A2 Geography Subject Content

Option 4: World Cities

The global pattern: millionaire cities, mega cities and world cities.
Economic development and change related to urbanisation.

Contemporary urbanisation processes

Urbanisation: characteristics, causes and effects.
Suburbanisation: characteristics, causes and effects.
Counter-urbanisation: characteristics, causes and effects.
Re-urbanisation: characteristics, causes and effects.
Planning and management issues.
Contrasting case studies within countries at different levels of economic development to demonstrate the above.

Urban decline and regeneration within urban areas

Characteristics and causes of urban decline.
Urban regeneration: gentrification, property-led regeneration schemes, partnership schemes between local and national governments and the private sector.

Retailing and other services

The decentralisation of retailing and other services – causes and impacts.
One case study of an out of town centre retailing area.
The redevelopment of urban centres – impacts and responses, including one case study of an urban centre that has undergone redevelopment.

Contemporary sustainability issues in urban areas

Waste management: recycling and its alternatives.
Transport and its management: the development of integrated, efficient and sustainable systems.