A-Level Programme - Geography

What will I study?

Physical Geography

Earths physical properties and the processes that have shaped it.

Human Geography

The relationships between people and their environments and a wide range of geo-political issues facing the world today.

You will be required to undertake fieldwork in relation to processes in both physical and human geography. You must undertake four days of fieldwork during your A-level course. Fieldwork can be completed in a number of ways: locally or further afield, on full days or on part days. The college will direct you to the most appropriate ways to complete this fieldwork.

The course is delivered through group and individual field investigations, lectures, presentations, discussions, one-to-one work with tutors, online research, library research and activities involving the development of geographical skills and data-response exercises.

You will be expected to devote at least 5 hours of directed study (homework, preparation, and reading) per week.

You will need:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths and, for this specific subject;

• GCSE grade 5 or above in geography

How long is this course?

2 years

When does this course start?

01/09/2025

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£2,200

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

AQA A-Level in Geography

How is my course assessed?

The course is assessed in two 2 hour and 30 minute examinations (each worth 40% of A Level) and a 3000-4000 word independent investigation (20% of A Level) based around a field study