AS and A Level Geography

AS and A Level Geography
Geography looks at people and places allowing us to study how natural processes shape the places we live in and consider how best to manage different areas. It will involve discussion on issues that affect our daily lives such as population growth and change, planning, poverty, natural disasters and economic activity.

What does the course consist of?
In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for an AS Level. In Year 2 you will take units3 and 4 to complete the full Advanced Level.
Unit 1: Global Challenges

You will study the meaning, causes, impacts and management of global challenges and how we can influence global challenges through our own lives.
This is assessed by examination.

Unit 2: Geographical Investigations

In this unit you will use fieldwork techniques to take a closer look at how physical and human issues influence lives and can be managed.
You will be assessed by examination.

Unit 3: Contested Planet

The use and management of resources is a key issue for Geography and today's world. Consumption patterns highlight stark inequalities between regions, countries and groups of people, Many resources are finite and rising consumption means that difficult decisions over the use of resources will have to be taken more frequently. In this unit you will study six compulsory topics:

• Energy Security
• Water Conflicts
• Biodiversity under Threat
• Superpower Geographies
• Bridging the Development Gap
• The Technological Fix?

This unit is assessed by examination.

Unit 4: Geographical Research

This unit requires you to choose one research option from a possible six which range from those with a strong physical geography focus to those concerned more with environmental, social and cultural geographies.
You will be assessed by examination

What else do I need to know?
Geography combines well with almost all other AS subjects, Science or the Arts. Common combinations include Biology, Chemistry, Maths as well as History, Economics, Sociology and English. Students could also take Geography with a vocational A Level. A wide range of career and higher education opportunities exist. Geographers are sought after because of their training in problem solving and decision making and can transfer their skills to areas such as law, accounting and journalism. With further training at degree level they can find careers involving environmental monitoring and management in urban planning, conservation and water management.