NCC Home Learning

The trusted home learning experts

0333 3445 690
  • How it works
  • About us
  • Contact us

Non-vocational

Geography A Level

The Geography A-Level is an important subject of study as it gives the learner a larger understanding of the world and the way people interact with their physical environment and globally with each other.

Learn more

Level 3 / Edexcel A Level / OSC28

Buying options

Special offer
Online study
Paper study
Online study
Pay in full
Pay monthly
Pay in full

over 12 months and £ deposit

over 12 months and £ deposit

 

Course summary

tutor

Course support

24 months expert tutor support

tutor

24 hour access

Unlimited Submissions

qualification

Accreditation

Fully accredited course

award

Awarding body

EDEXCEL

Course introduction

Do you need an A Level within 12 months to get into University?

We offer a range of A Levels where we guarantee to prioritise the marking of your coursework so you are fully ready to take your exams in June of each year

WE DO NOT CHARGE EXTRA FOR THIS SERVICE.

An Advanced Level in Geography is a perfect qualification for those wishing to acquire knowledge and understanding of the subject to enable them to study at a higher level at university. It also provides a progression route for further training whilst in employment.

This specification is designed to:

  • Build naturally on GCSE knowledge, with minimal repetition of content develop fieldwork skills
  • Increase choice of topics, e.g. between fieldwork investigation or issue evaluation papers
  • Stimulate the study of geographical issues and impacts develop a specialist interest within geography
  • Provide a seamless progress to higher education and employment

This course allows learners to earn UCAS points depending on the grade gained:

A* – 56
A – 48
B – 40
C – 32
D – 24
E – 16

Recommended Reading

We recommend the following text books to help you with your studies, however, they are not essential for completion of the course:

  • C Dunn, AS/A-Level Geography Student Guide 1: Tectonic Processes and Hazards; Landscape systems, processes and change (Phillip Allan 2016)
  • C Dunn, AS/A-Level Geography Student Guide 2: Globalisation; Shaping Places (Phillip Allan 2016)
  • V Pointon et al. Edexcel GCE Geography as Level Student Book and eBook (Edexcel Geography A Level 2016) (Edexcel 2016)
  • B Digby, Geography for Edexcel A Level Year 1 and AS Student Book (OUP 2016)

Please note: There is a fieldwork element to this A-level. You will need to complete this over 4 consecutive days at our centres in either Lincoln or Skegness.

Specification code:
Edexcel 9GE0

Required knowledge

Basic English reading and writing skills. It is recommended that students should have acquired the skills and knowledge associated with a GCSE course or equivalent.

Assessment

Paper 1: 9GE0/01
Type: Written examination
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Weighing: 30% of A-Level
Total Marks: 105
Assessed: Areas of study 1 and 3
Assessment format: A mixture of short answers, open response and resource linked questions. You will also have to complete a 12 and 20 mark extended writing question

Paper 2: 9GE0/02
Type: Written examination
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Weighing: 30% of A-Level
Total Marks: 105
Assessed: Areas of study 2 and 4
Assessment format: A mixture of short answers, open response and resource linked questions. You will also have to complete a 12 and 20 mark extended writing question

Paper 3: 9GE0/03
Type: Written examination
Duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Weighing: 20% of A-Level
Total Marks: 70
Assessed: Content from all areas of study
Assessment format: A mixture of short answers, open response and resource linked questions. You will also have to complete an 8, 18 and 24 mark extended writing question

Coursework: 9GE0/04
Type: Coursework/Fieldwork
Weighing: 20% of A-Level
Total Marks: 70
Assessed: Define a question of issue for investigation relating to the content in the course using your own research from fieldwork
Assessment format: A written investigation report of 3000 – 4000 words which is internally assessed and externally moderated. You must complete a minimum of four days of fieldwork, which will be taken under supervision.

Please note: Students are fully responsible for the arrangement and funding of any examinations required.

Next Examination Period: Summer

Awarding organisation

This course is designed to meet the specification of the Pearson Edexcel A Level in Geography. Edexcel is part of Pearson, the world’s leading learning company which has an educational heritage rooted in names like Longman, Heinemann and Prentice Hall. The course is provided by our partner OSC.

