Sociology

Qualification   

AS Level (Level 3)
A Level (Level 3)                   

What does the course involve?

Sociology develops a range of skills, such as presenting a rational argument on an emotive topic and applying complex theories to everyday life. You will be able to place UK society within its global context as well as understand the significance of conflict and consensus, social structure and social action, and the roles of values.

AS and A Level Year 1 modules include:

• Education, Research Methods, and Methods in Context
  (Paper 1 - Education with Methods in Context)
  
  
• Families and Households
  (Paper 2 - Topics in Sociology)

In Year 2 (A Level only), you will study:

• Education, Methods in Context, and Theory and Methods
  (Paper 1 - Education with Theories and Methods)
  
  
• Families and Households and The Media
  (Paper 2 - Topics in Sociology)
  
  
• Crime and Deviance and Theory and Methods
  (Paper 3 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods)

Requirements 

You should have four GCSEs (or equivalent) including English at grade 5 or above, Mathematics at grade 5 or above, plus two other GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Teaching methods

Students are taught in small groups; there is a mixture of discussion, group activities and written work, plus some active research. Students undertake lesson preparation tasks as well as formal essay ‘homework’ and examination practice.

Assessment methods

Sociology is an examination only subject; there is no coursework element. All students will be entered for the AS Level which consists of two examinations at the end of year one. A Level students will sit three examinations at the end of the second year of study, these will cover all aspects of the two year programme.    

Duration
One year for AS Level
Two years for A Level.

AS and A Level are separate qualifications but are taught alongside each other for the first year. This gives AS students the opportunity to switch to the full A Level if they are ready.

Where will it take me?

Many students will go on to study degrees such as Sociology, Criminology, Politics, Philosophy and Ethics, Media Studies or Journalism. Depending on the combination with other A Levels, others go on to study Psychology or Counselling.

The understanding Sociology gives about the workings of society, including demographics and social injustice, often leads people to careers in social and caring professions. Jobs such as journalism, social work, counselling and teaching are all possible future directions.