AS/A Level Geography

Start Date

Mon Sep 09 2024

Day / Time

Weekdays

Duration

1 year

Campus

Baltic Campus

AS/A Level Geography

Enquire

Apply now

Studying Geography provides you with a broad range of knowledge and skills due to the varied nature of content and the links to both the scientific and arts based subjects.

The content of A Level geography is split into 2 main areas:

Physical Geography
Human Geography.

Physical Geography looks at the various systems, processes, hazards and landscapes on the earth.

Human Geography looks at other aspects of the world where humans are having major impacts such as places, governance and resources.

Geography is seen as a valuable academic subject by employers and universities because of the rich skills, knowledge and understanding you will get from the study of it.

Geography is viewed by universities as a facilitating subject, which means that it is likely to be a preferred subject for a wide range of university courses.

Studying Geography aligns very well with lots of other subjects for example:

English
Maths
Sociology
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Business Studies.

The full 2-year syllabus covering Physical Geography includes:

Water and carbon cycles
Hot desert systems and landscapes
Coastal systems and landscapes
Glacial systems and landscapes
Hazards
Ecosystems under stress

The full 2-year syllabus covering Human Geography includes:

Global systems and global governance
Changing places
Contemporary urban environments
Population and the environment
Resource security

The college teaches the AQA A Level specification for Geography and teaches this over 6 hours every week.

Assessment

There will be 2 exams at the end of your AS and A2 years, one that focuses on Human Geography and the other on Physical Geography.

You will carry out a fieldwork investigation and submit coursework on this.

This will form your non-examined assessment and makes up 20% of your final A2 grade.

In addition to these formal assessments, your knowledge and skills will be tested in a variety of ways throughout the year to track your progress including:

Frequent topic tests
Mock assessments
Practical assessments

Next Steps

People who study Geography at A Level and wish to take their study in this field further often go on to study a BA in Geography or one aspect of it such as:

Human Geography
Physical Geography
Environmental Studies
Marine Studies.

It is also a subject that is popular as a joint-honours course because of the wide range of topics that it covers.

For example universities advertise courses in:

There are many careers that are based on an excellent knowledge of geography such as:

Cartography
Jobs to do with the environment including conservation and sustainability
Town and transport planning
Creating and using geographical information systems
International relations
Development and tourism.

Geography teaching is also a popular career and is currently one of seven priority subjects which means that there is extra financial and other support for people training to teach in this area.

You will need to achieve 6 grade 6 GCSEs to study A Levels at Gateshead College. If you do not meet this profile please still come to an enrolment event to discuss all your options with a member of the A Level Team. An interview is also required.

Finance and funding

This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.

Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.

For one to one advice, contact our friendly team who will assess your individual circumstances and give you the right information. You can contact them on 0191 490 2246, [email protected] or via Live Chat. Or pop along to one of our Enrolment Events