Sociology
Sociology is a popular A-Level that equips you with a lifelong understanding of the society in which we live. Throughout the course you will explore key social issues such as inequality and crime, asking questions like “Why is there so much inequality?” and “Why is knife crime such a big problem among young people?” By the end of the course you will have the knowledge and skills to explain many of the social issues that shape our lives today.
Year 12
In Year 12, students are introduced to core areas of Sociology and begin to develop key skills in reasoning, evaluation and analysis.
We study three main components:
- Family – examining different family forms, the role of the family in society and how family life has changed over time.
- Education – exploring the functions of education, patterns of achievement and how factors such as class, gender and ethnicity influence educational outcomes.
- Research Methods – learning how sociologists investigate society, including the use of qualitative and quantitative methods and the strengths and limitations of different approaches.
Year 13
In Year 13, students deepen their understanding of sociological theory and apply it to contemporary social issues.
We study three further components:
- Beliefs in Society – analysing the role of religion and belief systems in modern societies and how these relate to social change and stability.
- Crime & Deviance – evaluating explanations for different types of crime and considering how factors such as gender, class, age and the media influence offending and victimisation.
- Sociological Theory – exploring key theoretical perspectives and debates that underpin the discipline of Sociology.
The Media is also considered, allowing us to analyse the role of new and traditional media, the relationship between ownership and control and how messages are constructed and presented in society.
Assessment Components
Component 1
Component 2
Component 3
Assessment is through three written examinations at the end of the course, testing students’ knowledge, understanding and ability to apply, analyse and evaluate sociological ideas and evidence across all components.
Higher Education and Career Prospects
Sociology is a subject valued by universities and employers. Students develop skills in reasoning, evaluation and analysis, alongside a better understanding of people and the world around them.
It is an ideal foundation for careers in law, the police, journalism, media, research, marketing, social work and many more roles where an understanding of society and strong analytical skills are important.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Grade 5 in English Language.
Sociology (A-Level)
Sociology is a popular A-Level which equips students with a lifelong understanding of the society in which we live. More than once during the course you will find yourself asking “Why?” – for example, “Why is there so much inequality?” or “Why is knife crime such a big problem among young people?” By the end of the course you will have the knowledge to explain some of these social issues and others that exist in society today.
Year 12
Students study three components: Family, Education and Research Methods.
In Family and Education, students examine how these institutions operate, how they have changed over time and how factors such as class, gender and ethnicity can influence people’s experiences. In Research Methods, they learn how sociologists investigate society using a range of qualitative and quantitative methods, and consider the strengths and limitations of different approaches.
Year 13
In Year 13 students study three further components: Beliefs in Society, Crime and Deviance, and Sociological Theory.
Beliefs in Society explores the role of religion and belief systems. Crime and Deviance analyses and evaluates explanations for many types of crime and the factors that influence people to commit crime, including gender, class, age and the influence of the media. Sociological Theory focuses on the key perspectives and debates that underpin the subject. The Media is also examined, looking at ownership and control and how messages are presented in society.
Assessment
Assessment is by three written examinations at the end of the course, covering all of the components studied over the two years.
Higher Education and Career Prospects
Sociology is valued by universities and employers. Students develop skills such as reasoning, evaluation and analysis, as well as a better understanding of people and the world around them.
It is an ideal foundation for a career in law, the police, journalism, media, research, marketing, social work and many other fields.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 5 in English Language.