This course is designed to enable you to use geographical analysis to develop a detailed understanding of important aspects of the contemporary world. This involves studying the ways that people and the environment interact and examining the environmental issues that arise in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills including research, evaluation and presentation, IT, mapping and statistics.
The skills you learn in Geography are valuable in a wide range of career sectors, including: working with development or aid agencies, environmental work, working for the census office and in tourism and leisure.
Career Pathways
To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:
Arts, Social Sciences and Languages
Information, Culture and Heritage
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:
You will study the features of the earth – such as mountains, rivers and seas – and how they were formed. You will learn how to use a range of equipment and techniques such as map reading, data collection, ICT and problem-solving. You will find out about cultures and backgrounds of people from all over the world. There will be opportunities for practical activities, including fieldwork.
The course has three compulsory units, plus an added value unit that assesses your practical skills.
Geography: Physical Environments (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
Note: This unit may be taken with a Scottish Context option, which contributes towards the Scottish Studies Award.
Geography: Human Environments (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
Geography: Global Issues (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
Note: This unit has the option of studying in the context of climate change.
Added Value Unit: Geography Assignment (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
Your work will be assessed by your teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
You must pass all the units including the practical unit to gain the course qualification.
BBC Bitesize Geography National 4
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
