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How to know if I should take a Level geography?

Hi Im starting year 12, I’m not sure whether to choose geography or biology, i liked both at gcse and got 7s in both. Unsure on which one to pick and does anyone know what geography could lead to? or if it’s useful?
If your school lets you, you could always try both for a week or two and then drop one once you've decided. If there's a specific course you know you want to do at uni, it may also be worth considering which a-level may be more useful for that.
Reply 2
Original post by Blazeofredfiree
If your school lets you, you could always try both for a week or two and then drop one once you've decided. If there's a specific course you know you want to do at uni, it may also be worth considering which a-level may be more useful for that.
Ah unfortunately I can't try 2 as its too late. I have no idea what I want to do at uni thats why I'm trying to keep my options as open as possible.
Ah I see! Then honestly I'd say just go with whichever you find more fun- it'll be more likely to contribute to your uni course if you choose something you'll enjoy and you'll probably do better at it!
Original post by ria777
Hi Im starting year 12, I’m not sure whether to choose geography or biology, i liked both at gcse and got 7s in both. Unsure on which one to pick and does anyone know what geography could lead to? or if it’s useful?

What are your other subjects?
I am also in year 12 and I do biology and geography at a level.
They are both subjects with a lot of content and so the courses are quite fast paced for both subjects. Biology is probably more useful overall but geography is also a very versatile subject and is often accepted in many courses as an additional science.
Personally I prefer geography but that it just because I find all the concepts and processes interesting although biology is still interesting. For me geography is easier to understand and I enjoy the lessons more but this is my personal opinion so it depends on how you feel. Whichever you decide make sure you are prepared to put in the work to stay on top of the content especially as you will have to catch up on the work you have missed.
Good luck with your decision xx
Reply 5
Original post by agent_duck343
What are your other subjects?
I am also in year 12 and I do biology and geography at a level.
They are both subjects with a lot of content and so the courses are quite fast paced for both subjects. Biology is probably more useful overall but geography is also a very versatile subject and is often accepted in many courses as an additional science.
Personally I prefer geography but that it just because I find all the concepts and processes interesting although biology is still interesting. For me geography is easier to understand and I enjoy the lessons more but this is my personal opinion so it depends on how you feel. Whichever you decide make sure you are prepared to put in the work to stay on top of the content especially as you will have to catch up on the work you have missed.
Good luck with your decision xx

I'm considering to take both biology and geography next year, how do you find it?
Reply 6
Original post by ria777
Ah unfortunately I can't try 2 as its too late. I have no idea what I want to do at uni thats why I'm trying to keep my options as open as possible.

which one did you enjoy more or find easier between the two?
Original post by dhqnyq
I'm considering to take both biology and geography next year, how do you find it?
I enjoy both of them and they are my top two subjects (I also do chem and maths). Theya re quite content heavy with a fast pace but it's manageable and I don't think it's too difficult of a combo
Reply 8
Original post by agent_duck343
I enjoy both of them and they are my top two subjects (I also do chem and maths). Theya re quite content heavy with a fast pace but it's manageable and I don't think it's too difficult of a combo

ah okay, I was thinking of taking chem alongside those 2 :yep:
Geography also has a non-examined assessment component as well where you undertake an independent research project. I found this took a little less stress off of exams and I enjoyed designing an experiment.

Geography is also more essay based whilst biology only has one essay usually. Maybe this can help inform your decision.

Also, you can fact check me but most geography courses at university do not require geography alevel so do not worry about limiting your options if you decide to come back to geography later.
Original post by ria777
Hi Im starting year 12, I’m not sure whether to choose geography or biology, i liked both at gcse and got 7s in both. Unsure on which one to pick and does anyone know what geography could lead to? or if it’s useful?

Hi @ria777
I completely understand how difficult it can be picking the right A levels, however I would advise you to the pick the subject that interests you the most, as ultimately you will enjoy studying it more and want to study it in more detail leading to better results.
Geography is such a wide subject that it can lead to a variety of careers like geography specific careers like Planning Officers, Environmental Consultants, Landscape Architects, Geospatial Analyst, Hydrologist, Emergency Planning or due to the variety of skills geography equips you with you could work in marketing and sales, teaching, travel and tourism, and commercial business.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)
Reply 11
Original post by Lancaster Student Ambassador
Hi @ria777
I completely understand how difficult it can be picking the right A levels, however I would advise you to the pick the subject that interests you the most, as ultimately you will enjoy studying it more and want to study it in more detail leading to better results.
Geography is such a wide subject that it can lead to a variety of careers like geography specific careers like Planning Officers, Environmental Consultants, Landscape Architects, Geospatial Analyst, Hydrologist, Emergency Planning or due to the variety of skills geography equips you with you could work in marketing and sales, teaching, travel and tourism, and commercial business.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Thanks so much!! Geography was more like a 3rd subject my 3rd choice, that isn’t something that’s my favourite and I don’t like it as much as my other 2 subjects (english lit and psychology) but geography is just a 3rd one that is facilitating so I thought would be beneficial. And I don’t mind it, I like human geography I’m just not a fan of physical geography.
And I’d keep it as a backup if that makes sense!
Did you take a level geography?
Reply 12
Original post by evatrotter1
Geography also has a non-examined assessment component as well where you undertake an independent research project. I found this took a little less stress off of exams and I enjoyed designing an experiment.
Geography is also more essay based whilst biology only has one essay usually. Maybe this can help inform your decision.
Also, you can fact check me but most geography courses at university do not require geography alevel so do not worry about limiting your options if you decide to come back to geography later.

Thanks!! I appreciate that. I’m not actually looking to go into a geography based career. I’m actually looking to go into law, so perhaps do law at uni after this. But right now geography was more like a 3rd choice subject that isn’t my favourite and I don’t like it as much as my other 2 subjects (english lit and psychology) but it’s okay. I don’t mind it, I enjoy human geography just not so much physical geography. And yes I know about the coursework!! I’ve heard that it’s very hard and time consuming though which is scary!
Reply 13
I can’t help for biology but I do geography a level and while it is a lot of work i do enjoy it and find it links well to the real world too. I don’t know about biology but my sister did it for a levels and she and all other people say it is an immense amount of work/content and is one of the hardest a levels. It also include an essay, geography is all essay, in the exam if our deciding between essays or different kinds of exams.
Original post by ria777
Thanks so much!! Geography was more like a 3rd subject my 3rd choice, that isn’t something that’s my favourite and I don’t like it as much as my other 2 subjects (english lit and psychology) but geography is just a 3rd one that is facilitating so I thought would be beneficial. And I don’t mind it, I like human geography I’m just not a fan of physical geography.
And I’d keep it as a backup if that makes sense!
Did you take a level geography?

Hi @ria777
Yes I took a level geography, and really enjoyed the course especially the physical geography aspects of the course, so much that I went on to study it at university!
Picking geography as a 3rd choice is a good idea, purely for the amount of varied skills you develop throughout the course, so hope you enjoy studying this year.
Good Luck for your a levels!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

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