Why study Geography?

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:

Animals, Land and Environment

Arts, Social Sciences and Languages

Construction

Information, Culture and Heritage

What do I need to get in?

This is at the discretion of the school/college but you would normally be expected to have attained one of the following:

• Higher Geography

What will I study?

The course comprises two areas of study.

Geographical Skills

You will develop:

• geographical methods and techniques including mapping skills, graphical techniques
• statistical techniques for analysing and interpreting geographical data
• a range of investigating skills while undertaking independent research such as scoping or identifying appropriate research topics; how to plan and manage a complex programme of research; techniques to source, collect and record appropriate and reliable primary and secondary information; methods of independent fieldwork; techniques to present findings using appropriate conventions; and how to evaluate research methodology.

Geographical Issues

You will:

• develop critical thinking skills
• learn how to evaluate sources and viewpoints on current geographical issues.

How will I be assessed?

Course Assessment

The course assessment consists of three components totalling 150 marks:

• Component 1 – Question paper (50 marks)
• Component 2 – Project-folio: geographical study (60 marks)
• Component 3 – Project-folio: geographical issue (40 marks).

For Component 2 - You will research a topic of a geographical nature which uses primary and /or secondary sources, which could include fieldwork, and gather and process data to produce a report on your findings.

For Component 3 - You will choose a current complex geographical issue to critically evaluate and identify viewpoints from a wide range of sources, and provide a valid conclusion as a report.

Both the question paper and the assignment are set and externally marked by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across course assessment.

The course assessment is graded A-D

Study Materials

SQA Past Papers Geography Advanced Higher
SQA Specimen Geography Advanced Higher Question Paper

What can I go on to next?

Further study, training or employment in:

• Animals, Land and Environment
• Arts, Social Sciences and Languages
• Town and Regional Planning

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Geography - Related Careers