AS/A Level Geography

Key Details

Available at:
Rhos-on-Sea, Pwllheli, Rhyl, Dolgellau
Study Mode:
Full-time
Course Length:
1-2 years

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AS/A Level Geography

School Leavers

Dolgellau

Pwllheli

Rhos-on-Sea

Rhyl

Applying for more than one A Level?

You can apply from this page and you will have the opportunity to add your additional A Level subjects at the end of the application process. You can find the A Level subject grid to make your choices on our main A Level page.

Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.

Course Description

An AS/A level in Geography 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.

The course can be taken as part of a full-time programme of study, in conjunction with other AS/A Level subjects, or possible with vocational Level 3 qualifications.

The course can also be taken on a part-time basis by mature students.

The new WJEC Geography specification provides the opportunity to study a broad range of physical and human topics. It focuses on the dynamic nature of physical systems and processes in the real world, and on the interactions and connectivity between people, places and environments in both time and space.

The AS specification consists of two units which are examined externally:

AS Unit 1: Changing Landscapes

Section A: Changing Coastal Landscapes
Section B: Tectonic Hazards

AS Unit 2: Changing Places

Section A: Changing Places – settlement and population topics
Section B: Fieldwork Investigation – data response on fieldwork and the learner's own fieldwork investigation.

The A2 specification consists of two units which are examined externally, and an individual investigation which is assessed internally. The A2 specification includes:

A2 Unit 3: Global Systems and Global Governance

Section A: Global Systems Water and Carbon
Section B: Global Governance: Change and Challenges Processes and patterns of global migration and global governance of the Earth's oceans
Section C: 21st Century Challenges Units

A2 Unit 4: Contemporary Themes in Geography

Section A: Tectonic Hazards

Section B: Contemporary Themes in Geography; Ecosystems and Weather and Climate.

A2 Unit 5: Independent Investigation Non-exam assessment (3000 – 4000 words)

Entry Criteria

Applying for A Levels? Click ‘Apply Now’ on any of the subjects you are interested in studying. You will be able to specify your other two A Level choices during the online application process.

The A Level subject grids for each campus can be found in the guides on the A Level section of the website.

In order to qualify for this course, you will need the following:

6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including English or Welsh 1st Language
GCSE grade B in a Humanities or GCSE English or Welsh 1st Language grade B. GCSE Mathematics / Numeracy grade C. GCSE Geography not an essential prerequisite

As part of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview to give you the opportunity to discuss the course.

Progression to A Level is based on your performance at AS Level.

Delivery

The course is delivered through a blend of the following:

Classroom learning
Group discussions
Source materials and case studies
Fieldwork investigation or fieldwork theory.

Your programme will include a combination of:

Essential Skills qualifications and/or
GCSE resits and/or
The Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.

The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.

Essential Skills

This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills

GCSE resits

This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.

Maths & Welsh/English

If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.

Assessment

The course is assessed in the first year for the AS Level and in the second year for the A Level.

AS: 2 external examinations at the end of the 1st year (worth 40% of the total A Level); and
A2: two external exams at the end of the 2nd year (worth 60% of the total A Level).

Progression

Whether you gain the full A Level or just the AS Level, the course adds to your qualifications and helps you to progress. You will gain UCAS points and be able to apply for a range of Higher Education courses at many institutions. This includes degrees in Geography and related subjects, as well as many other options.

Geography is recognised as a preferred subject, or a facilitating subject, by the Russell Group of universities. Therefore, the course is good preparation for a range of undergraduate courses, whilst the skills acquired can also benefit students seeking employment. The course provides numerous opportunities for you to develop and apply key skills, as well as developing your attitudes, perceptions and values in a subject with high relevance to everyday life.

A new specification of Geography (WJEC, September 2016) offers opportunities to study a wide variety of physical and human subjects. It focuses on the dynamic nature of systems and physical processes in the real world, and on the interactions and connectivity between people, places and environments in terms of time and space.