What is A Level Geography?: Overview for Students
Written by: Jacque Cartwright
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Published
Contents
- 1. What is A Level Geography?: Quick Summary
- 2. Why Study Geography at A Level ?
- 3. What Does A-Level Geography Cover?
- 4. How is A-Level Geography Assessed?
- 5. What Are the Different Assessment Objectives?
- 6. What Skills Will Students Learn?
- 7. A-Level Geography Exam Boards
- 8. Top Tips for Success
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions about A-Level Geography
- 10. Boost Your Grades With Save My Exams
Thinking about taking A-Level Geography? Not sure what it's really all about? You're in the right place.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about A-Level Geography: what the course involves, why it's worth your time, how it's assessed, and what skills you'll develop along the way.
Whether you're a curious explorer or a future policymaker, Geography could be your perfect fit.
What is A Level Geography?: Quick Summary
A-Level Geography is a two-year course that helps students understand how our planet works, both physically and through human activity.
From climate change and coasts to global development and urban issues, this course dives deep into the world's most pressing challenges.
You'll learn how to analyse data, interpret maps, and explain why the world is the way it is.
Why Study Geography at A Level ?
Let’s be honest — the world is a mess. But Geography helps you make sense of it.
You’ll explore how floods, famines, migrations, and megacities shape our lives. You’ll discover how humans interact with the planet — sometimes wisely, often recklessly.
Geography gives you the tools to think critically about global issues and local impacts. It’s also a subject that keeps your options open.
Whether you're into science, politics, business, or the environment, Geography links to them all. Plus, it’s one of those subjects that universities and employers love — it shows you can think, evaluate, and solve real-world problems.
What Does A-Level Geography Cover?
The course is split between physical and human geography, with skills development running through everything. Typical topics include:
Physical Geography: Coasts, water and carbon cycles, hazards, ecosystems
Human Geography: Global systems, urban environments, population and resources
Fieldwork: A non-examined investigation (NEA) based on your own research
Geographical skills: Cartography, statistical analysis, data interpretation
Want the full topic list? Check out our A-Level Geography Topics page.
How is A-Level Geography Assessed?
Assessments vary by exam board, but here’s a general breakdown
OCR H481
Component | Marks | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
Physical systems (01) | 66 | 1 hour 30 mins | 22% |
Human interaction (02) | 66 | 1 hour 30 mins | 22% |
Geographical debates (03) | 108 | 2 hours 30 mins | 36% |
Investigative geography NEA (04/05) | 60 | 3,000–4,000-word written report marked by teachers and moderated by OCR | 20% |
AQA 7037
Component | Marks | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
Physical geography (01) | 120 | 2 hours 30 mins | 40% |
Human geography (02) | 120 | 2 hours 30 mins | 40% |
Geographical investigation (03) | 60 | 3,000–4,000-word written report marked by teachers and moderated by AQA | 20% |
Edexcel 9GEO
Component | Marks | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
Physical geography (01) | 105 | 2 hours 15 mins | 30% |
Human geography (02) | 105 | 2 hours 15 mins | 30% |
Geographical issues (03) | 70 | 2 hours 15 mins | 20% |
Independent Investigation (04) | 70 | 3,000–4,000-word written report marked by teachers and moderated by AQA | 20% |
What Are the Different Assessment Objectives?
Assessment Objectives (AOs) show what examiners are looking for. They vary slightly by board, but here’s a general breakdown:
AO | Description |
AO1: Knowledge and understanding | Make use of different quantitative, qualitative, and fieldwork skills that are relevant. |
AO2: Apply knowledge and understanding in different contexts | Interpret, analyse, and assess geographical data and issues by using understanding and skills in various situations. |
AO3: Use a variety of relevant quantitative, qualitative and fieldwork skills | Make sure to use different skills like numbers, observations, and hands-on research to: ● look into geographical questions and problems ● understand, break down, and assess data and evidence ● build arguments and come to conclusions |
What Skills Will Students Learn?
Critical Thinking
You’ll assess different views, challenge assumptions, and build arguments backed by evidence.Data Analysis
From climate graphs to census tables, you’ll learn to interpret all sorts of geographical data.Fieldwork
Design your own investigation and gather real data in the great outdoors (or your nearest urban sprawl).Communication
Whether it’s writing essays or presenting findings, you’ll hone your ability to explain complex ideas clearly.Problem-Solving
Apply geographical knowledge to real-world scenarios — floods, food shortages, urban expansion — and propose solutions.
A-Level Geography Exam Boards
Here are the main UK exam boards and what they offer:
AQA – Broad, balanced course with strong links between physical and human geography
Edexcel – Lots of case studies and a strong focus on global issues
OCR – Flexible topic choices, with a big emphasis on sustainability
Each board has a slightly different flavour, but they all hit the key geographical themes. Make sure to check your school’s exam board.
Top Tips for Success
Revise actively. Don’t just read – use flashcards, quiz yourself, and teach your mates.
Get case-study savvy. Nail 3–4 examples per topic and know them inside out.
Plan your NEA early. Pick a topic you care about — it’ll show in your work.
Want more tips? Check out our How to Revise A-Level Geography guide.
Frequently Asked Questions about A-Level Geography
It’s not a walk in the park — unless your fieldwork takes you there. It’s a challenging subject, but if you’re curious and committed, you’ll do well.
Is A-Level Geography easy to pass?
It’s not the easiest, but with consistent revision and good exam technique, most students pass comfortably.
What careers can A-Level Geography lead to?
Geography leads to many career paths:
environmental science
urban planning
international development
teaching
GIS analysis
journalism
law, and more.
Many of these roles are in growing sectors focused on sustainability and global change.
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