MATSEC AM Geography

It is administered by the MATSEC Examinations Board at the University of Malta, Msida MSD 2080, Malta. The Board publishes the syllabus, past papers, and marking schemes and exemplars on its website. Contact the Board on +356 2340 2814/5/6 or [email protected] for administrative questions about entries, sessions, and results.

The assessment is split equally between Physical Geography (50 per cent) and Human Geography (50 per cent). Physical Geography concerns the natural environment and the processes shaping it; Human Geography concerns people, places, and their interaction. Download the current syllabus from the Syllabi section of the MATSEC website, since it defines the exact topics examinable in your session.

Treat the two domains as equal halves and timetable them accordingly rather than favouring the one you enjoy. Build topic notes first, then move to past papers from the Past Papers section, and compare your answers against the Marking Schemes and Exemplars. Finish with timed, full-paper practice so that pacing and answer selection become automatic before the examination.

Both are published on the MATSEC Examinations Board website, under Past Papers and under Marking Schemes and Exemplars respectively. Work through several recent sessions rather than a single paper, and read the marking scheme alongside each attempt to see how marks are actually allocated, which command words are used, and how much detail each part rewards.

Typical weaknesses are unbalanced preparation across the two domains, descriptive answers that never reach analysis or evaluation, and ignoring case-study or located-example requirements. Others are misreading command words, poor use of figures and data, and running out of time on later questions. Past-paper practice with the marking scheme exposes each of these before the examination does.

Advanced level assumes you can explain processes and evaluate competing interpretations, not merely recall definitions. Expect questions that require structured argument, use of examples, and interpretation of data. The step up is mainly in depth of reasoning and precision of terminology, so practise writing analytical paragraphs rather than fact lists.

The MATSEC Examinations Board handles entries and sessions, and its website carries the regulations, guidelines, and policies together with current session information. Check those pages, or contact the Board directly on +356 2340 2814/5/6 or at [email protected], for the rules that apply to your situation rather than relying on second-hand advice.

Plan a sustained programme across the whole course rather than a final cram, because both domains carry equal weight and each needs depth. Allocate regular weekly slots to physical and human topics, keep a running log of case studies, and schedule past papers at intervals so feedback feeds back into revision. Adjust the balance as mock results reveal weak areas.

No. This is independent study material produced for candidates searching for the qualification. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced by the MATSEC Examinations Board or the University of Malta. Always confirm syllabus content, session dates, entry deadlines, and regulations directly with the Board at um.edu.mt/matsec.