specification overview
AQA A-Level Geography (7037) is a two-year linear qualification covering physical geography (water and carbon cycles, hazards, plus one of hot desert, coastal or glacial systems, ecosystems) and human geography (global systems and governance, changing places, contemporary urban environments, or population). Two written papers (2h 30m each) are worth 40% each, and a fieldwork NEA is worth 20%.
subject content
1. Physical geography
Paper 1- Water and carbon cycles (compulsory)
- Hot desert systems and landscapes OR Coastal systems and landscapes OR Glacial systems and landscapes
- Hazards OR Ecosystems under stress
2. Human geography
Paper 2- Global systems and global governance (compulsory)
- Changing places (compulsory)
- Contemporary urban environments OR Population and the environment OR Resource security
3. Geography fieldwork investigation (NEA)
NEA- Independent investigation based on 4 days of fieldwork
- 3,000-4,000 word written report
- Data collection, analysis and evaluation
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Physical geography) | Water and carbon cycles + one option from hot desert / coastal / glacial systems + one hazards/ecosystems option | 2h 30m | 120 | 40% | Section A: water and carbon (compulsory). Sections B/C: chosen options. Data-response, short-answer and extended-response questions |
| Paper 2 (Human geography) | Global systems + Changing places + one urban/population/resource option | 2h 30m | 120 | 40% | Compulsory sections + option section. Data-response, short-answer and extended-response questions |
| Non-exam assessment (Geography fieldwork investigation) | Independent fieldwork investigation with written report | Coursework | 60 | 20% | 3,000-4,000 word investigation report based on 4 days of fieldwork; teacher-assessed and moderated by AQA |
The NEA requires at least 4 days of fieldwork. Students design their own investigation on either physical or human geography. AQA requires the four fieldwork days to be evidenced.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions and change at a variety of scales. | 30-40% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues. | 30-40% |
| AO3 | Use a variety of relevant quantitative, qualitative and fieldwork skills to: investigate geographical questions and issues; interpret, analyse and evaluate data and evidence; construct arguments and draw conclusions. | 20-30% |
key tips for success
Start the NEA early
The fieldwork investigation needs 4 days of primary data collection plus time for analysis. Start scoping the investigation topic in year 12, then collect data in the summer or early year 13.
Build a case-study bank
Both papers reward specific case studies with named places, statistics and details. Build a bank of ~10 well-detailed case studies across physical and human topics.
Master synoptic thinking
Extended-response questions expect you to link physical and human processes. Practise essays that draw across topics.
Learn quantitative skills
AO3 is 20-30% and includes stats (Spearman's rank, chi-squared, mean/median), map skills and data interpretation. Practise these until automatic.
Choose your options carefully
Paper 1 has one option from hot desert / coastal / glacial systems, plus hazards vs ecosystems. Paper 2 has urban vs population vs resource security. Your school picks options at the start of the course.
Practise the extended-response format
Both papers include 20-mark essays. Structure with a clear argument, case-study evidence and a judgement-focused conclusion (AO2 rewards evaluation).
Where to next
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