Edexcel A Level Geography specification (9GE0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel A Level Geography exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel A Level Geography specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel A Level Geography (9GE0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Advanced GCE in Geography is designed to enable students to develop a deep understanding of physical and human geography, and to engage critically with real-world issues. It encourages an appreciation of the complexity of people–environment interactions and promotes geographical enquiry through fieldwork and independent investigation. Students develop as reflective, independent thinkers with the ability to apply geographical knowledge and understanding to new contexts, making well-evidenced decisions. The qualification supports progression to higher education and careers in a wide range of sectors including environmental management, urban planning, geopolitics, and sustainability.Subject content breakdown
Topic 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards
- Plate tectonics theory and processes
- Hazard impacts and vulnerability
- Management and mitigation strategies
Topic 2: Landscape Systems, Processes and Change
- Option of Coastal Landscapes and Change or Glaciated Landscapes and Change
- Systems approach to landscape formation and change
- Human intervention and climate change impacts
Topic 3: Globalisation
- Globalisation processes and impacts
- Global shift, interdependence, and global groupings
- Social, political and environmental consequences
Topic 4: Shaping Places
- Option of Regenerating Places or Diverse Places
- Place characteristics, change and perception
- Economic change and community engagement
Topic 5: The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity
- Physical processes and the global hydrological cycle
- Human impacts and water insecurity
- Strategies and management approaches
Topic 6: The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security
- Role of the carbon cycle and stores
- Energy security and future uncertainties
- Mitigation and adaptation strategies
Topic 7: Superpowers
- Superpower characteristics and patterns
- Geopolitical and economic influence
- Challenges to dominance and emerging powers
Topic 8: Global Development and Connections
- Option of Health, Human Rights and Intervention or Migration, Identity and Sovereignty
- Development indicators and inequality
- Governance, intervention and sovereignty issues
Independent Investigation
- Fieldwork-based project
- Student-defined question with data collection and analysis
Assessment structure
Paper 1: Physical Geography
- Topics 1, 2, 5 and 6
- Section A: Tectonics (compulsory)
- Section B: Landscape (one from two options)
- Section C: Water and Carbon Cycles (both)
- 2 hours 15 minutes, 105 marks
- 30% of qualification
Paper 2: Human Geography
- Topics 3, 4, 7 and 8
- Section A: Globalisation (compulsory)
- Section B: Shaping Places (one from two options)
- Section C: Superpowers and one optional Topic 8
- 2 hours 15 minutes, 105 marks
- 30% of qualification
Paper 3: Synoptic Investigation of a Geographical Issue
- Based on a geographical issue rooted in the core content
- Includes synoptic themes: players, attitudes and futures
- 2 hours 15 minutes, 70 marks
- 20% of qualification
Independent Investigation
- Student-led enquiry with fieldwork
- 3000–4000 word report
- Assessed by teachers and moderated externally
- 20% of qualification
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel A Level Geography isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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