Geography Degree without A Level

I am unable to do A Level geography at my school as I did not do GCSE. However, I looked at the A Level (and even GCSE) specification for Geography and it seems like a subject that I would really enjoy and covers a broad range of things I'm interested in. I was thinking of maybe doing a geography degree, as I saw that you can do some geography degrees without an A Level. However, I was worried I would be missing out on knowledge that really interests me. If I did a Geography degree would I cover the things I'm interested in at A Level e.g. desertification, globalisation, geopolitics, interdependence, food security

Hi,

Most universities, though not all, would allow you to study a geography degree without geography A-level. However they may require you to have studied other subjects instead. For example, at Lancaster, it is 'recommended' that you study A-level geography, or if not, one of the following alternative subjects: Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Economics, English Literature, Environmental Studies, Geology, History, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, World Development.
In a lot of university geography courses you will study a 'geographical skills' module or something similar in first year that will equip you with all the skills you will need throughout your degree. This will probably build from the ground up so should be accessible without A-level geography.

As others have said, geography courses vary widely from university to university so I would definitely check the available modules and also areas of research specialisation. You should note that the specific modules available will likely vary from year to year, especially 3rd year modules. However, at university a lot of study is independent learning, and there is often room to direct this towards topics you are more interested in. In 3rd year your will likely be able to do your dissertation in one of your main areas of interest, especially if the university has a strong research presence in that area.

Hope this helps,
Becky (Lancaster University Student Ambassador)

Yes it is possible to do a Geography degree without a geog A' level. You may want to check the course prospectuses carefully to make sure the Uni covers your specific interests, and their entry requirements. Not all Uni geography courses are the same.
What A'level subjects are you studying.

I am unable to do A Level geography at my school as I did not do GCSE. However, I looked at the A Level (and even GCSE) specification for Geography and it seems like a subject that I would really enjoy and covers a broad range of things I'm interested in. I was thinking of maybe doing a geography degree, as I saw that you can do some geography degrees without an A Level. However, I was worried I would be missing out on knowledge that really interests me. If I did a Geography degree would I cover the things I'm interested in at A Level e.g. desertification, globalisation, geopolitics, interdependence, food security

I am unable to do A Level geography at my school as I did not do GCSE. However, I looked at the A Level (and even GCSE) specification for Geography and it seems like a subject that I would really enjoy and covers a broad range of things I'm interested in. I was thinking of maybe doing a geography degree, as I saw that you can do some geography degrees without an A Level. However, I was worried I would be missing out on knowledge that really interests me. If I did a Geography degree would I cover the things I'm interested in at A Level e.g. desertification, globalisation, geopolitics, interdependence, food security