A-level Geography

The planet we live on is beautiful, complex and fascinating. From the rugged mountains to the deep blue oceans, theres so much to discover and explore. 

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All Oxbridge home learning courses are delivered to a high-quality standard with full access to course materials. If you prefer a printed copy of your course material, choose our print option. Note: extra charges will apply.

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Overview

Our world is incredibly complex, encompassing oceans, rainforests, mountains and deserts – it's no wonder humankind is fascinated by the planet we inhabit. In this engaging online geography A-level course, you'll delve into both physical and human geography, looking at humanity's relationship with the Earth and our ongoing efforts to live sustainably.  

In this A-level Geography course, you'll get to explore the systems of different landscapes, from dry deserts to coastal systems and dynamic glaciers! This will lead you to discover the hazards the natural environment faces when ecosystems are under stress and the implications of developing urban environments and globalisation. Highly prized by employers and universities alike, A-level Geography will teach you critical research, analysis and data presentation skills. 

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Physical geography – Hydrology, fluvial geomorphology

In unit one of A-level Geography, you’ll begin by studying the drainage basin system and the discharge relationships between drainage basins. You’ll study the main types of river processes – erosion, transportation and deposition – and where they operate, as well as gain an understanding of the characteristics and patterns of river flow. Moving on, you’ll look at the human impact on the hydrological cycle, including flooding and understand methods of prediction, prevention, mitigation and management.

Unit 2 - Physical geography – atmosphere and weather

In unit two, you’ll investigate the vertical structure of the atmosphere and its role as a heat engine and gain an understanding of the diurnal spatial and temporal variations in energy budgets. Moving on, you’ll look at the global energy budget and the global pattern of pressure and wind caused by temperature variations. You’ll also examine phase change, the relationship between actual air temperature and the temperature of rising air and much more!

Unit 3 - Physical geography - rocks and weathering

In unit three of CAIE A-level Geography, you’ll start by looking at plate tectonics, investigating the different types of plate boundaries along with the processes and landforms associated with them. Moving on, you’ll delve into chemical weathering processes, gaining an appreciation of the biological agents involved and the factors that can influence it. You’ll also study rocks and weathering, gaining insight into how human activity can significantly impact slope processes.

Unit 4 - Human geography - population

Moving on to human geography, this section will focus on population. You’ll examine the factors that can cause population increase and decrease and contrasting population structures. You’ll study demographic transition, along with population-resource relationships. Lastly, you’ll look at the management of natural population increase and the difficulties and strategies involved.

Unit 5 - Human geography - migration and settlement dynamics

In this unit of your online Geography course, you’ll study the concept of migration and the factors that can influence migratory patterns. You’ll look at the different forms migration can take, such as rural-urban migration, counter-urbanisation and intra-urban migration. Next, you’ll delve into international migration, including the reasons that this occurs at a collective and individual level. You’ll also understand the reasons for the growth and decline of rural settlements.

Unit 6 - Physical geography - tropical environments

To begin unit six, you’ll look at tropical climates and their unique characteristics, including weather patterns such as monsoons. You’ll study tropical ecosystems, the food chains that can exist within them, as well as nutrient cycling and vegetation. Next, you’ll investigate tropical landforms, the processes of tropical weathering and the effect this has on landforms of granite and limestone in the tropics. Finally, you’ll examine the sustainable management of tropical environments, the issues that can impact this and the strategies employed at a national and international level.

Unit 7 - Physical geography - hazardous environments

Unit seven will focus on hazardous environments, beginning with the geographical disasters that can occur due to tectonic plate shifting, such as earthquakes. Next, you’ll look at the hazards caused by mass movement caused either by natural processes or human activity. Moving on, you’ll examine how atmospheric disturbances can also cause hazards, such as cyclones or tornadoes. Finally, you’ll investigate sustainable management in hazardous environments, with a focus on case studies.

Unit 8 - Human geography - production, location and change

In unit eight, you’ll begin by taking a look at agricultural systems and the social, economic and political factors that can impact food production. You’ll examine the management of agricultural change through case studies and investigate the factors affecting the location of manufacturing, as well as the impact this has on related service industries.

Unit 9 - Human geography - global interdependence

The final unit will focus on global trade and the factors that can affect it, such as resource endowment and locational advantage. You’ll study the role of the World Trade Organisation and evaluate the impact that importing and exporting has on individual nations. You’ll also examine international debt and aid and how these issues are tackled by the international community as a whole. Moving on, you’ll look at the impact that tourism has on local and national economies, focusing on case studies which explain how tourism destinations are managed.

