What is A Level Geography?
“The future of the natural world, on which we all depend, is in our hands.” – Sir David Attenborough
Why study A level Geography?
Studying A level Geography offers a comprehensive understanding of the world’s physical and human systems, equipping students with critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across various careers. It prepares students to tackle real-world challenges such as climate change, urban development, and sustainability through both theoretical knowledge and practical fieldwork.
Geography’s interdisciplinary nature opens doors to diverse professions, including urban planning, environmental consultancy, and international development, making it a respected and versatile subject choice.
What will the course cover?
The A level Geography course is often split into human and physical geography, although geography is a very fluid subject with some of the issues overlapping.
Human topics such as Urbanisation and Global Migration are very good for generating debate and allowing students to apply their knowledge to a worldwide context.
Physical geography looks at topics such as Earth Life Support Systems and Natural Hazards; investigating how hazards occur, what can be done to predict them and the management that is in place if one does occur.
Each exam board provides slightly different topic options within these broad areas. Have a look, for example, at the OCR Geography syllabus for more information. (A Level Georgraphy H481 Specification)
Will A level Geography suit me?
To study A level Geography, you should have an enquiring and open mind. Geography is a study of the world around us and you should be aware of and interested in worldwide issues. You will learn to debate issues such as global migration and to think about them from political and social perspectives. Your opinion is important, and you will also learn to think about debates from someone else’s perspective. Reading newspapers and journal articles and listening to podcasts to keep your subject knowledge up to date will be hugely beneficial.
What background do I need to be successful in A Level Geography?
There is no requirement to have studied GCSE Geography, but it can provide a head start to the information you have to learn. Having an interest in current affairs and reading newspapers and relevant journal articles is very important as this informs a lot of in-class discussion.
An understanding of maths is required and the ability to interpret graphs and analyse them is fundamental, along with basic map skills. You will learn case studies on specific topics, and you will develop the skill of writing longer answers clearly and succinctly.
How is A Level Geography Assessed?
The A level is assessed at the end of the second year.
For the OCR examination board there are 3 final examinations and 1 piece of fieldwork to complete. (Independent Investigation). It is assessed as follows:
| Paper 1 – Physical Systems 66 marks 1 hr 30 mins Written paper | 22% of A Level |
| Paper 2 – Human Interactions 66 marks 1 hr 30 mins Written paper | 22% of A Level |
| Paper 3 – Geographical Debates 108 marks 2 hrs 30 mins Written paper | 36% of A Level |
| Investigative Geography 60 marks Independent Investigation | 20% of A Level |
Paper 1 – Physical Systems
This paper covers the main physical geography topics such as:
Coasts, Glaciation or Deserts, the creation of landforms and the influence on climate and humans.
Water and carbon cycling, stores and processes, human activity effects on tropical rainforest and arctic tundra.
Physical changes over time at a range of scales as well as global management strategies to protect these cycles.
Paper 2 – Human Interactions
This paper covers the main human geography topics. The relationships and connections between people, the economy, and society and how these contribute to creating places, taking a topic each from global systems (trade or global migration) and global governance (human rights or power & borders).
Paper 3 – Geographical Debates
This paper covers the synoptic (unifying) themes in Geography. For this paper you study 2 of the following 5 topics: Climate Change, Disease Dilemmas, Exploring Oceans, Future of Food, Hazardous Earth.
Independent Investigation (the non-examined assessment, or NEA)
This is a project in which you define a question or issue to investigate, carry out the fieldwork, and write a report of 3000-4000 words showing independent analysis, evaluation of data, presentation of data findings and extended writing. This is an independent investigation which requires the student to work independently with minimal guidance and assistance form the teacher.
What could I do with my A level in Geography?
An A Level in Geography offers a versatile foundation for numerous career paths by developing analytical, spatial, and environmental understanding.
Graduates can pursue roles such as environmental consultant, town planner, or hydrologist, contributing to sustainable development and resource management.
The subject’s emphasis on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) also opens opportunities in geospatial analysis and cartography. Additionally, geography’s insights into human and population development make it valuable for careers in international aid and policy advising.
For those interested in education, becoming a geography teacher or academic researcher is a rewarding path.
Overall, A Level Geography equips students with transferable skills applicable across various sectors, including environmental science, urban planning, and global development.
Article written by Vicki Kipling, Geography department, at The Worthgate School