A Level Sociology

Studying sociology offers insights into social and cultural issues. It helps you develop a multi-perspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, religion, crime, families and social power. More than once during the course you're bound to ask yourself the question, why has society developed like this? With poverty, ignorance, crime and injustice.

Education and methods in context: You'll consider the role of education in society. For example as part of your studies you'll look into gender and ethnicity differences in school achievement. You'll also learn how to apply your own sociology research methods to the study of education.

Research methods: You'll learn how to conduct your own sociological research, from interviews to reviewing documents and official statistics.

Crime and deviance with theory and methods: You'll learn about criminal and deviant behaviour, including factors that might lead a person to follow this path in life and how the media portrays them

Theory and methods: you'll expand on your knowledge of research methods and study theory and methods. You'll also study the media in some detail, including the impact it has on society and societal development, as well as considering the theories underpinning cultures and the identities of individuals and groups.

There are two exams at AS-level each worth 50% of your AS qualification. Each exam lasts for 1 hour30 minutes and is worth 60 marks. The exams consist of short answer and extended writing questions.

At A-level there are three exams, each account for one third of your A-level grade. The three exams last 2 hours and are worth 80 marks each. The exams consist of a mixture of short answer and extended writing questions.

At least 5 GCSE Grades 9 - 4 to include Maths; and Grade 5 or above in all English subjects entered.

Sociology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in government, politics, social work, nursing or medicine. But the subject is also useful in a number of other careers, like marketing, advertising, PR, journalism, law or teaching. Possible degree options for students who have an A Level in sociology include Sociology; Psychology; PPE (Philosophy, Politics & Economics); English Studies; Business Studies; Law or Teaching.