Course Overview

Entry requirements

GCSE Average Points Score: 4.25, Grade 5 English Language GCSE, Grade 5 Maths GCSE, GCSE Science 4

Course information

A Level Geography is recognised by the Russell Group as a facilitating subject, supporting entry into many university courses. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency, Geography graduates are among the least likely to be unemployed after graduation.

The A Level course

Geography is a relevant and current subject, helping us understand global and national issues like climate change, food security, land degradation, disease spread, migration, and economic change. New geographical research is vital in addressing these challenges. The course develops valuable transferable skills. Geography students are numerate, literate, analytical, good team workers, culturally aware, and environmentally conscious. They are problem-solvers with strong computer skills and fieldwork experience.

Students learn statistical techniques like standard deviation, Spearman's rank, and chi-squared, often applying them in their NEA projects to support critical analysis and higher grades. Fieldwork is compulsory; students must complete 4 days to be eligible for the exam. A 4-day residential trip to the Isle of Arran (approx. £400) is planned to meet this requirement and support the NEA and course content. Financial support may be available—contact student finance or your teacher for details.

Fieldtrip Details

The Geography fieldtrip to the Lochranza Outdoor Education and Activity Centre https://www.lochranzacentre.co.uk/, involves a residential stay to conduct geography fieldwork on the Isle of Arran, Scotland.

The trip supports NEA data collection and course topics including Water and Carbon Cycles, Coastal Systems, and Changing Places. The NEA, worth 20% of the final grade, assesses students' ability to use methods to investigate, analyse, and evaluate geographical questions. Students will explore the River Easan drainage basin and issues in sustainable management, helping to apply classroom learning and prepare for their independent investigation, conducted between July and January.

Key topics

Water and Carbon Cycles: hydrological cycle; carbon cycle; global climate change; tropical rainforests; river catchment case studies (River Easan, Ganges).
Changing Places: nature and importance of place; relationships, connections, meaning and representation; local study (Havering) and a contrasting distant place.
Coastal Systems and Landscapes: coastal processes and systems; landscape development; coastal management; case studies (Canvey Island, Holderness, Sundarbans).
Global Systems and Global Governance.
Hazards.
Population and the Environment.
Fieldwork and Methods: independent NEA investigation; statistical skills (standard deviation, Spearman’s rank, chi-squared).

How you are assessed

The Physical Geography component will be assessed in a two and a half hour written exam, as will the Human Geography component. These exams will be sat at the end of the second year of the course. Each exam will be worth 40% of the final mark. Students will also complete a Geography Fieldwork investigation (Non-Exam Assessment NEA) of 4,000 words (suggested word limit), which will be assessed by teachers and will account for 20% of the final mark.
Why study at NCC?
- We are Ofsted-rated Outstanding, so you can expect exceptional teaching and support you can trust
- Expert tutors bring real-world industry experience into every lesson
- Flexible learning options let you tailor study to your life and ambitions
- Broad career pathways: from entry level through to professional qualifications
- One-to-one support with academic advice, wellbeing services and financial guidance
- Modern, industry-standard facilities: labs, workshops, digital tools and performance spaces
- Courses co-designed with employers to match local and national job markets
- Strong employer partnerships offer placements, live projects and networking opportunities
- A supportive, inclusive community where you can flourish and succeed
If you’re aiming for university, a top career, or just want to keep your options open, A Levels at New City College give you the perfect springboard.

You’ll study in a focused, supportive environment at our specialist sixth form campuses, choosing from a wide range of subjects to create the right combination for your goals. Alongside your studies, you’ll develop key skills in critical thinking, research, communication and leadership, all highly valued by universities and employers.

With strong links to top universities and regular support from expert tutors, you’ll get the guidance you need to progress to higher education, apprenticeships, or straight into the world of work. Plus, enrichment opportunities like guest speakers, study trips, university visits and societies make your time with us more than just classroom learning.

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Dates

Start: 01/09/2026

End: 26/05/2028

Choose this course

What Can This Course Lead To

Progress to university, further study, a higher level apprenticeship or employment.

Geography is a facilitating subject for Russell Group universities. Choosing Geography will leave open a wide range of options for university courses in the Humanities, Arts and Sciences. Students go on to study Geography or related degrees such as environmental science, geology and urban planning. Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment with careers including transport planning, environmental consultancy and geography teaching. Other students have gone on to internships, apprenticeships or direct into employment.

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