Sociology

A Level, Sociology

Sociology is the study of people in social groups. Studying sociology allows students to develop a personal insight and awareness about the social world around them in all its variety. In this very popular subject students discover how households and family life vary in society and how they have changed over time. We also explore the education system and why some groups do better than others for example why girls out-perform boys.

Sociology uses various tools to investigate society such as interviews, observation and surveys. We apply these research methods and explore their effectiveness in different contexts. Alongside theory and methods we study religion and how beliefs have changed over time and differ in our society. Students also investigate causes of crime, ways to address crime and conformity.

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Course Outlines

Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE English Language and 5 in a traditional written subject.

Assessment

Paper 1 – 2hrs

Paper 2 – 2hrs

Paper 3 – 2hrs

Combination of short and long answers

Course Units

Paper 1 – Education and Research Methods and Theory

Paper 2 – Families and Households and Beliefs in Society

Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance and Theory and Methods

Future Opportunities

The course provides a good foundation for pursuing sociology and its related courses at degree level. Previous students who have successfully completed this course have gone on to study and establish careers in criminology, psychology, human resources, teaching and various health professions.

Further Information

This course is for anyone who has an interest in understanding how the world around them works, and who enjoys critical thinking and exploring ideas from different viewpoints. If you are interested in how society works and how culture and identity are shaped, then this course is for you. To be successful on this course you need to be an effective communicator and have accurate written skills. You must also have a passion for independent study and a willingness to explore new ideas.

You must be willing to think lots, write lots and read lots.