Geography · XGE01 / YGE01

How International A level Geography works

Start here: the units, their exam codes and when you can sit them for Pearson Edexcel International AS and A level Geography.

Two qualifications in one course

International A level Geography is modular: you sit it unit by unit.

The International AS (cash-in code XGE01) is Unit 1, Unit 2. It is a qualification on its own.
The full International A level (cash-in code YGE01) is all 4 units: the AS units plus Unit 3, Unit 4.

You can bank AS results in Year 12 and add the A2 units in Year 13.

The units

Each unit has its own exam code. These are the codes your exams officer uses to enter you.

Unit	Code	Title	Level	Exam series 2026/27
Unit 1	WGE01	Global Challenges	AS	January and June only
Unit 2	WGE02	Geographical Investigations	AS	January and June only
Unit 3	WGE03	Contested Planet	A2	January and June only
Unit 4	WGE04	Researching Geography	A2	January and June only

Source: Pearson Information Manual 2026/2027, International A level

When you can sit them

Pearson runs International A level exams in January, May to June and October, but not every unit is offered in every series. Plan your units with your teacher, and always confirm entries with your exams officer: Pearson updates the manual every year.

Worked example

You finish Year 12 having sat the AS units in Geography. What can you claim?

The AS units are Unit 1, Unit 2.
Together they give the International AS (XGE01).

Answer: The International AS in Geography (XGE01); add the A2 units in Year 13 for the full A level (YGE01).

Key idea: International AS Geography = Unit 1, Unit 2 (XGE01). Full International A level = all 4 units (YGE01). Not every unit is offered in October.

Check yourself

What is the cash-in code for the full International A level in Geography?
- YGE01
- XGE01
- ZGE01
- WGE01
Show answer
YGE01. YGE01 is the full International A level; XGE01 is the International AS.
Which code is the International AS in Geography?
- YGE01
- WGE01
- XGE01
- QGE01
Show answer
XGE01. XGE01 is the International AS cash-in code.
How many units make up the full International A level in Geography?
Show answer
4. The full A level is 4 units: Unit 1, Unit 2, Unit 3, Unit 4.
In 2026/27, in which exam series can you sit Geography Unit 1 (Global Challenges)?
- October, January and June
- June only
- January only
- January and June only
Show answer
January and June only. Pearson's 2026/27 manual lists Unit 1 as available in: January and June only.
Which Geography unit has the code WGE02?
- Unit 1
- Unit 2
- Unit 3
- Unit 4
Show answer
Unit 2. WGE02 is Unit 2: Geographical Investigations.

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Sources

Last updated 7 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email alevel@lifereadysociety.com.