Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, and of human behaviour in society. We explore and question how people’s social class, ethnicity and gender identity can impact on experiences and interactions. Sociology challenges students to think analytically and critically about society on a range of contemporary issues.
Sixth Form (Year 12-13)
Examination Board: AQA
Course Description
In Year 12, A Level Sociology lessons focus on the sociology of families, households and education. Areas that are investigated include reasons for differences in educational achievement, the role and purpose of education in society and the changing patterns of family types in society.
In Year 13, Sociology of the Mass Media and Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods are covered. In these units, students examine the role of the media in shaping behaviour and the impact of the media stereotyping of different social groups. The course also considers what crimes in society are the most dangerous, who are more likely to be defined as ‘criminals’ and how society punishes criminals.
Throughout the course students study and apply key sociological theories such as Marxism, Feminism and Functionalism. Students will have the opportunity to engage in theoretical debate and apply and evaluate sociological research methods, by applying them to examples drawn from their own research.
Assessment
This is a linear course. This means that students opting for an A Level in this subject will be committing to a two-year course with all units examined at the end of Year 13.
Students will sit three written papers:
- Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)
- Paper 2: Topics in Sociology (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)
- Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (2 hours, worth 33.3% of qualification)
Entry Requirements
GCSE Sociology is not a requirement but where students have completed the course, a Grade 5 is required.
Where might it lead?
A Level Sociology can help open doors to careers in/as:
- Advice Worker
- Civil Service
- Community Development Worker
- Criminal Justice
- Family Support Worker
- Housing Manager/Officer
- Human Resources
- International Aid/Development Worker
- Journalist
- Life Coach
- Local Government
- Marketing
- Police Officer
- Policy Officer
- Probation Officer
- Public Relations Officer
- Social Researcher
- Social Worker
- Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
- Teacher/Lecturer
- Youth Worker
Student Destinations
Lola Hedley-Smith
2024 Offers from:
- University of the West of England – Sociology with Psychology
- University of Essex – Sociology with Social Psychology
- Kingston University – Business Psychology
- Kingston University – Psychology with Sociology
- Nottingham Trent University – Psychology with Sociology
Henry Jelley
2024 Offers from:
- University of Birmingham – Politics and Sociology
- University of Birmingham – Sociology
- Cardiff University – Politics and Sociology
- Coventry University – Sociology
- University of Southampton – Sociology
