A-Level Geography is assessed through two written examinations and a non-examined assessment (NEA) based on original fieldwork. The NEA is a 3,000–4,000 word investigation submitted before the exam period and worth 20% of the final grade. Geography straddles the sciences and humanities and is a Russell Group facilitating subject.
How is A-Level Geography assessed?
Under the AQA specification — the most widely used in England — A-Level Geography has three components.
| Component | Format | Duration | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Physical geography | Written exam | 2.5 hours | 40% |
| Paper 2: Human geography | Written exam | 2.5 hours | 40% |
| NEA: Individual investigation | Fieldwork-based written investigation | Submitted before exams | 20% |
Both exam papers contain a mix of multiple choice, short-answer, data-response, and extended essay questions.
What does Paper 1 (physical geography) cover?
Paper 1 focuses on the physical systems that shape the Earth's surface and atmosphere. Under AQA it covers three topic areas:
Section A — Water and carbon cycles: How water and carbon move through the environment; stores and fluxes; human impacts on each cycle; the relationship between the two cycles and climate change.
Section B — Hot desert systems or Coastal systems and landscapes: Schools choose one of these two physical landscape options. Hot deserts covers aridity, weathering, aeolian processes, and desertification. Coastal systems covers wave processes, landforms, coastal management, and the impact of sea-level change.
Section C — Hazards: Plate tectonics and seismic activity, volcanic activity, tropical storms, multi-hazard environments, and the social and economic impacts of natural hazards. This section also examines human responses to hazards, including governance and preparedness.
Paper 1 includes data-response questions that present maps, diagrams, graphs, or photographs for students to interpret.
What does Paper 2 (human geography) cover?
Paper 2 examines the human systems that organise societies and economies. It also has three sections:
Section A — Global systems and global governance: Globalisation, trade, international migration, global governance (including climate agreements and the role of international bodies), and the relationship between development and global inequality.
Section B — Changing places: The concept of place and how places develop their character; place perceptions and experience; how places change over time; regeneration and the politics of place.
Section C — Optional topic (school's choice): Schools choose one from Contemporary urban environments, Population and the environment, or Resource security. Contemporary urban environments is the most commonly chosen; it covers urban structure, urbanisation, deprivation, smart cities, and environmental sustainability in cities.
What is the NEA?
The Individual Investigation (NEA) requires students to conduct their own original geographical fieldwork and write it up as a 3,000–4,000 word report. Key elements include:
- Formulating a research question linked to a geographical theory or concept
- Collecting primary data in the field (fieldwork trips are typically organised by the school in Year 12 or Year 13)
- Presenting and analysing the data, including the use of quantitative and qualitative methods
- Drawing conclusions and evaluating the reliability and validity of the findings
The investigation must be individual — two students working on the same question must collect data independently and write up separately. Teachers may advise on design but the analysis and writing must be unaided. AQA moderates a sample from each school.
Good examples of NEA investigations include:
| Type | Example question |
|---|---|
| Physical | How does sediment size change with distance along a river in the Yorkshire Dales? |
| Human | How does deprivation vary across different wards in [local town]? |
| Mixed | How does air quality relate to land use in [city centre vs suburb]? |
How is A-Level Geography graded?
A-Level Geography is graded A*, A, B, C, D, E with U for ungraded. The A* requires at least 80% overall and at least 90% on Papers 1 and 2 combined. The NEA does not contribute to the A* calculation.
| Component | Marks | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Physical geography) | 120 marks | 40% |
| Paper 2 (Human geography) | 120 marks | 40% |
| NEA (Individual investigation) | 60 marks | 20% |
| Total | 300 marks | 100% |
Frequently asked questions
Is A-Level Geography a science or a humanities subject?
A-Level Geography sits at the boundary of both. Physical geography uses scientific methods, including data collection, statistical analysis, and hypothesis testing. Human geography draws on social science, historical analysis, and qualitative research. This breadth is one of the subject's strengths — it is accepted by universities as both a science and a humanities qualification. The Russell Group lists Geography among the facilitating subjects that open doors to a wide range of degree programmes.
How far will students have to travel for fieldwork?
Most schools organise one or two residential or day fieldwork trips as part of the A-Level course. Destinations vary — a coastal location for physical fieldwork, an urban area for human geography, or a rural environment. The school usually covers the cost through the exam/course fee or by charging a subsidised trip rate. Students who are unable to attend a trip should speak to the Geography department early, as primary data collection is essential for the NEA.
Does A-Level Geography have more or less written work than A-Level History?
Both subjects involve substantial extended essay writing. Geography papers include data-response questions — graph interpretation, map analysis, and statistical calculations — that History papers do not. History requires more extensive quotation and interpretation of sources. Students who enjoy both quantitative analysis and discursive essay writing often find Geography satisfying for that reason.
What GCSE grade is needed to take A-Level Geography?
Most sixth forms require at least a grade 6 in GCSE Geography. Some schools also look for a grade 5 or 6 in GCSE Maths because of the statistical and graphical analysis in Paper 1. A-Level Geography is widely regarded as accessible to strong students who did not take GCSE Geography, though the transition is significantly easier with GCSE experience.
For A-Level Geography tuition covering physical and human topics, fieldwork analysis, and extended essay technique, visit aitutors.me.