A Level Geography

Course overview

Geography is a relevant, dynamic and wide-ranging subject, which seeks to challenge, engage and inspire you towards achieving a greater understanding of the world in which we live. You will develop a knowledge and understanding of both physical and human geographical concepts and processes, along with the necessary geographical skills to enable you to progress through on to Higher Education and/or employment. Geography links extremely well with an exceptionally wide range of other disciplines in the Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

A variety of teaching and learning strategies are used in class, for example paired/group practical work, the use of ILT as well as individual learning and activities. Fieldwork is also undertaken to provide you with 'real life' experiences of the geography concepts covered in class.
You will cover a very wide range of topics across the two year course.

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY: COMPONENT 1
The Physical Geography topics undertaken in Component 1 are Coastal Systems and Landscapes. This unit focuses on coasts as natural systems, the systems and processes that create and shape coasts, how varied coastal landscapes develop and how the coast is managed sustainably.

The second physical unit covered will be Water and the Carbon cycles. This unit focuses on where water is stored in the planet and its influences on the physical landscape. Carbon cycles will also be investigated with a focus on how carbon is stored and how the stores are changing due to a variety of different factors.

The final physical unit covered is hazards. In this unit students will focus on a variety of hazards such as volcanoes and earthquakes and storms and wild fires. They will explore the origin and nature of these hazards and the various ways in which humans respond to them.

HUMAN GEOGRAPHY: COMPONENT 2
The Human Geography topic taught will be contemporary urban environments which focuses on urban growth and change. There will be a focus on the challenges and issues that arise from living in these environments, in particular looking at the potential for environmental sustainability.

The second unit to be taught is global systems and global governance which focuses on globalisation. Trade and access to markets and the governance of global commons are a few of the issues discussed in this unit.

Changing places is the final unit and focuses on people's engagement with places, their experiences of them and the qualities they ascribe to them. There will be an in-depth study of a local place and distant place in this unit.

A range of geographical skills will also be taught throughout the year and there will be the opportunity to stay over in Aberystwyth to conduct a variety of urban and coastal fieldwork.

What else do I need to know?

Reading around the subject and keeping up to date with world events is a great way of preparing for A Level Geography so keep an eye on the big stories via the TV news, Internet and newspapers. There is never a day without a good Geography related news item or story!

Find yourself reaching higher on our Honours Programme.
Step up to a top university or move into a competitive programme like Medicine or Law with our Honours Programme. Perfect for ambitious and high-achieving students.
The Honours Programme is an additional pathway for students whose aspirations are to progress onto highly competitive courses at top universities, such as those in the Russell Group. Once accepted onto the programme, you’ll be expected to commit extra time every week to this intensive support pathway.
Find out more here