Edexcel International A Level (IAL) Geography specification (YGE01)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel International A Level (IAL) 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.
Examiner-written revision resources that improve your grades 2x
- Written by expert teachers and examiners
- Aligned to exam specifications
- Everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t
In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel International A Level (IAL) 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 International A Level (IAL) Geography (YGE01) 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 OxfordAQA International A Level in Geography provides students with the skills to understand and analyse human and physical environments at local, national and global scales. The course encourages independent thinking, critical enquiry and informed discussion of key contemporary issues such as climate change, globalisation, migration and resource management. It promotes fieldwork and investigative techniques, supporting progression to geography-related university courses and careers. Students apply geographical models and concepts to real-world contexts and develop an appreciation of spatial variation, interdependence, and sustainability.
Subject content breakdown
1. Physical geography
- Water and carbon cycles
- Coasts and coastal systems
- Hazards and natural disaster responses
2. Human geography
- Global systems and global governance
- Changing places: meaning and identity
- Contemporary urban environments
3. Geographical fieldwork investigation
- Design and implementation of geographical enquiries
- Primary and secondary data collection and analysis
- Presentation and evaluation of findings
4. Geography synoptic themes
- People-environment relationships
- Scale and connectedness
- Attitudes, values and decision-making
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Physical and human geography
- Written exam: 3 hours
- 120 marks
- Section A: physical geography
- Section B: human geography
- Each section includes structured questions and extended writing
- 50% of A Level
Unit 2: Fieldwork and synoptic assessment
- Written exam: 3 hours
- 120 marks
- Section A: fieldwork-based analysis and evaluation
- Section B: synoptic essay linking key geographical concepts
50% of A Level
- No separate AS qualification
- Assessment available May/June only
- Grading: A*–E
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel International A Level (IAL) 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.
Share this article