Course Overview
Please note: you will make your selection of three A Levels once you have progressed into the application process.
A Level Geography is a subject that blends well with a wide range of other subjects including Humanities, Social Science and Science A Levels because of the broad range of topics studied.
The subject covers both human and physical geography which include topics such as piracy, human trafficking, climate change, plate tectonics, biodiversity, and many things in between.
You do not need to have studied geography at GCSE level, but this would be an advantage along with an interest in contemporary world issues.
Fieldwork is a vital part of this course and you will be spending at least four days in the field over the two-year course. We visit the Somerset Coast, Bristol Harbourside Redevelopment, Steart Salt Marshes, and the Quantock Hills. External speakers also attend the College to explore progression opportunities. Field trips help you develop skills such as data collection, presentation and analysis, drawing conclusions and evaluating your work. These skills are necessary to complete the coursework element of the course where you will conduct your own investigation into a topic of your choice. They are also very valuable skills for university and employment.
In conjunction with other similar subjects, we run international residential visits which have previously included trips to Italy and Iceland.
Topics may include:
- Changing coastal landscapes
- Changing places
- Tectonic hazards
- Ecosystems
- Water and carbon cycles
- Global governance: change and challenges
- China.
Over the two-year course, students will be spending at least four days in the field which will have a small transport and/or entrance fee. All students and parents/carers will be made aware of the trips in advance for payments to be made via the College online store.
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed through an independent fieldwork investigation, which is worth 20% of your overall A Level, as well as written examinations, with regular internal assessment taking place as the course unfolds.
Your final A Level exams will be made up of three exam papers covering the entire programme at the end of year two.
Progression Options
Geography leads to a wide range of degress choices / employment opportunities with the field, and is highly valued by universities as an A Level choice. It has also been classified by the Russell Group of universities as one of eight facilitating subjects. These are the subjects most likely to be required or preferred for entry to degree courses.
A Level geographers are also preferred by many employers because of the wide range of transferable skills that are acquired throughout the course.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range including English.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