Extra info

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Awarding Body

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Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is the world’s largest provider of A-level courses and GCSE courses, qualifications and exams, delivering assessments to over 8 million learners in over 170 countries.

Recognised through UCAS

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This course carries UCAS points. This means that it can be used to gain direct access to University courses and other Higher Education, through the UCAS system.

Course Outcome

Upon successfully completing this home learning course, you will receive the qualification: A-level Geography, issued by Cambridge International. Your certificate is identical to that issued to students at any other school, college or university. 

This syllabus (9696) has been chosen by Oxbridge because it is best suited to distance learning. 

How is this course assessed or examined?

You can enrol now for A-level Geography examinations for Summer 2024. 

You'll be required to complete four standard A-level Geography written exams:

  • Paper 1: 1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of A-level, 60 marks 
  • Paper 2: 1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of A-level, 60 marks 
  • Paper 3:  1 hour 30 minutes, 25% of A-level, 60 marks 
  • Paper 4: 1 hour 30 minutes, 25 of A-level, 60 marks 

These exams contain a mixture of short and long answer questions and extended response questions. 

Entry requirements

A GCSE or equivalent in Geography is recommended for this course. This Geography A-level syllabus is a difficulty level three: the equivalent difficulty of an A-level or BTEC, which is usually suitable for most learners of all ages. 

FAQs

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How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them – find out more.

Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you’re not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date – all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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Can you provide a reference for my UCAS application?

Oxbridge is able to provide an academic reference for you however, we cannot provide a personal reference as this needs to be someone who knows you personally.

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Can I get predicted grades for my UCAS application?

Absolutely! We can process a predicted grade for you once you have completed a total of four assignments – this can be sent over to you via email or letter which can then be passed on to UCAS for your application.

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Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you’ll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule.

Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

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Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don’t worry – everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn’t get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

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Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.

Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it’s important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low – there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps…

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What can I do with my A-levels?

A-levels are a universal way to demonstrate academic competency in a multitude of disciplines. A-levels are subject-based qualifications that lead to either university, further study, training, or work. A-levels serve as a standardised way to demonstrate your academic ability and are very common entry requirements to most higher-level courses.

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Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you’re not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

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Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn’t one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

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Why study an online A-level course from home?

A-levels can be studied from home with Oxbridge, using our online platform. On average we find that students receive 20% higher grades and pass around 30% more quickly than in a traditional college.

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How long does it take to study an A-level?

It’s possible to study an A-level course both full-time and part-time. Normally students would study for two years, but with Oxbridge, you can also fast-track your course to complete it in one year.

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What A-Level courses should I take?

If you’re planning on going on to a degree, your chosen university will usually publish their entry requirements for each course on their website. See how these subjects feel and decide if you would enjoy them as they will form much of the base knowledge for your degree.

If you’re not entirely sure what to study, there are some standard subjects that many students choose to help them secure a place at a prestigious university, such as one of the Russell Group universities. These courses are known as the ‘facilitating courses’ and include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, Further Maths, Modern Languages and Classical Languages.

Generally speaking, taking two facilitating subjects will allow you to keep your progression options open. For further help and guidance, we have written a detailed guide on How to Choose A-Levels.

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How many UCAS points is an A-level course?

A-levels are the most common way to access university in the UK. The system in which this is done is called UCAS. This stands for: “the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service”. See the A-level UCAS tariff points breakdown below:

  • A* – 56
  • A – 48
  • B – 40
  • C – 32
  • D – 24
  • E – 16
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What are A-Levels?

A-levels (also known as Advanced level qualifications) entail in-depth study of a chosen subject in order to open doors to further study including University, training, and work.

A-levels courses tend to focus on specific academic subjects such as Mathematics, English and the Sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. The course material and the exams you take will be the same everywhere.

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Why study CAIE Geography A-level online?

Studying A-level Geography allows you to fit your studies into your busy lifestyle, without compromising the quality of your qualification. As you study, you’ll have unlimited tutor support, a clear induction and well-structured assignments to help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to prepare for the exam.

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What will I learn in A-level Geography?

During A-level Geography, you’ll develop your skills in both qualitative and quantitative approaches to gathering, processing and interpreting relevant information and data. You will learn about the fascinating phenomena of the natural world and much more.

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