Oxford AQA International AS Geography specification (9636)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Oxford AQA International 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 Oxford AQA International 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 Oxford AQA International AS Geography (9636) 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 Oxford AQA specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OxfordAQA International AS in Geography encourages students to understand and evaluate human and physical environments through contemporary case studies and synoptic thinking. The course promotes independent enquiry and the use of geographical models to explain natural processes and human interactions. It helps learners develop spatial awareness and decision-making skills, preparing them for further study and participation in global issues such as climate change, urbanisation and resource management.
Subject content breakdown
Unit 1: Physical geography
- Water and carbon cycles
- Inputs, outputs, stores and flows in drainage basins and carbon systems
Natural and human impacts on water and carbon cycles
- Coasts and coastal systems
- Systems approach to coastal landscapes
- Coastal processes, landforms and sea-level change
Coastal management and stakeholder conflict
- Hazards
- Earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical storms
- Hazard perception and responses
- Risk management and resilience
Unit 2: Human geography
- Global systems and global governance
- Globalisation, trade, migration and governance
- Role of organisations (e.g. UN, WTO) and TNCs
International issues like climate agreements
- Changing places
- Place meaning, identity and representation
- Continuity and change in urban and rural areas
Quantitative and qualitative sources
- Contemporary urban environments
- Urbanisation and challenges in LICs/HICs
- Urban climate, sustainability and regeneration
Assessment structure
Unit 1: Physical geography
- Written exam: 3 hours
- 120 marks
- Section A: one compulsory water and carbon cycles question
- Section B: one optional question from coasts or hazards
- Each section includes structured and extended writing tasks
- 50% of AS Level (also 25% of A Level)
Unit 2: Human geography
- Written exam: 3 hours
- 120 marks
- Section A: one compulsory global systems and governance question
- Section B: one optional question from changing places or urban environments
- Structured responses including synoptic thinking and analysis
50% of AS Level (also 25% of A Level)
- AS can be taken as a standalone qualification
- Exams available in May/June
- Grading: A–E (AS Level)
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Oxford AQA International 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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