Edexcel is the UK’s largest awarding organisation, offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.

Course modules

AREA OF STUDY 1: DYNAMIC LANDSCAPES

TOPIC 1: TECTONIC PROCESSES AND HAZARDS:

Volcanoes
Earthquakes
Tsunami
The Earths internal structure
Plate tectonic theory
Continental drift
Paleomagnetism
Plate Boundaries
MEDCs and LEDCs
Tectonic Mega-disasters
Prediction and forecasting
Hazard management

TOPIC 2: GLACIATED LANDSCAPES AND CHANGE:

Climate change
Volcanic Eruptions
The Cryosphere
Ice masses
Periglacial Processes
Periglacial Landforms
Tundra
Glacial mass balance
Glacier Movement
Rate of movement
Glacial erosion
Glacial transportation
Glacial Deposition
Formation of lowland depositional features
Fluvioglacial landforms
Proglacial features
Biodiversity
Water Cycle
Carbon cycle
Human activity

AREA OF STUDY 2: DYNAMIC PLACES

TOPIC 3: GLOBALISATION:

The influence of technology
International political and economic organisations
Special economic zones
Benefits of SEZs
KOF Index
Transnational corporations (TNCs)
The global shift
Push and pull factors
International migration
A global culture
Cultural erosion
Gross domestic product
Social measures of development
Effects of globalisation
Retention of cultural values
Fair trade
Ethical consumption schemes
Recycling

TOPIC 4: REGENERATING PLACES:

Economies
Places change
Reasons for change
Measuring change
National & regional influences
Global and International influences
The negative multiplier effect
Media sources
Representations of place
Infrastructure investment
North-South divide
Planning policies
Government policy
Local interest groups
Rebranding
Regeneration strategies
The living environment

AREA OF STUDY 3: PHYSICAL SYSTEMS AND SUSTAINABILITY

TOPIC 5: THE WATER CYCLE AND WATER INSECURITY:

Hydrological cycle
Water stores
Types of precipitation
A Tropical Rainforest: The Amazon
Water budget
River regimes
Storm Hydrograph
Urbanisation
Drought
The ecological impact
Flooding
The water cycle and climate change
Rising demand and diminishing supply
Physical and economic scarcity
Water conflicts and the future
Techno-fix
Sustainable schemes

TOPIC 6: THE CARBON CYCLE AND ENERGY SECURITY:

The biogeochemical carbon cycle
Human Effects
Carbon Budgets
Carbon sequestration in oceans
Thermohaline circulation
Terrestrial sequestration
The greenhouse effect
The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change
The concentration of carbon
Photosynthesis
Energy consumption
Fossil fuels
Biofuels

AREA OF STUDY 4: HUMAN SYSTEMS AND GEOPOLITICS

TOPIC 7: SUPERPOWERS:

Economic power
Military power
Political power
Cultural power
Natural resources
Demographics
Hard Power vs Soft Power
Types of polarity
Geopolitical polarity and stability
Emerging nations
Strengths and weaknesses
The role of TNCs
Global action
International alliances
Arctic oil and gas
Intellectual property
Political spheres of influence
Conflicts in the Middle East
Importance of China and India
Economic problems

TOPIC 8: HEALTH, HUMAN RIGHTS AND INTERVENTION:

Human development
Happy planet index
Sharia Law
Bolivia under Evo Morales
Goals of development
The importance of education
UNESCO
Health & life expectancy
The importance of IGOs
Millennium Development Goals
Human Rights

Learner support

The course materials and support will be provided by our partner OSC


- You will get full tutor support via email
- Postal assignments cannot be accepted without prior permission from the tutor
- You must have access to email in order to contact your tutor.
- Our A Levels come with tutor support for 24 months

If you choose to study online you will have access to a tutor via our student portal who will mark your work and guide you through the course to help you be ready for your examinations

Our A Levels come with tutor support for 24 months.

FAQs

What does NCC stand for?

NCC originally stood for the National Consortium of FE (Further Education) Colleges. This brought together the FE Colleges to achieve the best provision. Regular national meetings were attended by both Colleges and Government agencies who funded them. This was very helpful to them both to best deliver training to their students.

