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Geography

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Course Overview

Geography

Geography is a far reaching and all-encompassing subject that focuses on diverse issues relating to the human and physical world in the past, present and future. It is relevant to all aspects of our lives and explores largely contemporary issues with reference to a range of scales including local, national and global. Consequently, it is an extremely exciting and dynamic subject, which combines approaches from both social and physical sciences.

Course highlights:

At A Level you will study a balance of human and physical geography topics over the two years. In physical geography you will study tectonic processes and hazards, coastal landscapes and change, the water cycle and water insecurity, and the carbon cycle and energy security. In human geography you will study globalisation, urban regeneration, superpowers, migration, identity and sovereignty. You will also complete an individual investigation which must include completion of four compulsory days of fieldwork, including a residential field trip.

Located at: Barnsley Sixth Form College

Course Start: September 2025

Course length: 2 Years

Study Mode: Full-time

Course Code: QSFCALGYY1

Course Fees and Funding

How much does the course cost?

Full-time Barnsley College students aged 16-18 years old do not have to pay tuition fees.

Other funding information

This course is not eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Course Content

  • GCSE Grade 5 or above in Geography, English Language and Maths.

The A Level is assessed by three exams, one physical (30%), one human (30%) and one based on a geographical issue linking the course content (20%). The remaining 20% will be assessed through coursework.

There will be a cost for the residential field trip, which will be in the region of £280 (based on the last trip) and can be paid in instalments. The cost covers transport, tuition, accommodation and meals. There may be small additional costs for any supplementary local fieldwork trips, such as to the Holderness coast.

A Level

Geography combines equally well with both arts and science subjects, so our students go on to study a number of Higher Education courses including geography, biology, environmental sciences, law, philosophy, sociology, business, medicine and architecture. Geography students are in great demand by employers due to the wide range of transferable skills that they acquire. Career areas could include sustainability, energy supply, retail location, urban regeneration and urban design, managing hazards, climate change, marine biology, global economics, teaching, human rights, construction and conservation. The course allows students to gain a wide skill base which is in demand by academic institutions and employers alike and, as such, presents a diverse range of job and Higher Education opportunities.

Other Resources

For further details, please contact our Information Unit by calling 01226 216 123 or emailing: info@barnsley.ac.uk

Our Additional Learning Support team can provide you with the support you need. Call 01226 216 769 for further information.

Barnsley Sports Academy offers state-of-the-art facilities and diverse sports programs, enabling students to achieve academic and athletic excellence. Remember, you don't have to be studying Sport to join Barnsley Sports Academy.

Barnsley College has a range of sports opportunities for all students to take part in, gain professional training and compete nationally and internationally. We also have a state-of-the-art fitness village, the Sports Village, where students can make use of our fitness suite, spinning studio and classes for competitive rates.

Disclaimer: Please note we reserve the right to change details without notice. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

The course information on this page was last updated 07 May 2025.