunities

At university, Geography can be studied as a BA or BSc. Geography forms the core of a wide range of specialised and often vocational degree courses, such as Environmental Management and Town Planning. Many of the qualities developed on the course, e.g. carrying out individual research, evaluating conflicting arguments and working in teams, are qualities that are highly regarded by employers.

What are the entry requirements?

Five or more GCSEs Grade 9-4 or equivalent, including English. Grade 4 in Geography if studied.

What will I study?

Physical Systems:

• Landscape Systems – Glaciated Landscapes
• Earth's Life Support Systems.

Human Interactions:

• Changing Spaces: Making Places
• Global Systems – Global Migration; Human Rights.

Geographical Debates:

• Disease Dilemmas
• Hazardous Earth.

How will I be assessed?

• Physical Systems - 1 hour 45 minute written exam (24%)
• Human Interactions - 1 hour 45 minute written exam (24%)
• Geographical Debates - 2 hours 30 minute written exam (32%)
• Investigative Geography - A written report (20%)

Geographical Skills will be assessed in all three written exam papers.