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Geography

A-LEVEL GEOGRAPHY

A Level Geography Course Guide

Faculty: Humanities
Subject: A Level Geography
Exam Board: AQA
Subject Leader: Mr C. Monk
Staff and Responsibility: Mr C. Monk (Head of Faculty / Head of Geography), Miss Filip (Teacher of Geography)

Assessment Format

Component 1: Physical Geography

Weighting: 40% (120 marks)
Exam Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

What’s Assessed:

Water and Carbon Cycles (36 marks):
This topic explores the major stores and fluxes of water and carbon at global and local scales. Students will study how these cycles interact with the climate system and how human activity is influencing them through deforestation, urbanisation and fossil fuel use. Case studies will be used to illustrate the impacts of changes in the water and carbon cycles.
Coastal Systems and Landscapes (36 marks):
Students investigate how coastal landscapes are shaped by physical processes such as erosion, transportation and deposition. They will examine the influence of geology, climate and human management on coastal systems and the ways in which these environments are being altered by rising sea levels and coastal defences. Real-world examples are used to develop understanding of coastal change and sustainable management strategies.
Hazards (48 marks):
This section focuses on the nature and impact of natural hazards, including volcanic activity, seismic events and tropical storms. Students will learn about the causes, effects, and human responses to these hazards, as well as the strategies used to manage and mitigate their impacts. Case studies from contrasting parts of the world highlight how levels of development influence vulnerability and resilience.

Question Types:
Short answer, levels of response, and extended prose questions.

Component 2: Human Geography

Weighting: 40% (120 marks)
Exam Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

What’s Assessed:

Global Systems and Global Governance (36 marks):
This topic investigates the processes of globalisation, trade, and international governance. Students explore how global systems such as the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, and transnational corporations influence global inequalities, development, and environmental sustainability. The concept of global commons and the governance of global issues like climate change are also examined.
Changing Places (36 marks):
Students study the ways in which places are shaped by people, culture, politics and economics. The topic focuses on the meanings and representations of place at both local and global scales. Fieldwork and case studies help students understand how people experience and perceive different places, and how these change over time due to globalisation and regeneration.
Urban Environments (48 marks):
This topic examines the growth and development of urban areas and the processes that create distinctive urban landscapes. Students explore patterns of urbanisation, suburbanisation, counter-urbanisation and urban resurgence, alongside the social, economic and environmental challenges faced by cities.
The topic also investigates issues such as air quality, waste management, water and energy supply, transport, and urban sustainability. Case studies of cities from both developed and emerging countries are used to illustrate contrasts in urban form, inequality, and planning strategies.

Question Types:
Short answer, levels of response, and extended prose questions.

Component 3: Geography Fieldwork Investigation (NEA)

Weighting: 20% (60 marks)

What’s Assessed:
Students complete an individual investigation which must include data collected in the field. The investigation is based on a question or issue defined and developed by the student, relating to any aspect of the A Level specification content.

How it’s Assessed:

3,000–4,000 word report
Marked by teachers and moderated by AQA

The investigation enables students to apply geographical concepts, research and analytical skills to real-world contexts, fostering independence and critical thinking.

Subject Overview

Geography is one of the most dynamic and relevant subjects you can study. It explores the relationship between people and the physical environment across different places, scales, and time periods.

Students will investigate how physical landforms are created, how they shape human activity, and how humans influence and respond to environmental challenges. The course encourages students to develop analytical, research, and problem-solving skills that are valuable both academically and professionally.

Through a combination of physical and human geography topics, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes shaping our world and the complex interactions that define our future.

Entry Requirements

To study A Level Geography, students must have achieved a minimum of grade 5 in GCSE Geography.

Why Study Geography?

Geography is a highly respected subject that bridges the sciences and the arts, making it a versatile choice at post-16. Universities and employers value geographers for their critical thinking, data analysis, and communication skills.

Geography graduates are among the most employable, with career paths spanning:

Environmental management and conservation
Urban and regional planning
International development
Marketing and business analysis
Finance and administration
Teaching and local government
ICT, cartography, and GIS
Travel, tourism, and logistics

Studying Geography not only deepens your understanding of the world but also equips you with the skills needed to tackle global challenges — making it both an intellectually stimulating and practical subject choice.