Specification: 601/8417/6
The PEARSON A-Level Geography specification covers 9 topics with 0 learning objectives (601/8417/6). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
Geography examines the physical world and human interactions with it. You'll study natural hazards, ecosystems, urban environments and global development while developing fieldwork and data analysis skills.
9
Topics
0
Objectives
65
Exam Tips
67
Pitfalls
The Pearson Edexcel A-Level Geography course offers a dynamic and contemporary exploration of the world, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to understand and address pressing global challenges. The specification seamlessly blends physical and human geography, ensuring you develop a deep appreciation of the interactions between people and their environments. You will investigate dramatic natural events, from tectonic hazards to coastal change, while also examining the complexities of globalisation, the regeneration of places, and the management of vital resources like water and energy. This balanced approach provides a comprehensive foundation for further study and a wide range of careers.
Structured around four key components, the course builds your geographical thinking progressively. In Year 12, you typically cover core topics such as Tectonic Processes and Hazards, Coastal Landscapes and Change, Globalisation, and Regenerating Places, alongside developing essential fieldwork and research skills. Year 13 deepens this understanding with studies in The Water Cycle and Water Insecurity, The Carbon Cycle and Energy Security, Climate Change Futures, and Superpowers. Throughout, you will engage with real-world case studies, data analysis, and geographical debates, fostering critical thinking and independent learning.
A distinctive feature of the Pearson Edexcel specification is the synoptic Paper 3, which challenges you to draw together knowledge from across the entire course to analyse unseen resources and construct their own geographical arguments. This, combined with the independent investigation (non-examined assessment), empowers you to pursue a topic of personal interest, honing your research, fieldwork, and report-writing skills. Supported by a wealth of Pearson resources, including textbooks, online tools, and examiner feedback, this course is designed to make geography relevant, engaging, and accessible, preparing you not just for exams but for active citizenship in an interconnected world.
Assessment is through three written examinations and one non-examined assessment (NEA). Paper 1 (Physical Geography) and Paper 2 (Human Geography) each last 2 hours 15 minutes, carry 105 marks, and contribute 30% each to the final grade. Paper 3 (Geography Synoptic Investigation) is 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 70 marks, accounting for 20%. This paper requires you to apply knowledge from all topics to interpret a resource booklet. The NEA is an independent investigation of 3000–4000 words, worth 20% (70 marks), based on fieldwork and research on a question of their choice, moderated by Pearson.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of places, environments, concepts, processes, interactions and change, at a variety of scales
Apply knowledge and understanding in different contexts to interpret, analyse and evaluate geographical information and issues
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
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
Give a single fact or term
Name, select, or recognise
Set out main features briefly
Give an account of what something is like or what happens
Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains
State similarities AND differences (both required)
Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains
Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion
Make judgments about importance with justification
Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
Expert advice for exam success
Start practising with AI-powered quizzes tailored to your Pearson A-Level specification.
Get Started Free