International A Level Geography Course

International A Level Geography Course offers a natural progression from GCSE.  

The course will give students the opportunity to engage with the relationship of human populations to each other over space and time, study the relationship between human populations with their physical environment and consider their own role in relation to themes and issues being studied and the roles, values and attitudes of others including decision makers.

General Certificate of Education in Geography

Enrolment Fee:

£495.00

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Description


The Cambridge International A Level Geography course will widen your knowledge on physical and human topics, whilst developing your investigative abilities.  The syllabus builds on IGCSE Geography, however you do not need to have previously studies GCSE, in order to begin the course.

The course will include contemporary topics which provide and insight to the challenges  of the changing world.  It will also provide awareness of how studying Geography can help us understand environmental, social and economics issues.

Progression


After completing the A Level in Geography, you may want to specialise in certain areas such as environmental conservation, environmental management, oceanography, coastal and marine management or water resources.

Alternatively, you may want to progress to further study in teaching, surveying, planning or architecture.

Courses which complement the A Level Geography course include Marine Science, Business and Mathematics.

Cambridge Specification

Awarding Body: Cambridge

Course Code: 9696

Study Hours:  Recommended 300 – 360 hrs

Exams Available: June & November


Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)


Our Cambridge International A Level Geography provides a suitable foundation for the study of Geography or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in Planning, Subjects, Tourism, etc., or as part of a course of general education.


How will I benefit from the International A Level Geography Cambridge course?


The aims of the course are to enable learners to develop:

  • their understanding of geographical concepts and processes and use this to interpret and understand our changing world
  • a sense of place and space, and understand the importance of scale in geography
  • an understanding of the dynamic and complex interactions and interdependence between physical environments and human environments at various scales
  • the ability to interpret and evaluate different sources and types of information
  • a logical approach to extended writing in order to present a structured, coherent and evidence-based argument
  • into informed and responsible global citizens who recognise the challenges of the changing world and who can evaluate ideas about sustainability
  • an awareness of how the study of geography can help understand and solve contemporary environmental, social and economic problems.

Key Concepts


The key concepts for Cambridge International AS & A Level Geography are:

Scale

Considering the significance of spatial scale in interpreting environments, features and places from the local scale to the global scale.

Change over time

Recognising that changes happen over time, at timescales from geological time through to changes in hours.

Place

Reflecting on the physical characteristics and human characteristics which create distinctive places with different opportunities and challenges.

Spatial variation

Recognising how physical characteristics and human characteristics vary from place to place, identifying similarities and differences.

Cause and effect

Considering the contributing factors which explain geographical events, for example an earthquake or a migration flow, and consequences resulting from them.

Systems

Understanding how systems in geography, with their inputs, processes, stores and outputs, interact to make different environments and places.

Environmental interactions

Acknowledging that the interactions between people and the environment create the need for management.

Challenges and opportunities

Understanding physical and human environmental challenges, including climate change, and opportunities to introduce concepts such as sustainable development.

Diversity, equality and inclusion

Respecting human diversity across the world and how people from different groups (including people of different genders and ages, and people from different cultural or ethnic backgrounds) can contribute to solve challenges from the local scale to the global scale.


Cambridge Geography Content Overview


YEAR 1 – IAS

Core Physical Geography

  • Hydrology and fluvial geomorphology
  • Atmosphere and weather
  • Rocks and weathering

Core Human Geography

  • Population
  • Migration
  • Settlement dynamics

YEAR 2 – IA2

Two options from:

Advanced Physical Geography Options

  • Tropical environments
  • Coastal environments
  • Hazardous environments
  • Hot arid and semi-arid environments

and two options from:

Advanced Human Geography Options

  • Production, location and change
  • Environmental management
  • Global interdependence
  • Economic transition

 

Cambridge Assessment

There are three routes learners can take when completing exams for the Geography course with Cambridge

  1. AS Level Qualification only – Learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.
  2. Full A Level over 2 years – At the end of year 1, learners take all AS exam papers (Paper 1 & Paper 2) in one exam sitting.  In a separate exam sitting at the end of year 2, learners then take all A2 papers (Paper 3 & Paper 4).  If learners achieve a pass in all four papers, they will be awarded their Full A Level in Geography.
  3. Full A Level – Learners take all papers for AS and A2 in one sitting (Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3 & Paper 4).

Exam Papers


Paper 1: Core Physical Geography

Written Examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment Overview: Section A: Three data response questions (30 marks)

Section B: One structured question from a choice of three (30 marks)

60 marks

Paper 2: Core Human Geography

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview: Section A: Three data response questions (30 marks)

Section B: One structured question from a choice of three (30 marks)

60 marks

Paper 3: Advanced Physical Geography Options

Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview: Candidates answer questions on two of the optional topics.

Each topic consists of one structured question (10 marks) and a choice of essay questions (20 marks).

