The geographical study has a total mark allocation of 60 marks. This is 40% of the overall marks for the course assessment.

The geographical study enables candidates to demonstrate the application of their skills, knowledge and understanding through undertaking independent research.

Candidates have the opportunity to demonstrate:

• independent research and/or fieldwork

• applying a wide range of geographical methods and techniques

• integrating a wide range of geographical skills

Setting, conducting and marking the geographical study

In order to complete the geographical study, candidates need to:

• justify their choice of a complex geographical topic to research

• plan and carry out detailed research, which could include fieldwork

• evaluate the research techniques and the reliability of data gathered

• demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the topic being studied from wider reading

• use a wide range of appropriate techniques to process the gathered information

• analyse all the information they have gathered and processed to identify and explain relationships

• reach reasoned conclusions supported by a wide range of evidence

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to undertake detailed research of a geographical nature which uses primary and/or secondary sources, to gather and process data and report findings appropriately.

Teachers and lecturers should provide reasonable guidance on the types of study which will enable candidates to meet all the requirements of this assessment. Teachers and lecturers may also guide candidates as to the likely availability and accessibility of resources for their chosen study.

Candidates will work on their geographical study with minimum support from the teacher or lecturer.

The geographical study is managed by centres within SQA guidelines and is conducted under some supervision and control.

Evidence is submitted to SQA for external marking. All marking is quality assured by SQA.