A Level Sociology

The A level course is made up of a range of topics all of which are examined through written examinations. At the end of Year 13 there are three exam papers, each lasting two hours.

Paper one: Education with Theory and Methods (Year 12)

Topics include the role and function of education, the effects it has on different social classes, ethnicities and genders. Students will also look at how Sociologists carry out their research and will apply these by focusing on the use of research methods in the study of Education.

Paper two: Topics in Sociology

Section A – Families and Households (Year 12)

Topics include changing patterns of marriage, divorce and childbearing, gender roles and domestic division of labour and the changing nature of childhood.

Section B –Beliefs in Society (Year 13)

Topics include the role of religion in society, how society is becoming secularised, the use of cults and other organisations, and the increase in new religion.

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (Year 13)

Topics include crime, deviance and social control, the social distribution of crime by gender, ethnicity and age, globalisation of crime, and crime prevention and punishment. Students will also study the different theories of Sociology and be able to apply these synoptically across the topics.

Paper one: Education with Theory and Methods: 2 hour written exam (33.3% of A-level)

• Education: short answer and extended writing - 50 marks
• Methods in Context: extended writing - 20 marks
• Theory and Methods: extended writing - 10 marks

Paper two: Topics in Sociology: 2 hour written exam (33.3% of A-level)

Section A – Families and Households Extended writing (3 questions) – 40 marks

Section B – Beliefs in Society Extended writing (3 questions) – 40 marks

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods: 2 hour written exam (33.3% of A level)

Crime and Deviance: short answer and extended writing - 50 marks

Theory and Methods: extended writing - 30 marks

Students need to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including a Grade 5 in English Language and a humanities subject to study A level Sociology.

Sociology A Level is an extremely useful qualification and will allow you to pursue a wide range of career options including teaching, criminology, law, the media, social work and many others. It is also a useful addition if you are pursuing courses such as English, History, Geography and many others at University.