60 marks

Paper 4: Advanced Human Geography options

Practical examination: 1 hour 30 minutes

Availability: June and November

Assessment overview: Candidates answer questions on two of the optional topics.

Each topic consists of one structured question (10 marks) and a choice of essay questions (20 marks).

60 marks

Q&A

You do not need any prior learning knowledge or experience to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone who wishes to take part in a highly rewarding home study course, although you would be expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy.

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 2 years from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor. You do not have to wait until September, when a traditional school starts. 

Once you enrol, you will have access to our online portal 24/7. Here you will find study materials that have been specially prepared by your tutor, there will be assessments, study notes, eBooks and assignments all relating to your course. Everything in this course is structured to follow the course specification, so all topics and units cover everything you need to learn. Your tutor will mark your work and give you written feedback on areas you need to improve or explain what you have done well. You can also ask your tutor questions if you get stuck on a topic or need something explaining a little more. 

When you approach the exams, your tutor will set you a series of practise exam papers so that you can know what to expect in your exam, and you can go into them feeling confident.

You will be provided with eBooks for this course. If you want to purchase physical books in addition, then we can provide you with the book ISBN numbers.

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations (including any practicals they wish to take) at an approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

Most of our A Levels are available internationally. We offer A Levels with three different awarding bodies, AQA, Cambridge and Edexcel. If the course is only available via the AQA awarding body then of course you can still take our course, however the exams must be taken in the UK.

Cambridge, and Edexcel both have international exam centres, so you may be able to take the exams locally to you. Should you need any help, then please do get in touch and we can assist you on this. 

We recommend that you are able to dedicate between 300 and 360 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.

Yes, you can work at your own pace to complete this course. Despite having 24 months Tutor Support, once you enrol you will be asked when you wish to complete, and your tutor can work along side you to achieve this.

For example, any A-Level course undertaken has a recommended 360 guided learning hours. Breaking down a 360 hour course into 12 weeks, you would need to be able to commit to 30 hours per week of studying. It is entirely up to you the amount of time you can commit to studying. But with online learning, having the flexibility is a real advantage. This allows you to set the pace. Take your time or Fast-track, get the qualification when you need it.

Yes you will gain UCAS points and these depend on your final grade once you have completed your exams. 

For more information about UCAS points, please click here

All of our A Level awarding bodies will give you a full A Level qualification. There will be slight differences between the specifications and what you will actually learn. 

For the Science courses (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), there would be a difference in how you sit practical elements. 

AQA offers practicals but they are optional.

With the Cambridge exam board, you will be expected to perform the practical elements, they are compulsory. Which means finding an exam centre that has a lab for you to complete this. 

With Edexcel, the practical elements are all taught in theory and are assessed via a written exam, therefore you can sit your full exam at a typical Edexcel approved exam centre. 

More information about science practicals can be found here. 

In most cases yes, what we would ask is for the course codes that you have taken in sixth form/college and we will see if we can match them up. 

In most cases you can, If you go to the individual course page you should be able to see if this option is available for you. 

It is recommended that you aim to book your examinations 4/6 month prior to sitting them to avoid late entry fee charges.  Additionally, we would advise that you contact a few exam centres and find out the best price, as they can fluctuate greatly. 

You will sit the same exam as thousands of students across the country in an exam centre, and achieve the same qualification as everyone else. A-Level qualifications are recognised by the world’s best universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and career.

Just like sitting your A Levels in a school, your tutor will be able to provide you with predicted grades, and references for university applications. 

Of course, all of our courses are tailored to cover the entire specification and are split into topics. You will have assignments to complete on every topic where your tutor will give you feedback. If you are struggling with an aspect then you can message your tutor and they can provide more information for you.

As your exams approach, your tutor will set a series of exam papers for you to take, so you can get a feel for the real thing.

If you complete all of your assignments, and your practise exam papers then there is no reason why you shouldn’t achieve a top grade. 

What support will I receive?

The course will be delivered online and it will include Tutor Support for two years. All assignments are marked by one of our professional tutors who will offer regular feedback and guide you through your course. Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor and you must have access to email in order to contact your Tutor.

Throughout your course, you’ll have the support of a Tutor to guide you. Additionally, you can reach out to your Student Liaison Team for help with any other questions you may have. You can be assured that you will receive unlimited support for your home study course, so there is no need to struggle or feel isolated during your studies.

How do International Online A Levels work?

If you are a learner based outside the UK wishing to complete A Levels, you would need to opt for our International A Levels with either Cambridge or Edexcel. These awarding bodies allow you to sit exams worldwide.

For International A Levels, you will receive two years access to the learner portal along with tutor support. Marked and graded assignments are included with the course along with practise mock exam papers.

Learners applying to university can receive help with references and predicted grades. We provide support for UCAS, the Common App or direct applications.

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