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 –

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

Applied Science BTEC

BTEC Nationals are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the signature vocational qualification at Level 3. They provide progression to the workplace either directly or via study at[...]

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

The WJEC-Eduqas A Level in Geology is a linear course with a final exam at the end of two years. It provides a comprehensive coverage of the knowledge and understanding[...]

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

We are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new website! This platform marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. Designed to support academic success and enhance the student experience, our new website serves as a central hub for information, events, news, and resources related to life at Aquinas College.

Screenshot of the new website

I am thrilled for Aquinas students who have produced another outstanding set of results. Over 58% of A level results have been at the highest grades of A*, A or B, with a 99% pass rate. In addition, 70% of Vocational grades were at Distinction* or Distinction grades with a 100% pass rate. These amazing […]

Aquinas students celebrate their A level results

On Wednesday 19th June the media department took a group of students to visit the excellent facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)’s Media Factory. The students were given a tour of the facilities including a state of the art fully functioning TV studio.

Photograph of inside the Media Factory's TV studio control room.

You can never rely on the British weather, from pouring down rain, to beautiful blue sky, our L6 successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold practice expedition. What an amazing, all be it, wet, experience they had. Their resilience shown to keep going, support each other and work as a team to finish what was […]

Photoshop of students walking up a hill