Geography (A-level)

The A-level Geography course encourages learners to apply geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. In turn this will enable learners to develop a critical understanding of the world’s people, places and environments in the 21st century. Learners should be able to develop both knowledge and understanding of contemporary geographical concepts together with transferable skills that will enable them to progress to higher education and a range of employment opportunities.

You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language at grade 5 and Maths at grade 4.

A GCSE in Geography is not a pre-requisite. However, if you have studied it, a grade 5 is required.

A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.

It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.

Component 1: Changing Landscapes and Changing Places

Coastal or glacial landscapes, rural-urban continuum, deindustrialisation, the decline of the high street and rise of Internet shopping, the rebranding of places, segregation and inequality in towns and cities.

Component 2: Global Systems and Global Governance

Water and carbon cycles, carbon storage in different ecosystems, globalisation, economic migration, movement of refugees, sovereignty of ocean resources and managing ocean environments.

Component 3: Contemporary Themes in Geography

Volcanic and seismic events, hazard management, hazard perception and vulnerability, ecosystems, weather and climate, and development in an African context.

Component 4: Independent Investigation (coursework)

The independent investigation must be based on a question or issue defined and developed by you individually, and must relate to the specification content.

This course will be delivered on-site at the Joseph Wright Centre.

N/A

Component 1: Changing Landscapes and Changing Places

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes – 30% of qualification.

Component 2: Global Systems and Global Governance

Written examination: 2 hours 15 minutes – 30% of qualification.

Component 3: Contemporary Themes in Geography

Written examination: 2 hours – 20% of qualification.

Component 4: Independent Investigation (coursework)

Non-exam assessment: 3000 to 4000 words – 20% of qualification.

Further study 

You can progress to university study in fields such as:

• Geography
• Humanities
• Geology
• Environmental Management
• Sociology
• Marine Biology
• Geographical Information Systems

Careers 

This A-level is valuable for careers in areas such as:

• Social work
• Town planning
• Surveying
• Environmental protection/conservation
• Law
• GIS analysis
• Teaching

For more information contact Derby College on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk