Why study Geography?
"The future of life on Earth is in our hands."
This powerful statement emphasises the critical role Geography plays in understanding and addressing global challenges, from climate change to sustainable economic development. Geography has appeal as arguably the most relevant and engaging A-level course for learners today.
Geography represents the intersection between sociology, politics, economics, history, biology and many more subjects. As a result of this diversity in study, it is no surprise that Geography is the best facilitating subject for university applications and the most employable degree.
Geographers are inquisitive, adventurous and driven to find out about the world. They are keen to develop a valuable understanding of the physical and human processes which produce the landscapes of today and they are interested in tackling the world's current problems.
If you want to know the answers to questions like "why was the 2020 wildfire seasons one of the worst in history?", "how will recent and predicted climatic change impact our coastlines?", "how can we build more liveable and sustainable cities?" or "what are the problems caused by unequal trade and migration?" then Geography is the subject for you.
What will I study? How will I be assessed?
The AQA A-level 7037 specification has three units:
- Physical geography: water and carbon cycles, coastal systems and landscapes and hazards.
- Human geography: global systems and global governance, changing places and contemporary urban environments
- Geography fieldwork investigation: non-examination assessment (NEA)
Unit 1 and 2 are assessed by examination whilst Unit 3 is a coursework assignment of 3,000 - 4,000 words long, which will present your independent analysis of data findings based on a project you have designed from start to finish.
What skills do I gain from Geography? Where can Geography lead?
Geography is an academically robust subject that will help you in your future studies and the world of work. You will develop an understanding of physical, social and economic processes and be able to plan, research, develop and test hypotheses and write reports. Geographers are numerate, literate and good team workers. You will learn to think analytically and critically as well as developing valuable computer skills. Moreover, The Department for Education found that female Geography university graduates earn over 10% more than the average female graduate.
You will find geographers working in a wide range of jobs, from finance to planning, working for environmental organisations to travel and tourism, law to international charities.
