A-Levels: Geography

Why study Geography?

Geography bridges the gap between Arts and Science subjects and is, therefore, an ideal subject to study with any combination of subjects. Students studying Geography often have interests in our physical environment especially volcanoes, earthquakes, global warming and coasts, whilst other students may prefer the contrasts of Human Geography with the study of population, settlement and energy/health issues.

What do I study?
Year 1 (AS)
Unit 1:
- rivers, river channels and landforms, river management
- coastal environments
- population, migration, birth/death rates, population pyramids
- food supply issues OR energy issues
Unit 2:
- geographical skills paper (fieldwork, ICT, graphs, maps and statistics)
Year 2 (A2)
Unit 3:
- weather and climate and associated hazards
- plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes
- world cities
Unit 4:
- an examination based on your own fieldwork investigation
The AS and A2 courses are all examination. The A2 in the second year includes fieldwork which has been based on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. This residential course will enable you to collect your data for your project under supervision. Financial assistance is available. Alternatively local fieldwork is possible.

Where does Geography take me?
Geography is a highly regarded traditional subject for entry into Higher Education. It is particularly valuable for careers in Market Research, Accountancy, Planning, Teaching, Law, Civil and Social Services, Leisure and Tourism.