Skip to Main Content

Geography

Geography has modules in physical and human geography. Students develop skills in mathematics, analysis and extended writing. Practical work within the specification is one of the attractions of Geography and a minimum of 4 days is spent on compulsory fieldwork. This includes a compulsory residential trip. (Bursary students may be given assistance towards costs). 20% of the A Level consists of an Independent Investigation and 80% examination.

Geography is a highly valued facilitating A Level, greatly desired by universities and businesses. 80% of the course consists of three examination papers: 2 hours and 15 minutes each of mostly essay writing along with data response and maths questions. 20% is coursework -completed in Upper Sixth. Students must be able to attend residential fieldwork.

Qualifications & Assessments

Exam Board Edexcel
Level Level 3
Qualification A Level
Assessment Method Examination & Practical Assessment
Entry Requirements Entry Requirements
Photograph of a student studying Geography next to a globe

The course consists of three externally examined
papers and one coursework component:

Paper 1 (2 hours and 15 minutes: 105 marks: 30% of qualification)

  • Tectonic Processes and Hazards
  • Coastal Landscapes and Change
  • The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
  • The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security

Paper 2 (2 hours and 15 minutes: 105 marks: 30% of qualification)

  • Regenerating Places
  • Globalisation
  • Health, Human Rights and Intervention
  • Superpowers

Paper 3 (2 hours and 15 minutes : 70 marks: 20% of qualification)

Synoptic investigation based on three compulsory areas:

  • Players
  • Attitudes and actions
  • Futures and uncertainties

Questions may relate to any of the four core topics

Coursework: Independent Investigation (non- examined assessment : 70 marks: 20 % of qualification)

Written report of 3,000-4,000 words on any topic relating to the compulsory or optional specification content.

Geography is currently the second most employable degree and lends itself to any career that requires candidates to be versatile and have broad range of skills.

Possible career routes include –

  • Accountancy
  • CEO
  • Development/Charity work
  • Environmental management
  • Event management
  • Flood management
  • Hazard management
  • Local government
  • Pilot
  • Teacher
  • Town Planning
  • Quantity surveyor

This course requires a compulsory residential trip. For more information about this trip please see the Trips and Travel page

Past trips have included Universities and Museums.

Related Courses

Skip Courses

Applied Science BTEC (AAQ)

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Applied Science (Extended Certificate) is designed for post-16 students interested in pursuing science beyond GCSE. Equivalent to one A Level[...]

Photograph of an applied science student conducting an experiment

Biology

Biology involves the study of a wide range of exciting topics, ranging from molecular biology to the study of ecosystems and from micro-organisms to mammoths. Biology is never far from[...]

Photograph of a biology student with books and some plants.

Business

Business studies students study a variety of topics related to strategy and decision making. One day you may be a manager in a business related to your chosen subject area[...]

Photograph of a business student

Environmental Science

This course provides an ideal base for employment, for example, ecology and wildlife conservation, land management, town planning, architecture, forestry, geology or climatology. Students could work for a charity like[...]

Photograph of Environmental Science student studying.

Geology

Geology is the study of the earth’s past, present and future. The course involves study of a broad range of traditional geology such as Palaeontology and structural geology, balanced with[...]

Photograph of a student revising for a Geology exam

Statistics

Using and understanding data is becoming increasingly important in many areas of study and employment. Understanding of statistics is a crucial skill, and this A Level aims to give students[...]

Photograph of a student with a calculator
News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Our Ex-Principal Ambrose Smith has kindly delivered a lecture about the dangers of climate change to all L6 students through the RE programme. In the spirit of ‘Laudato Si’ and our call to care for our common home, Ambrose reminded students of the scientific facts of climate change, particularly focussing on the absorption of infrared […]

Photograph of Ambrose Smith delivering a talk on climate change

Aquinas College was honoured to welcome Cardinal Giorgio Marengo for a special talk and Q&A session with students from Aquinas and St James. Cardinal Marengo, who serves in Mongolia, shared stories from his ministry and spoke openly about faith, community, and his experiences working in a very different cultural and social context. Students listened attentively […]

Photograph of cardinal Cardinal Giorgio Marengo answering questions from students.

This year our Feast Day celebration was dedicated to working for the common good whilst living life to the full. We marked this celebration as part of a theme week with several special moments including a Feast Day competition with amazing prizes, a sporting event led by our PE department and a bake sale led […]

Photograph of students and staff attending a feast service in the chapel.

Adam Swayne, Deputy Head of School of Keyboard Studies at the Royal Northern College of Music visited college on Thursday 15th January. A group of music students performed and received excellent detailed coaching and guidance on how to improve their performance. This is particularly timely for upper sixth students who will have their A Level […]

Photograph of a student receiving tuition from the Royal Northern College of Music