Geography

Geography is the study of Earth’s landscapes, people, places and environments, bridging the social and natural sciences. A level Geography develops an understanding of a wide range of physical and human geographical issues such as globalisation, inequality and climate change.

Field trips are an integral part of the course and relate to modules you will study, such as Coasts and Coastal Landscapes, Hazards, Changing Places and Contemporary Urban Environments. You will use fieldwork to research sociological and economical influences on places and environments, and will visit places in and outside of Leeds to build experience of undertaking research - forming the foundation of your coursework. Day trips take place in both years, with a residential field course in the second year (last held in the Lake District).

In addition, you will develop a range of skills, including understanding and interpreting statistics, research methods and cartography (the study of land). You will also have ample opportunities to discuss your own attitudes regarding contemporary issues, whilst suggesting solutions.

This course is marked in three sections and features exams at the end of the second year, contributing to 80% of your grade. The final 20% comes from your fieldwork project, which can be undertaken on a wide variety of topics - from the ‘Geography of Happiness’ (is happiness determined by our location?) to investigations of the intensity of urban heat islands.

Progression routes There are many job opportunities for students as employers welcome the skills achieved in this A level. Geography has a good reputation with universities and combines well with science and humanities degrees. A level Geography can lead to further study of subjects such as environmental science.

I chose Leeds Sixth Form College as it takes progression to the next level by offering multiple pathways.