Course Overview

As we face the urgent challenge of climate change, understanding geography is more crucial than ever. Become a knowledgeable advocate for our planet’s future.

IGCSE Geography is your opportunity to explore some of the most challenging issues facing the world today. Geographers play a crucial role in understanding things like climate change, urbanisation and sustainable development.

From natural disasters, to population growth and food security, our Geography IGCSE online course explores some of the most relevant and challenging issues. You’ll delve into how human actions impact our planet, study diverse ecosystems and analyse global weather patterns.

IGCSE Geography explores the intricacies of our planet, building critical skills to address today’s environmental issues. From diverse landscapes to complex human-environment interactions, studying our Geography IGCSE online course will allow you to understand the physical and human factors that shape our world.

The online resources and practical activities that you can do at home in our engaging IGCSE Geography course will uncover the key connections between our natural world and human environments.

With a great range of skills and a deep understanding of the world, geographers are highly employable. Our engaging IGCSE Geography online course will open up a wide range of future career possibilities for you and is ideal preparation for further study.

This is your chance to begin your journey to understanding the complexities of planet Earth and the profound impact geography has on all of our lives.

  • 98% pass rate across IGCSEs in 2024

  • elearning icon

    Interactive course

  • 1:1 tutor support

IGCSE Geography at a glance

Our (I)GCSE courses are offered in conjunction with leading UK examination boards and you’ll have to sit exams to get your qualification. Our Exams and Assessment page provides more information on sitting your exams.

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Exam board

CAIE 0976

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Format

Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace.

Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.

*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade.

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Resources

Set textbook:

Essential Mapwork Skills 2, by S Ross, Nelson Thornes (2007)

 

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Assessment

Exams (three):

45% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)

27.5% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)

27.5% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

No formal qualifications

An ability to read and write in English.

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course exam board icon
Exam board

CAIE 0976

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

No formal qualifications

An ability to read and write in English.

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbook:

Essential Mapwork Skills 2, by S Ross, Nelson Thornes (2007)

 

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace.

Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.

*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade.

course format icon
Format

Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

45% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)

27.5% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)

27.5% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.

course exam board icon
Exam board

CAIE 0976

course format icon
Format

Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.

course hours icon
Hours

Learn at your own pace.

Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.

*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.

course assignments icon
Assignments

11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute towards your final grade.

course resources icon
Resources

Set textbook:

Essential Mapwork Skills 2, by S Ross, Nelson Thornes (2007)

 

course assessment icon
Assessment

Exams (three):

45% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)

27.5% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)

27.5% of marks (1 hour 30 minutes)

There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.

course entry requirements icon
Entry requirements

No formal qualifications

An ability to read and write in English.

course requirements icon
Requirements

Internet access

Computer operating system and browser to support learn@nec.

Why study IGCSE Geography

Future opportunities

  • Studying geography at A level.
  • A range of rewarding careers in fields such as conservation, urban planning, cartography, surveying, tourism, international aid, education and logistics.
Course content

What you’ll learn…

Section 1

Introductory skills

  • Map reading
  • Introductory skills maps
Section 2

Population

  • World population growth
  • Factors influencing natural change
  • Population structure
  • Population distribution and density
  • Migration
  • Population and resources
Section 3

Settlement topics

  • Distribution and location of settlements
  • Settlement function
  • Urbanisation
  • Urban land use
  • Problems of urban growth
  • Environmental problems caused by urban growth
Section 4

Tectonic processes

  • Why does the Earth’s crust move?
  • Earthquakes
  • Volcanoes
Section 5

Geological processes

  • Rocks and weathering
  • Rivers
  • Coastal processes and landforms
Section 6

Environmental processes

  • Weather
  • Climate
  • Ecosystems
  • Human use of ecosystems
  • Natural environments: benefits and hazards
Section 7

Economic activity

  • Development, economic activity and globalisation
  • Agricultural systems
  • Industry
  • Leisure activities and tourism
Section 8

Resources

  • Food resources
  • Water resources
  • Energy resources: supply and demand
  • Alternative energy resources
Section 9

Impact of economic development

  • Climate change
  • Economic development: advantages and disadvantages
Section 10

Investigative skills

  • Enquiry skills

    Affordable study

    Flexible payments and financial help

    • As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
    • NEC’s fees for (I)GCSEs offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
    • Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
    • Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.

    Visit our Fee information page or

    Talk to an advisor
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    Monthly Instalments

    Study now, pay your way

    It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.

    To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.

    The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.

    Course fee £470
    Depost £47
    Amount of credit £423
    Monthly payment £35.25
    Duration 12 months
    Total repayment £470
    Cost of credit £0.00
    Rate of interest 0% APR representative

    Enrolling on more than one GCSE or IGCSE? Use voucher code GCSEMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.

    Older female tutor looks wistfully into the distance
    With you every step of the way

    Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor

    You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.

    “I have taught Geography for more than 20 years. Throughout this time I have also tutored students privately for both GCSE and A level Geography for a number of examination boards. I have marked and moderated examinations in my post as regional advisor/moderator for Edexcel.”

    Alison, one of our first-class geography tutors
    MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS
    Help when you need it

    Additional support for under 18s

    We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.

    Our approach to home study
    Need help choosing?

    Talk to one of our course advisors

    Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?

    Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.

    • Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
    • Or contact us today by phone or email.

    We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.

    Talk to a course advisor

    Frequently asked questions

    Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.

    NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.

    You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.

    Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.

    Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.

    Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.

    We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.

    Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.

    Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.

    Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.

    If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!

    If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.

    Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.

    People who study IGCSE Geography also take…

    Want to study more than one subject? We offer a 10% multi-buy offer when you enrol on two or more courses together.