Why study geography?
Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences and natural sciences. It plays a crucial role in understanding our world. It makes a vital contribution to our knowledge of the rapidly changing environmental and social challenges facing us and how we should tackle them.
Geography is quite literally all around us. It focusses on people and places and how our society, environment and economy are all interrelated. The study of geography uses knowledge of past events, to inform current decision-making, and in doing so always looks to the future.
A good geographer will be someone who is interested in the world around them. They will question why and how different phenomena occur and will enjoy looking at issues from various points of view. Good geographers can analyse a range of information and come to their own informed conclusions. They will ask questions and be able to use a range of research skills to seek answers. They will have opportunities to collect their own research in the field and investigate areas of personal interest.
What our students say
“Going to Switzerland and seeing the scale of the longest glacier in Europe inspired me to focus on glaciation for my NEA project.” Will
“It makes the link between people and the environment. The way our actions influence our planet and how this might affect our future is so important.” Elise
“Geography gives you a wide range of transferrable skills that can be used in other subjects and walks of life”. Tyler
“It is not just a theoretical subject; you can see it all around you and that really allows you to fully understand concepts and processes you learn about”. Emma
Entry requirements
Grade 6 in geography at GCSE.
Potential courses
- Geography
- Geology
- International relations
- Town planning
- Land management
- Medicine
- Economics
- Architecture
- Law
- Politics
Potential careers
Geography graduates have one of the highest rates of graduate employment, pursuing a wide range of career paths. It’s often said that there is no such thing as a geography job; rather there are multiple jobs that geographers do.
- International aid worker
- Sustainable energy consultant
- GIS officer
- Political strategist
- Civil service
- Health delivery
- Accountancy
- Journalist
- Landscape architect
- Water conservation
- Petrochemicals industry
The A-level course
Unit | % of A-level course | Topics |
---|---|---|
Unit 1 | 30% | The topics studied are tectonic processes and hazards, glaciated landscapes and change, the water cycle and water insecurity, the carbon cycle and energy insecurity. |
Unit 2 | 30% | The topics studies are superpowers, globalisation, diverse places and health, human rights and intervention. |
Unit 3 | 20% | This is a synoptic investigation based on a geographical issue within a placed based context directly linked to multiple areas of the content covered through the course. It is based upon a resource booklet which contains information about the geographical issue. |
Unit 4 | 20% | An independent investigation focusing on a question or issue from within the course content. This will incorporate fieldwork ad utilise the analysis and evaluations skills developed throughout the course. |
Alumni – where are they now?
- Johnathan (2014) Studying for a MSc in Meteorology, after getting a first at Durham University in geography
- Lucy (2013) Explainer at the Natural History Museum
- Adam (2012) Applications Engineer, Leica, Switzerland
- David (2008) Head of Technology and Integration at Arcus Facilities Management
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