Geography

Course Overview

Are you interested in the human and natural world? A-Level Geography is a hugely diverse and dynamic subject. You will explore a wide range of current and very relevant environmental and political issues occurring around the world, including climate change, natural hazards, migration, development and globalisation.

The A-Level Geography course will cover both the physical and human environments and the complex interaction of processes that shape our world. It will also, importantly, show the applied side of the subject - how human intervention affects the environment and how people adapt to and mitigate the effects of processes on their environment. For example, you will study the physical and environmental aspects of climate change during the water and carbon cycle topic, consider the impacts of and responses to climate change in both coastal and urban environments, examine issues surrounding the global governance of climate change and investigate how recent hazardous events including tropical storms and wildfires can be linked to climate change.

There is plenty of opportunity for discussion and extended research, which will help you become an independent thinker and learner. By the time you get to your exams, you will be able to show your understanding of a range of opinions and be able to illustrate your answers with case studies from local, national and international examples.

Modules

Year one

• Hazards
• Contemporary Urban Environments
• Coastal Systems and Landscapes

Year two

• Changing Places
• Water and Carbon Cycles
• Global Systems and Governance

You will also have the chance to undertake fieldwork - 4 days in total across two years - to supplement your theoretical knowledge in both physical and human units.

A-Level Geography is assessed by two 2.5 hour written examinations (worth 80% of final grade) and a non-examined assessment (worth 20% of final grade) at the end of the second year.

Confidence with quantitative analysis, including statistics, is an advantage. A strong level of written English is also essential, given the essay content of the exams.

Entry requirements

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
• Grade 5 or above in GCSE English Language and Maths.
• Grade 6 or above in GCSE Geography.

Core Maths is strongly recommended to be taken alongside this course, if you are not taking A-Level Maths.

Why should I choose USP College?

• Degree qualified subject specialist teacher with many years of experience teaching A-Level Geography courses.

Additional costs

• Suggested books to supplement learning are encouraged to be bought.
• Field trip.

What could I do next?

Geography combines well with both arts and science subjects and is highly valued by universities as an A-Level choice.  A broad based subject, Geography provides lots of opportunities for future progression. For example, Geography is an obvious choice for careers in sustainability and climate change.

For careers in the world of business, an understanding of global economics forms an important part of geography. If you are thinking of a career in law, human rights, international relations or welfare, then Geography gives you the opportunity to consider relevant issues such as; How do we measure development? What are the consequences of migration on societies?

If you are working towards a future course in medicine or veterinary medicine then Geography is a good choice to give your A-Level options the breadth that universities seek, as you will gain a clear understanding of how the environment affects health and survival of people, animals and ecosystems as well as enhancing your skills of writing essays and extended reports.

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