Course Overview
Geography is one of the most flexible and wide-ranging subjects that you can choose to study. Geography encompasses global and local issues and highlights how they are connected.
Through exciting topics, learners will understand the nature of human and physical geography whilst unpicking the debates surrounding contemporary challenges facing the world today.
It is a subject that not only provides plenty of scope, but it also fosters a multitude of transferable skills that are an asset in any chosen career path and are highly sought after by employers and higher education providers.
The course enables you to analyse the complexity of people-environmental interactions at a range of scales and appreciate how these underpin their understanding of the rapidly changing world in which they live.
At Hartpury, we follow the OCR exam specification for Geography.
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Physical Systems
- Landscape Systems (Coastal Landscapes)
- Earth’s Life Support Systems
- Geographical Skills
- Human Interactions
- Changing Spaces; Making Places
- Global Connections (Global Migration)
- Global connections (Powers and Borders)
- Geographical Skills
- Geographical Debates
- Climate Change
- Hazardous Earth
- Geographical Skills
- Investigative Geography
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
Exam board: OCR
Two one hour 30-minute written exam papers worth 22% each, one two hour 30-minute written paper worth 36% plus non-examination assessment worth 20%.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
An A-level in Geography can be combined with subjects like Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics or Physical Education and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in sustainability, environmental consultancy, town planning, education or the energy sector.
Popular combinations include Geography with Environmental Science for roles in environmental consultancy, waste or water management, and sustainability strategy; with Biology or Chemistry for careers in ecology, conservation, geology or marine science; or with Physics or Maths for careers in meteorology, engineering, or renewable energy. Combining Geography with Business or Economics supports roles in sustainability policy or environmental planning. Pairing with PE can lead to opportunities in physical education, coaching or physiotherapy with a geographical or environmental focus.
These combinations support national skills priorities in education, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and tourism.
Course Overview
Course information
Geography is one of the most flexible and wide-ranging subjects that you can choose to study. Geography encompasses global and local issues and highlights how they are connected.
Through exciting topics, learners will understand the nature of human and physical geography whilst unpicking the debates surrounding contemporary challenges facing the world today.
It is a subject that not only provides plenty of scope, but it also fosters a multitude of transferable skills that are an asset in any chosen career path and are highly sought after by employers and higher education providers.
The course enables you to analyse the complexity of people-environmental interactions at a range of scales and appreciate how these underpin their understanding of the rapidly changing world in which they live.
At Hartpury, we follow the OCR exam specification for Geography.
What you’ll learn
On this course you'll study the following topics over two years.
- Physical Systems
- Landscape Systems (Coastal Landscapes)
- Earth’s Life Support Systems
- Geographical Skills
- Human Interactions
- Changing Spaces; Making Places
- Global Connections (Global Migration)
- Global connections (Powers and Borders)
- Geographical Skills
- Geographical Debates
- Climate Change
- Hazardous Earth
- Geographical Skills
- Investigative Geography
How you’ll learn
The majority of A-level lessons are delivered from the classrooms in our College Learning Centre, providing a modern learning environment, contemporary classrooms with smart boards, well-equipped library and learning resources.
Lessons are delivered in a traditional manner and include individual tasks as well as group work. A-level students will be set regular homework tasks as well as regular assessments throughout the academic year.
A-levels offers a unique timetable facilitating sporting development and extra-curricular activities, and a full enrichment programme to enhance employability skills and the holistic development of all students.
A-level students have access to our equine and sport facilities, animal collection, and our commercial Home Farm.
Students have a pastoral tutor who will support them to succeed in their studies and their enrichment activities. All students have access to our academic and wellbeing support teams who run regular workshops and one-to-one sessions on campus and online. In addition, all students have access to medical professionals on campus.
How you’ll be assessed
Exam board: OCR
Two one hour 30-minute written exam papers worth 22% each, one two hour 30-minute written paper worth 36% plus non-examination assessment worth 20%.
To help prepare you for your exams throughout the course, you’ll complete regular end-of-topic assessments, homework tasks and mock exams. These will help track your progress and highlight areas to improve.
What can you do after this course?
An A-level in Geography can be combined with subjects like Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Business Studies, Economics or Physical Education and can lead to a wide range of exciting progression routes. Students may go on to careers in sustainability, environmental consultancy, town planning, education or the energy sector.
Popular combinations include Geography with Environmental Science for roles in environmental consultancy, waste or water management, and sustainability strategy; with Biology or Chemistry for careers in ecology, conservation, geology or marine science; or with Physics or Maths for careers in meteorology, engineering, or renewable energy. Combining Geography with Business or Economics supports roles in sustainability policy or environmental planning. Pairing with PE can lead to opportunities in physical education, coaching or physiotherapy with a geographical or environmental focus.
These combinations support national skills priorities in education, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Locally, they align with Gloucestershire’s skills needs in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and tourism.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
Geography at grade 6 or above.
You should expect some small costs for books and stationery. There will also be opportunities to take part in trips related to the topics you are studying. In the past, these have included visits to Alton Towers, the Houses of Parliament, JCB, Uttoxeter, and the Cadbury Factory. These trips incur a charge/are covered by the educational visits fee.
Students are required to pay a non-refundable educational visits fee at enrolment.
Which other A-levels does this work well with?
A-level Geography typically goes well with: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Psychology, Sociology, and History.
Can I study A-level Geography and play in the Sports Academy?
This will depend which other A-levels you are studying. Where possible we try to work academy timetables around academic timetables, however this is not always possible. Please email to discuss your individual circumstances.
Can I bring my horse and study A-levels?
Yes - we provide students with the opportunity to bring their horse (or horses) with them while they study. On-site livery is offered to students on a DIY or full livery basis. This is subject to availability as demand is always high. Fees apply.
How much does the course cost?
If you're a UK student under the age of 19 enrolling in full-time A-level courses at Hartpury College, you typically won't need to pay tuition fees. For further information, details for those over 19 year-of-age and international students, visit: Finance | Hartpury College
Outstanding
Rated 'Ofsted Outstanding in all areas' for academic and curriculum-related provision
99.4% pass-rate
With an A-level pass rate of 99.4% (Hartpury College 2025), our outcomes for students are exceptional.
Living in on-site college accommodation at Hartpury, you’ll be part of a vibrant and international community of students of all ages who share their experience of life at college and university together on one campus.
The Hartpury Certificate is an enrichment programme designed to support our students to grow.
A-levels or a diploma?
Are you unsure about whether A-levels or a BTEC Diploma are the right choice for you? Find out the key differences and which qualification would best suit your learning style and your career and further study ambitions on our dedicated page.
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