Sociology

Course Information

Sociology is an increasingly popular subject at A Level, particularly amongst those students who want to combine the study of traditional subjects with a new discipline which offers fresh insights into human life.

Sociology aims to understand human behaviour by looking at the society in which we live and how that society shapes our courses of action. We are all part of British society, but quite often we take for granted the process and institutions that have shaped our lives from the day we were born.

The role of the sociologist is to investigate patterns and trends, investigate inequality and stand up for the oppressed. Studying Sociology allows you to develop a critical mind and a desire to challenge the status quo.

What we’ll study

If you study Sociology you’ll find that it raises many questions about social life. These questions include:

• Why are some social groups, like young males, more likely than others to become involved in criminal behaviour?
• Are differences in behaviour between males and females natural or are they produced by the society in which we live?
• What are the causes of mental illness? Do they originate in the individual or is it society ‘driving us mad’?
• Why is there a disparity between the rich and poor? How is the cycle of poverty maintained? How do some people become marginalised from society?
• What changes have been taking place in the family in recent years? How has this affected relations between parents and children, husbands and wives?
• What are the factors which influence a pupil’s educational achievement? Have recent changes in the educational system benefitted pupils?

These are issues that are all encompassed into the A Level course and they provoke a lot of discussion and debate. If you are interested in these issues and wider societal debates then this subject is for you.

The course is split into three modules with four topic areas, giving you the opportunity to experience a variety of topics that relate to society.

Over the two-year A Level course you will study three modules:

Module 1: Education with Theory and Methods

Module 2: Work, poverty and welfare and The Media

Module 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods.

Your future

Sociology is a highly respected subject and through studying Sociology students gain a wide range of employability skills and experience, including communication and analytical skills, team working skills, and time- management skills.

How you’ll be assessed

You’ll sit written examinations at the end of your second year.

Factfile

Level: A Level

Sociology is a fascinating subject that also opens up a number of career areas.

We find many students go on to study Sociology or Criminology at many universities around the country.

Working with people is a common theme; such as teaching, social work, business, and personnel management. Architects, lawyers, medical students and engineers all have some introduction to the sociological aspects of their work, and these professions are taking a greater interest in sociological research so that they can plan their work more effectively.

Examining Board: AQA

Entry Requirements:

General College entry requirements.

GCSE English at grade 4 or above.

Great subjects to partner Sociology A Level:

Psychology, Law, English, History, Geography, Theology, Philosophy & Ethics and Politics all work well with Sociology.

To discuss whether this course is right for you, please get in touch.

Contact: Ms K Palfrey