Geography 9696
About Course
Cambridge International AS & A Level Geography (9696) is an academically rigorous course designed for learners who wish to develop a deep understanding of both physical and human geographical processes. It is suitable for students progressing from IGCSE Geography or an equivalent course and supports pathways into further education and a wide range of geography-related disciplines.
The course develops learners’ ability to understand interactions between people and environments, analyse spatial patterns, and evaluate contemporary geographical issues. Learning progresses from core physical and human geography concepts at AS Level to more specialised and in-depth topics at A Level, allowing learners to build both breadth and depth of understanding.
Geographical skills are central to the syllabus. Learners are expected to interpret data, analyse maps and diagrams, use case studies, and construct well-structured written arguments. These skills are developed progressively and assessed through written examinations.
The syllabus provides a strong academic foundation for further study in geography and related fields, encouraging critical thinking, independent learning, and informed decision-making about global and local challenges.
Course Content
Syllabus overview – Geography 9696 (AS & A Level)
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Course Introduction
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Geography 9696 syllabus and exam overview
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Textbooks and resources
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Set your study goals and strategy
STARTING OF AS LEVEL (PAPER 1 and 2)
PAPER 1: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Topic 1: Hydrology, river processes and hazards
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The drainage basin system
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River channel processes and landforms
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River flood hazards and impacts
Topic 2: Atmospheric processes and global climate change
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Energy budgets
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Weather processes and phenomena
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Global warming and climate change
Topic 3: Earth processes and mass movements
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Plate tectonics
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Tectonic processes and landforms
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Mass movement hazards and impacts
PAPER 2: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Topic 4: Population and migration
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Global population
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Population structure
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Migration
Topic 5: Water resources and management
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Global water resources
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Factors influencing water resources at the regional/national scale
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Management of water resources at the regional/national scale
Topic 6: Urban areas and management
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Urban growth
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Urban structure and change
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Sustainable urban development
COMPLETION OF AS LEVEL SYLLABUS
STARTING OF A LEVEL
PAPER 3 – GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTS
Topic 7: Tropical environments
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Tropical climates
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Processes and landforms in tropical environments
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Vegetation, soils and ecosystems in tropical environments
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Changes and challenges in tropical environments
Topic 8: Coastal environments
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Coastal processes
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Characteristics and formation of coastal landforms
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Coral reefs
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Physical and human challenges to the coastal environment
Topic 9: Hazardous environments
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Earthquake and volcanic hazards and impacts
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Tropical cyclone hazards and impacts
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Wildfire hazards and impacts
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Challenges in multi-hazard environments
Topic 10: Arid environments
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Arid climates
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Processes and landforms in arid environments
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Vegetation and soils in arid environments
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Changes and challenges in arid environments
PAPER 4: GLOBAL THEMES
Topic 11: Climate change impacts and governance
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Our future global climate
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Socio-economic impacts of climate change
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Governance of climate change
Topic 12: Environmental issues and management
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Energy supplies
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Pollution and environmental degradation in rural areas
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Pollution and environmental degradation in urban areas
Topic 13: Trade, aid and tourism
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Global trade patterns and change
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International organisations involved in trade and aid
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International tourism
Topic 14: Disease and geography
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Distribution of diseases
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Pathogenic diseases, their spread and impacts
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Monitoring and response to pathogenic diseases