About this course

This A2 Level Geography is a one-year course which should be taken alongside two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. It may be possible to take this course as a part-time student.

This course encourages learners to apply geographical knowledge, theory and skills to the world around them. This will enable learners to develop a critical understanding of the world’s people, places and environments in the 21st Century. The focus of the specification is to develop an enthusiasm for and competence in geography by using contemporary real-world contexts drawing on both physical and human geography, explores people-environment interactions and encourages development of fieldwork at the local level.

What you will study

The following units are covered:

Unit 3: Global Systems and Global Governance
2 hour written exam
Section A: Global systems: Water and carbon cycles
Section B: Global governance: Change and challenges – migration and oceans

Unit 4: Contemporary Themes in Geography
2 hour written exam
Section A: Tectonic hazards
Section B: Ecosystems and economic growth and challenge: India, China or Sub-Saharan Africa

Unit 5: Independent Investigation
Non-exam assessment: 3000-4000 words; based on the collection of both primary data and secondary information.

Teaching and assessment

Two written exams and assessment

Important points

The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.

Entry requirements

Successful completion of AS programme including satisfactory attendance and tutor recommendation.

Key information

Start date

3 September 2025

End date

21 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff

Maps & directions

Course code

A2CC3F37

L3

Qualification

Geography - A2

“I met a lot of great people from various backgrounds and walks of life; I liked the diversity within the College. In my opinion the freedom that the College gave me towards my studies provided me with the tools I needed to be a more independent worker and have confidence to develop things on my own.”

Bianca Zerbini

Studying A Levels in Art and Maths and Physics

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University: