Why choose A level geography?
Geography is a highly relevant and exciting subject that helps you understand the complex world we live in, including important topics like climate change, natural hazards, migration, and urban growth.
This course covers a wide range of topics across human, physical, and environmental geography, making it perfect if you enjoy exploring how people, places, and environments connect and change.
It develops skills in data interpretation, critical thinking, essay writing, and research – skills that will support your studies and future career.
A Level geography also offers real-world learning through essential fieldwork and investigation, including opportunities for trips such as a visit to Iceland, allowing you to apply your knowledge beyond the classroom.
If you enjoy exploring people, places, and environments, and want a subject that combines academic challenge with practical relevance, A Level geography is a great choice.
Course type: A level
Board: Edexcel
Entry requirements: Grade 6 or above in GCSE geography
How will A level geography be delivered?
The A level geography course is structured around four core areas of study, each exploring key geographical themes. Throughout the course, you will engage in practical fieldwork, including a minimum of four days of outdoor study, to develop your investigative skills and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world contexts.
| Unit | Content |
| Area of study 1: Dynamic landscapes | Investigate the processes shaping coastal and tectonic environments, including coastal erosion and landforms |
| Area of study 2: Dynamic places | Examine globalisation, urbanisation, and the challenges of sustainable development in cities |
| Area of study 3: Physical systems and sustainability | Study the water and carbon cycles, and their role in maintaining planetary health |
| Area of study 4: Human systems and geopolitics | Explore global development, human rights, and the impacts of conflict and intervention |
| Fieldwork | Complete a minimum of four days of fieldwork to develop practical skills and apply your knowledge |
Assessment
A level geography is assessed through three written exam papers, taken at the end of the two-year course. Each paper focuses on different aspects of the course and together they make up 100% of the final grade.
Paper 1: Physical geography
- Written exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 88 marks (30% of A level)
- Covers topics including dynamic landscapes and physical systems and sustainability
- Includes questions on knowledge, understanding, and geographical skills
Paper 2: Human geography
- Written exam, 2 hours 30 minutes, 88 marks (30% of A level)
- Covers dynamic places and human systems and geopolitics
- Assesses understanding of human geography themes and skills
Paper 3: Geographical investigations
- Written exam, 2 hours 15 minutes, 76 marks (20% of A level)
- Includes questions on fieldwork and geographical investigation
- Requires students to apply knowledge from their own fieldwork and wider geographical issues
There is also a non-exam assessment (NEA) component:
- Independent investigation of a geographical issue chosen by the student
- Report of 3,000–4,000 words
- Worth 20% of the final grade
Progression
Studying A level geography helps students to:
- Progress to university courses in geography, environmental science, geology, international relations, urban planning, development studies, economics, sociology, politics, and law
- Benefit from geography’s status as a facilitating subject, valued by universities for supporting a wide range of degree applications
- Develop transferable skills in critical thinking, research, and data analysis, highly regarded by employers
- Access careers in environmental management, sustainability, disaster response, transport planning, conservation, education, local government, and business
- Prepare for diverse academic and professional pathways through a course that combines academic challenge with real-world relevance
