Geography
Geography is a broad and enabling subject, highly regarded by Russell Group Universities.
You will develop a range of transferable skills, working on your analytical, investigative, numerical and written skills, as well as incorporating new technologies. The content will inspire you to engage critically with real world issues and places, and apply your knowledge, theory and skills to the world around you. Students grow as independent thinkers and as informed and engaged citizens, who understand the role and importance of geography as one of the key disciplines relevant to understanding the world’s changing peoples, places and environments.
Fieldwork is an integral part of your studies giving you an experience of both human and physical fieldwork (you will complete 4 days in total across Y12 and Y13). You will learn a variety of data collection skills and test core topic theories learnt in the classroom. From this you will complete an independent piece of coursework worth 20% of your A-Level.
There is also the opportunity to become a Geography ambassador as part of enrichment, by helping out in a KS3/KS4 lesson and providing support to learners. This in turn develops your geographical understanding.
Entry Criteria
6 in GCSE Geography or 5 in GCSE Geography and a 6 in both GCSE English and GCSE Maths.
Companion Subjects
Career Paths
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Conservation
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Environmental Protection
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Management
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Teaching
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Journalism
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Global IS
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Renewable Energy
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Urban Planning
Subject Intent
Geography is the subject that bridges the physical and human worlds. At A-Level, students explore key global challenges—climate change, resource use, migration, urban growth—and develop an understanding of how our planet works and how people interact with it. Our aim is to inspire students to ask big questions, think critically, use data effectively, and develop an informed voice on issues affecting the world today and tomorrow.
Course Overview
AQA Geography allows flexibility, depth and a strong foundation for further study. Topics include:
Physical Geography
- Water and Carbon Cycles – core systems in the Earth’s functioning
- Coastal Systems and Landscapes or Glacial Systems
- Hazards – earthquakes, volcanoes, storms and how societies prepare and respond
Human Geography
- Global Systems and Global Governance – how interconnected the world has become
- Changing Places – exploring how people experience places
- Population and the Environment or Resource Security
Independent Investigation (NEA – 20%)
You’ll conduct a geographical fieldwork investigation on a topic of your choice, such as urban change, coastal erosion, or water management. This 3,000–4,000 word project includes fieldwork, analysis, and evaluation—and allows you to develop research and inquiry skills highly valued by universities and employers.
Assessment
All assessments include extended writing, analysis of resources, and critical thinking.
Paper 1
- Physical geography
- 2h 30m
- 120 Marks
- 40%
Paper 2
- Human geography
- 2h 30m
- 120 Marks
- 40%
NEA
- Independent investigation
- 60 Marks
- 20%
Homework & Independent Study
You’ll be expected to:
- Revise and annotate key case studies
- Practise exam-style questions
- Explore academic articles, podcasts or documentaries
- Use data sets, maps and statistics
- Prepare fieldwork plans and reflective analysis for your NEA
Enrichment Opportunities
- Local and residential fieldwork trips (urban, rivers, coasts etc.)
- University and employer links for geography and sustainability careers
- Workshops on GIS, data analysis, and report writing
- Geography-themed competitions and student-led seminars
Where Can Geography Take You?
Geography is a facilitating subject, respected for its academic rigour and broad skills base. It supports pathways into environmental science, urban planning, international development, climatology, conservation, business, politics, disaster management, and more. Geography students are analytical, flexible and globally minded—perfect for the 21st century.