As a subject which covers so many of the vital issues that affect the world of today, such as climate change, migration and natural hazards, there has arguably never been a better time to study Geography. With the mix of technical and social skills that they get from their studies, Geography graduates are highly sought after — in fact, according to the Royal Geographical Society, those who study the subject have some of the highest rates of employment.
Geography is one of the Russell Group universities' facilitating subjects — so called because choosing them at A-level allows a wide range of options for degree study.
What will you study within Geography A-level?
Geography can be divided into two main branches: Human Geography is a social science that studies how humans interact with the planet. Physical Geography is a branch of earth science, which looks at the natural elements of the world, including the atmosphere, land and oceans.
Specific content covered within A-level Geography may vary from school to school, and depending on the exam board followed. Within the Cambridge specification however, topics covered may include hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, atmosphere and weather, rocks and weathering, population, migration, tropical environments, coastal environments, hazardous environments, environmental management and global interdependence.
What skills will you get from studying Geography?
In particular, A-level Geography students develop their communication and team working skills as they often complete projects in groups. Research and analysis skills are also developed, including in IT, lab and fieldwork.
What careers can studying Geography lead to?
Popular careers for people with geography qualifications include surveying, conservation, sustainability, town or transport planning, waste and water management, environmental planning, tourism, and weather forecasting. The army, government, research organisations, law and business world also recognise the practical research skills that geographers develop.
Because geographers learn about human and population development, geography can be useful for jobs in charity and international relations too.
Top 20 universities for Geography and Environmental Science degrees
The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023
| 1 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | University of Cambridge |
| 3 | London School of Economics and Political Science |
| 4 | University of St Andrews |
| 5 | Durham University |
| 6 | University College London |
| 7 | University of Edinburgh |
| 8 | Loughborough University |
| 9 | Lancaster University |
| 10 | University of Exeter |
| 11 | University of Southampton |
| 12 | University of Glasgow |
| 13 = | University of Bristol |
| 13 = | University of Sheffield |
| 15 | University of Leeds |
| 16 | Aberystwyth University |
| 17 | University of Manchester |
| 18= | Royal Holloway, University of London |
| 18= | Northumbria University |
| 20 | University of York |
Below are real-life examples of some of the university degrees that studying A-level Geography, in combination with other subjects, can lead to.
| Geography/ Economics/ Maths | University of York | Economics |
| Geography/ Economics/ Maths | Oxford Brookes University | International Relations |
| Geography/ Economics/ Maths/ Further Maths | UCL | Maths with Economics |
For more details on the Geography A-level and syllabus, take a look at our dedicated factsheet.