For more than 25 years NCC has supplied FE Colleges with learning materials as well as student marketing.

NCC now specialise in online training of a very high quality to students both self-funded, paid for by schools, employers and training providers.

What is distance learning?

Distance learning is the most flexible and convenient approach to studying. There is no need for you to attend college and you can study anytime, anyplace, anywhere that fits in with your lifestyle. Distance learning programmes are ideal for people who may have a job, family commitments, or any other commitment that won’t allow them time off to study.

What is the difference between the online and paper versions of courses?

Both our online and paper courses are completed via an online learning portal (LMS) which you can access after you receive your login details by email. Please ensure that you check your junk email if you do not receive your login details within 48 hours.

All learners will submit their assignments, receive feedback and correspond with their tutor directly through the LMS. If you require help from our support team, then simply email [email protected].

If you opt for the online course, you will not receive any course materials through the post. Everything is available via the LMS.

If you opt for the paper version, you are simply paying for a study book to be printed and posted to your home, or place of work. You will use this book as a reference guide, but you will still be required to upload your assignments and correspond with your tutor via the LMS.

If you are unable to access our online LMS, we do have alternative options available, so please email [email protected] in order to request further support.

What do I need to do to get started?

We recommend that you choose a course that will interest you and help you to achieve your ambitions. If you would like some advice, or further information, contact us here or dial 0333 3445 690.

To purchase a course, simply click on the ‘Buy now’ button against your chosen course and follow the on screen instructions. Alternatively if you would prefer to purchase the course over the phone, call 0333 3445 690 and speak to one of our expert course advisors.

How much will it cost?

The cost largely depends on the type and size of the course. The course cost is determined by the expenses associated with its provision, taking into consideration the course's size and complexity, development costs, the presence of a study materials, and the level of tutor support required. Some courses also necessitate additional in-person assessments by assessors, which incur additional expenses and consequently affect the course's cost.

All prices are clearly stated on the course description page and will always be displayed prior to you committing to purchase a course.

Please note that there may be additional fees required should your course require an external invigilated assessment, such as A Levels, ICB qualifications etc. To clarify, please speak to a course advisor.

How do I enrol?

Once you've chosen your course, you have two options for enrolment:


  1. You can purchase the course online by clicking the "Buy now" button, which will enrol you automatically.
  2. Alternatively, you can call our helpline at 0333 3445 690, and our expert course advisors will assist you in signing up for the course and arrange for the delivery of any requested additional learning materials to your address.

All courses are available to purchase in full or via affordable monthly payments over 12 months. A £29 non-refundable deposit is required for monthly payments, and you will be required to set up a monthly direct debit.

We do not require you to complete a credit check to sign up for monthly payments.

How quickly will I receive my course materials?

We guarantee that you will receive any course materials ordered within 5 working days of registering, but for many of our courses it may take no more than 48 hours.

The course materials are always sent to you via a tracked courier service, to ensure that you receive your study book within our stated period.

Do I need any additional books or equipment to do my course?

All the relevant information required to complete your course is available via the LMS. Additional research via the internet is encouraged, depending on the level you are working at, to bolster knowledge of the subject area.

There is no requirement to purchase any additional materials.

What support will I receive?

You will have access to a dedicated personal tutor whom you can contact through the Learning Management System (LMS) for assistance and guidance on any course-related matters. Your tutor will only initiate contact in response to your messages. If you encounter any difficulties reaching your tutor, please don't hesitate to email us at [email protected]

Many courses require you to submit work to your tutor during the period of study, and your tutor will assess your work and provide feedback to you within 10 working days. Your tutor is available to you as much as you need them.

Please note that the course includes tutor support for a duration of 12 months. If you require additional time, please inform us, and we will make every effort to provide you with an option for a paid extension, if feasible, to assist you in completing your course.

Please be aware that our tutors are actively assisting multiple learners, and to ensure they are not inundated with excessive workloads, we have implemented a policy limiting learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time. We recommend that you upload your completed units as you finish them. This way, you can benefit from your tutor's feedback to enhance your future assignment submissions.

