A Level Sociology

Sociology is about the study of societies, how they work and how they change. You will learn how societies shape people�s ideas and behaviour and how in turn, people interact and shape their societies. You will also have the chance to consider your own experience of the world around you and develop the knowledge and skills needed to play a part within the community.

Qualities required: Students need an open and enquiring mind, an interest in current affairs and the social issues of today.

Links with other subjects: Sociology is a Social Science and therefore combines well with both Science and Arts based subjects. For example, students have combined Maths, Chemistry and Sociology or English, History and Sociology, along with various other permutations.

Topics covered at A level:

Year 1

1. Education
2. Methods in Context
3. Research methods
4. One of: a) Culture and Identity b) Families and Households c)Work, Poverty and Welfare

Year 2

1. Education with Theory and Methods
2. Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
3. One of: a) Culture and Identity b) Families and Households c) Health d) Work, Poverty and Welfare
4. One of: a) Beliefs in Society b) Global Development c) The Media d) Stratification and Differentiation

Assessed by written exams. Covering all areas of the course.

Advanced Level:

Paper 1: 2 hours Extended writing

Paper 2: 2 hours Extended writing

Paper 3: 2 hours short answers and extended writing

Five or more GCSE grades 9-4 or equivalent, including Grade 4 in English Language and Grade 4 in Maths.

Minimum of Grade 4 in Sociology if studied.

Many students go on to Higher Education and have followed diverse ranges of degrees, Maths, Social Sciences, Law, Business, Medicine, Media, English, Criminology, Education, Biology, etc.

Students are better equipped to express their views, present balanced arguments and have an analytical, evaluative mind. Other students who have pursued a career at 18 have gone to work in Insurance, Law, Admin, Police, etc.