GCE A Level in Geography Course in Hove. Classes run at BHASVIC, with daytime sessions of 4.5 hours per week. You'll study coastal landscapes, globalisation, tectonic hazards, climate change, superpowers, and migration across two years. The course develops extended writing, data analysis, mapping, and fieldwork skills. You'll complete independent coursework alongside three exams. Entry requires a grade 4 in GCSE English Language and a grade 4 in GCSE Science. The course runs over 72 weeks.
Who this course is for
Geography suits a wide range of students. It develops skills such as extended writing, numerical and data analysis, IT research, mapping, fieldwork and coursework skills. It combines well with other subjects from the arts or sciences. You will be offered opportunities to visit a variety of sites and locations, some of which are compulsory and others which are recommended but optional. This will include fieldwork in the local area, and opportunities to visit other significant local sites, as well as the option of a foreign trip (Croatia and France have been previous destinations). We organise lectures by university academics and professionals. A successful Geography student would: take an interest in the world around you, do extra “reading around the subject” not just doing work which you have been set, arrive fully prepared for lessons, learn and use appropriate terminology, be prepared to have a go at more advanced activities and both ask and answer questions in class. The course is 20% coursework, and 80% external exam. This subject goes well with Humanities subjects such as History, Classical Civilisation and English Literature or Language. Additionally it complements science subjects like Biology or Environmental Science, and social sciences such as Psychology and Sociology.
Entry requirements
4 in English Language GCSE and 4 in Science GCSE
What you will learn
You'll study coastal landscapes, tectonic processes, and the water cycle.
You'll explore globalisation, superpowers, and international migration.
You'll investigate climate change, the carbon cycle, and environmental issues.
You'll analyse diverse places, identity, and sovereignty.
You'll develop extended essay writing and case study skills.
You'll carry out fieldwork and produce an independent written investigation.
You'll use numerical and data analysis, mapping, and IT research skills.
How you will learn
You'll be assessed through three written exams at the end of the course, plus an independent written investigation completed in the second year. Classes are classroom-based, with 4.5 hours of timetabled teaching per week. Fieldwork is built into the course; some visits are compulsory and others are optional. There is a £25 charge in the first year to cover fieldwork and study trips.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. BHASVIC will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Urban planner: advising on land use and development
Environmental consultant: assessing environmental impact for organisations
GIS analyst: mapping and spatial data analysis
Sustainability officer: leading environmental policy in businesses
Climate policy researcher: working in government or think tanks
International development worker: supporting projects in global contexts
Secondary school teacher: with a PGCE, teaching geography
What you could study next
A level Geography is widely accepted for university entry across a broad range of subjects.
BA or BSc Geography: undergraduate degree covering human or physical geography in depth.
Environmental Science degree: builds on physical geography and climate topics.
Urban Planning or International Development degree: directly related to human geography themes.
PGCE in Geography: if you want to teach geography at secondary level.
