OCR AS Geography specification (H081)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR AS 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 AS 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 AS Geography (H081) 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
The OCR AS Level in Geography develops students’ understanding of both physical and human environments and their interdependence. It encourages learners to think like geographers—exploring place, space, diversity and interrelationships. The course supports the development of enquiry skills, critical thinking, and geographical analysis through real-world issues and fieldwork. Students investigate dynamic processes and contemporary challenges, gaining a solid foundation for further geographical study and engaged citizenship.Subject content breakdown
Component 01: Landscape and place
1.1 Landscape systems
- Coastal or glaciated landscapes: landform development, processes, weathering, mass movement, climate, geology
- Role of water and carbon cycles in landscape systems
- Human activity and landscape change
- Case studies of contrasting coastal or glaciated landscapes
1.2 Changing spaces; making places
- Meaning of place: insider and outsider perspectives
- Characteristics of place: demographic, socio-economic, cultural, political, built and natural environment
- Place representation: media and lived experience
- Place relationships, connections, and place meaning over time
- Place study: one contrasting pair of places
Component 02: Geographical debates
2.1 Climate change
- Evidence and causes of climate change
- Impacts on people and environment
- Responses and mitigation at various scales
2.2 Disease dilemmas
- Global patterns of disease
- Factors influencing disease spread
- Strategies for managing disease risk and mitigation
2.3 Exploring oceans
- Ocean-atmosphere interactions
- Human use of oceans: trade, pollution, energy
- Marine ecosystems and ocean management
2.4 Future of food
- Food security and production systems
- Globalisation of agriculture
- Sustainable food futures
2.5 Hazardous Earth
- Plate tectonics and hazard distribution
- Impacts of volcanic and seismic activity
- Hazard management strategies
Assessment structure
Landscape and place (Component 01)
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 65 marks
- Includes short and extended response questions
- Section A: Landscape systems (coastal or glaciated)
- Section B: Changing spaces; making places
- Worth 50% of AS Level
Geographical debates (Component 02)
- Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 65 marks
- Includes short and extended response questions
- Choose one topic from: Climate change, Disease dilemmas, Exploring oceans, Future of food, Hazardous Earth
- Worth 50% of AS Level
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR AS 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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