OCR A Level Geography specification (H481)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR 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 OCR 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 OCR A Level Geography (H481) 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 OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
OCR’s A Level in Geography encourages learners to explore the relationships between people and environments, the challenges faced by societies today, and the dynamic processes shaping our world. With a strong focus on contemporary issues and critical thinking, the course promotes spatial awareness and field-based enquiry. Learners develop a nuanced understanding of place, scale, and interdependence while engaging with diverse themes such as climate change, migration, food security, and tectonic hazards. The course supports students in becoming global citizens equipped with analytical, evaluative, and research skills applicable in higher education and beyond:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Physical systems (H481/01)
- Landscape Systems: study one from Coastal, Glaciated or Dryland Landscapes; processes, landform development, climate/human impacts, case studies
- Earth’s Life Support Systems: water and carbon cycles, stores, flows, processes, feedback, tropical rainforest and Arctic tundra case studies
- Skills: sediment budget calculations, climate graphs, mass balance, statistical skills
Human interactions (H481/02)
- Changing Spaces; Making Places: place identity, perception, rebranding, inequality, role of players
- Global Connections: choose one from Trade or Migration and one from Human Rights or Sovereignty; explore flows, governance, global inequalities
- Skills: GIS, census interpretation, qualitative analysis
Geographical debates (H481/03) – choose two
- Climate Change: past trends, Anthropocene, feedbacks, mitigation/adaptation strategies
- Disease Dilemmas: disease diffusion, development links, eradication efforts, case studies
- Exploring Oceans: physical systems, resource use, pollution, geopolitics, climate change
- Future of Food: food security, globalisation, trade, inequality, indigenous strategies
- Hazardous Earth: plate tectonics, volcanic/seismic hazards, human impacts, mitigation
Investigative geography (H481/04 or 05)
- Independent investigation of 3000–4000 words
- Based on any topic from the specification
- Includes fieldwork (human or physical) and independent data analysis
- Must include both primary and secondary data:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Physical systems (H481/01)
- 1h 30m written paper; 66 marks; 22% of A Level
- Section A: one Landscape System option
- Section B: Earth’s Life Support Systems
- Includes short, medium, and extended response questions
Human interactions (H481/02)
- 1h 30m written paper; 66 marks; 22% of A Level
- Section A: Changing Spaces; Making Places
- Section B: two Global Connections options (e.g. Trade + Human Rights)
- Includes short, medium, and extended response questions
Geographical debates (H481/03)
- 2h 30m written paper; 108 marks; 36% of A Level
- Answer questions from two of five optional topics
- Includes short answer, 12-mark synoptic, and 33-mark extended response questions
Investigative geography (H481/04 or 05)
- Non-exam assessment (NEA); 60 marks; 20% of A Level
- 3000–4000 word independent investigation
- Internally assessed and externally moderated
- Must involve fieldwork; based on any part of the course:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR 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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