Sociology

Applicants will only be considered once all the application information has been completed including predicted and/or actual grades and references.

Applicants with non-UK qualifications, for example, overseas qualifications, will be required to have the equivalence of their qualifications verified by UK ENIC (the wider European title for national recognition agencies www.enic.org.uk) who will charge the you a fee for providing this ‘Statement of Comparability’. If you are unable to gain a Statement of Comparability, we reserve the right to withdraw your application due to the lack of comparable grade evidence. We are required to ensure that students are eligible for ESFA funding, which is guaranteed if they are living with a parent who: Has British citizenship and/or; Has a right of abode/leave to enter the UK and/or; Has a relevant work permit/visa and/or; Is a foreign diplomat.

Please provide any outstanding documentary evidence in relation to the above. Applications from students who are not eligible for ESFA funding will have their application withdrawn by the school. The school does not hold a licence to support applicants with Home Office Tier 4 Student Visa status.

Why Study Sociology?

Sociology is the study of people in social groups. It attempts to describe and explain human behaviour in a variety of situations. It is a common mistake to think of Sociology as a soft option. While most people find it interesting, stimulating and enjoyable, it also involves reasoned and disciplined thinking and the use of abstract and difficult concepts.

Sociology is a living subject dealing with problems that face modern society and challenges many of the common sense notions that people may have concerning issues such as gender, ethnicity, sexuality and class. There is also a growing focus on the impact of globalisation at international, national and local levels so an interest in current affairs is beneficial when studying Sociology.

What Does The Course Involve?

Students should develop the ability to understand and use sociological concepts concerning theories and methods as well as those concerned with understanding contemporary social life in general. They should be able to interpret and evaluate sociological material in a variety of forms – written, graphical etc.

They should also learn to present explanations, ideas and arguments in a coherent and logical form as it is a subject that will develop the individual’s ability to argue, think and present a balanced critical argument. As an academic subject is an ideal preparation for university entrance as well as careers such as teaching, human resource management, business, nursing or any occupation that is people orientated.

The course involves the study of three areas that contain various topics related to Sociology:

• Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods.

• Paper 2: Topics in Sociology: Work, poverty and welfare, then Beliefs in Society.

• Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Exam Board AQA. 100% examination after two years.

What Are The Entry Requirements?

To qualify for a place in Sixth Form, you must achieve five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including Maths and either English Language or Literature or five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, plus at least a grade 4 in Maths and English Language or Literature.

For this course: GCSE grade 5 in English Language/English Literature/any Humanities subject*

* ‘Humanities subjects’ are History, Geography and RPE

Leading To A Career In?

Sociology can lead to a range of further studies and possible careers including law, police work, journalism, teaching, medical professions, human resources, social work, management, the civil service and probation work.