Courses / GCSE / Geography IGCSE

Geography IGCSE

CAIE IGCSE
Geography is a vast and fascinating subject, and our distance learning IGCSE Geography course provides a great overview of its two main branches: physical geography and human geography.
Trustpilot Rated 4.6/5 :: 2,320 reviews
  Fast Track
  98% Pass Rate
  Exam Pass Guarantee
  Online Learning
  Unlimited Tutor Support

Overview

The planet we live on is complex, beautiful, and fascinating. From the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, there’s so much to discover and explore. If you’d love to learn more about our natural environment, as well as the impact that humankind has upon it and our strategies to live sustainably, then IGCSE Geography is a great choice.

As you study, you’ll develop invaluable transferable skills that will prepare you for employment or higher education.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Population and Settlement

    • Population dynamics
    • Reasons for high and low birth rates
    • Reasons for high and low death rates
    • The ‘One Child’ Policy
    • Migration
    • Population structure
    • Reading population pyramids
    • Ageing populations
    • Dependant populations
    • Youthful populations
    • Population density and distribution
    • Factors influencing population
    • The Sphere of Influence
    • Settlement hierarchy
    • Types of settlements
    • Urban settlements
    • Urban land use
    • The Burgess (Concentric Ring) Model
    • Central Business Districts (CBD)
    • The Hoyt (Sector) Model

  2. Unit 2a - The Natural Environment: Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and Rivers

    • What causes earthquakes to occur?
    • The Richter and Mercalli Scales
    • The different types of volcano
    • Hazards, effects, and responses
    • The characteristics of rivers
    • The Global Hydrological Cycle
    • Drainage basins
    • River profiles, courses, and processes
    • Waterfalls and gorges
    • Levees, dams, and reservoirs
    • Flooding and management

  3. Unit 2b - The Natural Environment: Coasts, Weather, Climate, and Natural Vegetation

    • Waves
    • Coastal erosional processes
    • Formation of headlands and bays
    • Formation of cliffs and wave-cut platforms
    • Characteristics of a cave, arch and stack
    • Depositional landforms
    • Sand dunes
    • Formation of beaches
    • Coastline management
    • Coral reefs
    • Mangrove swamps
    • The difference between weather and climate
    • Instruments used to measure weather
    • Cloud types
    • How clouds form
    • Cloud cover
    • The layers of tropical rainforests
    • Nutrient cycling
    • Causes and impacts of deforestation
    • Sustainable management strategies
    • Deserts

  4. Unit 3a - Economic Development: Development, Food Production, Industry

    • Development indicators
    • The Human Development Index (HDI)
    • Uneven development
    • The Clarke Fisher Model
    • Causes of economic change
    • Globalisation
    • Transnational corporations (TNCs)
    • The different types of agriculture
    • Causes of food shortages
    • The effects of food shortages
    • Solutions to food shortages
    • Types of industry
    • Factors influencing the location of an industry

  5. Unit 3b - Economic Development: Tourism, Energy, Water, Environmental Risks

    • Why tourism has increased
    • Environmental, economic, and social impacts of tourism
    • Energy security
    • Sources of energy
    • Global demand for water
    • The impact of water shortages
    • Reservoirs and aquifers
    • Soil erosion
    • Desertification
    • The Greenhouse Effect
    • Resource conservation

  6. Unit 4 - Fieldwork

    • Preparing for Paper 4
    • Qualitative and quantitative data
    • Discrete and continuous data
    • Graphs and charts
    • Choropleth Maps
    • Isoline Maps
    • Desire Line Maps
    • Flow Line Maps
    • Dot Maps
    • Proportional Symbols
    • River fieldwork
    • Measuring river velocity, depth, and width
    • Measuring wetted perimeter and discharge of rivers
    • The methodology for an urban enquiry
    • The risks to be considered for an urban enquiry

  7. Unit 5 - Preparing for the Paper 1 Examination

    • Preparation for Paper 1
    • Practice Paper 1

  8. Unit 6 - Preparing for the Paper 2 Examination

    • Preparation for Paper 2
    • Practice Paper 2

Awarding Body

cambridge-assessment-caieCambridge 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.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive an IGCSE in Geography, issued by CAIE. This syllabus (0976) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You’ll be required to complete two standard IGCSE written exams and one piece of coursework which will be marked by your tutor.

    • Assessment 1 – Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes, 45% of IGCSE, 75 marks weighted to 100 marks.

    • Assessment 2 – Written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes, 27.5% of IGCSE, 60 marks.

  • Assessment 3: Coursework (2000 words) or Written Exam (1 hour 30 minutes) – 27.5% of IGCSE, 60 marks.

We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.

During your course, you’ll be required to complete various assignments. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to monitor your progress.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this level two Geography IGCSE course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English.

Past Papers

You can access past papers for this course. They are free to access and cover a range of exam boards.

X812

Geography IGCSE

Course
Include exams (+£330)

Find out more about the exams here.

All done through MyOxbridge

Get a printed version delivered to you.

Pay £ by card or mobile payment

from £/month with OmniCapital

  Usual price   Usual price Add to basket 
Omni Capital

Courses Taught by Experts

Sarah

Education and Childcare

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Sarah

Laura

Health care

For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

Laura, tutor

Kelly

Counselling and Psychology

I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

Kelly, tutor

Penny

STEM and History of Art

Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

penny-tc_compressed

Faye

Early Years

Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

faye-h_compressed

FAQ

Searching now...

No answers found, but we might still be able to help

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education. At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true. Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed. On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same! If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success. Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before. If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as Geography, English Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for 'International General Certificate of Secondary Education'. Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

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.