Geography A Level

A Level Geography explores the physical and human processes shaping our world. Studying the Eduqas course, you’ll investigate issues such as tectonic hazards, climate change, global governance, changing places, and the water and carbon cycles.

Through fieldwork and classroom study, you’ll develop skills in research, data analysis, and problem-solving, alongside experience with tools like GIS. At Stoke Sixth Form College, you’ll be supported by expert teachers in small classes. Geography is highly regarded by universities and employers, bridging sciences and humanities and leading to diverse careers from planning to environmental management, law, and journalism.

Component 1: Changing Landscapes and Changing Places

• We focus on Coastal Landscapes, exploring wave processes, coastal landforms, and how human activity and climate change are shaping our coastlines. You’ll also study Changing Places, looking at how urban and rural places evolve over time, and how they are represented through media, culture, and lived experience.

Component 2: Global Systems and Global Governance

• This includes two core topics:
• Water and Carbon Cycles, examining how these critical natural systems operate and interact
• Global Governance, where you’ll explore global migration and how the world manages its oceans.

Component 3: Contemporary Themes in Geography

• You’ll study three fascinating topics:
• Tectonic Hazards, including earthquakes, volcanoes and risk management
• India, where we explore the country’s physical geography, demographic trends, and its rapid economic development
• Energy, focusing on global energy supply, demand, sustainability, and the challenges we face in transitioning to renewable sources.

Component 4: Independent Investigation (NEA)

• You’ll carry out a fieldwork-based investigation on a topic of your choice — a great opportunity to apply your skills and interests to a real-world issue.

Exams: 80%
Coursework: 20%

Are you curious about the world — how it works, how it’s changing, and how people and places are connected? If so, A Level Geography could be the perfect subject for you!

You’ll thrive on this course if you:

• Have a genuine interest in global issues like climate change, migration, development, and natural hazards.
• Enjoy asking big questions — Why do some coasts erode faster than others? What makes a city thrive?
• Notice patterns in the world around you and like reflecting on how places change.
• Enjoy reading, researching, and exploring ideas in more depth through news, documentaries, and case studies.
• Like working with a mix of skills — from writing and debate to analysing maps, graphs, and data.
• Want to get outside the classroom for fieldwork, case studies, and independent investigations.

A Level Geography develops critical thinking, data skills, independent research, and a deep understanding of people and places — all highly valued by universities and employers.

After this course, students have gone on to:

• University Degrees – Including Geography, Environmental Science, International Development, Politics, Urban Planning, Geology, and Global Studies, at universities such as Nottingham, Birmingham, and Aberystwyth.
• Degree Apprenticeships – Combining study and paid employment in fields such as Professional Piloting with British Airways and Quantity Surveying.
• Geography-Inspired Careers – In urban planning, environmental consultancy, transport, construction, GIS and mapping, conservation, international aid, journalism, and teaching.