How long will it take for my work to be marked by my tutor?

Your work will be marked and feedback returned to you within 10 working days after submission. This is because our tutors are required to provide detailed, considered feedback to our learners that may take a while to formulate. We find that by working this way, our learners actually complete their course in less time, as they rarely need to submit an assignment more than twice.

Whilst it is possible to submit multiple assignments at the same time, we advise that our learners submit only one at a time. We want our learners to develop as they progress through their course, and find this is best achieved when a student embarks on a new module having taken into account tutor feedback from the previous submission.

Kindly note that our tutors are currently supporting multiple learners simultaneously. In order to maintain a balanced workload for them, we have established a policy that restricts learners to submitting a maximum of three units of work for evaluation at any given time.

How long should it take to complete a course?

Depending on the course you have chosen, and the amount of time you can commit, it could take from 6 weeks to 12 months to complete your course. Your end of support date is when you need to have your course copmpleted by in order to be able to be certificated, this is usually 12 months from purchase.

The duration of the course is largely down to you. The beauty of home learning is that it allows you complete flexibility to fit your studies around your lifestyle and other commitments. You can dedicate as much, or as little, time as you want to your studies - no one will be chasing you for your work or asking why you haven’t submitted an assignment.

We do strongly recommend, though, that before you purchase a course you assess your ability to commit the necessary time to completing the course in a timeframe that will not leave you losing your motivation.

Will I have to sit an examination?

All of our courses are accredited, so you need to show that you have acquired the knowledge to pass the course – this may involve sitting an examination, but it depends on the course you have chosen.

Some courses require you to be continually assessed throughout the course, while others may require an end of course exam or assignment (which may be completed at home) to be submitted to your tutor.

Certain types of qualifications, A-levels and GCSEs for example, do require you to sit invigilated exams at a registered test centre. You will need to organise and pay for the examinations yourself, however full details of what you need to do will be available from the centre who are delivering the qualification.

If in doubt, please email [email protected], NCC can then discuss or put you in touch directly with the course provider.

Will I receive a qualification when I complete the course?

All of our courses are accredited and you will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course.

For more information about this please see the section of the website that details how awarding bodies work and what the different types of qualifications are: https://www.ncchomelearning.co.uk/awarding-organisations

Can I take more than one course at a time?

Yes, you can take as many courses as your time allows, but we would recommend that you clearly evaluate how much time you can commit to your courses of study.

The good news is that if your circumstances change you can always take a limited break and come back to your studies to save your paid for support.

If you decide to enrol on more than one course at the same time, speak to our enquiries team for any bundle deals or offers.

Can I study from outside the UK?

Certainly, in most instances, there are no geographical constraints on where you can undertake your studies. However, it's important to note that specific courses may be subject to geographical limitations imposed by the Awarding Organisation, and these restrictions will be clearly stated in the course description.

You just need to be aware that all tutors are based in the UK and work may need to be submitted to them via post, although in most cases e-mail can be used.

Where the course requires that you sit an invigilated exam at a test centre, there are many exam centres outside of the UK. However, we would advise that you check with us before purchasing one of these courses if you want to study from abroad.

What if I’ve chosen the wrong course?

If, after receiving the course, you decide it isn’t the right course for you, you may return the materials within 14 days, provided you have not yet submitted any coursework for evaluation. Please note that you will be responsible for covering the return shipping costs. We will refund your payment, minus a non-refundable deposit of £29. Additionally, you have the option to select an alternative course that better matches your goals and aspirations.

For any help on cancelling your course please email [email protected], we will only deal with cancellation enquiries via email.

What is a Totum Card?

Totum is the new brand for UK student cards and replaces the old NUS student card. NCC students are eligible to sign-up for the Totum card where applicable, giving access to a multitude of retail, food and travel special discounts. For more information, you can visit their website: https://www.totum.com/

More more

course

Ask us a question more

If you'd like some more info about this course, just pop in your details, and one of the team will be in touch with you shortly.

Buy and study with confidence

Over 20 years' experience in adult education

Unlimited assignment submissions during the course

Industry recognised and accredited courses

Interest-free payment plans for up to a year

trustpilot