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 developing key skills in reasoning, evaluation and analysis.
Students study three main areas:
- 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 class, gender and ethnicity influence outcomes.
- Research Methods – understanding how sociologists investigate society, including qualitative and quantitative methods and their strengths and limitations.
Year 13
In Year 13, students deepen their understanding of sociological theory and apply it to contemporary social issues.
Students study three further areas:
- Beliefs in Society – analysing religion and belief systems and their relationship with social change and stability.
- Crime & Deviance – evaluating explanations of crime and the influence of gender, class, age and the media on offending and victimisation.
- Sociological Theory – exploring key perspectives and debates that underpin the discipline.
The Media is also considered, including the role of traditional and new media, 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. These test students' knowledge, understanding and ability to apply, analyse and evaluate sociological ideas and evidence across the topics studied.
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 and social work, as well as many other professions where an understanding of society and strong analytical skills are important.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Grade 5 in English Language.
Sociology (A-Level)
Sociology provides students with an understanding of the society in which we live. The course explores important social issues, including inequality, crime, education, family life and the influence of the media. Students develop analytical, evaluative and research skills throughout the course.
Year 12
Students study Family, Education and Research Methods. They examine how family and education operate, how social institutions change over time, and how class, gender and ethnicity influence people's experiences. Research Methods introduces qualitative and quantitative approaches to investigating society.
Year 13
Students study Beliefs in Society, Crime and Deviance, and Sociological Theory. Topics include religion and social change, explanations of crime, social inequality, key sociological perspectives and debates. The Media is also examined, including ownership, control and the presentation of messages in society.
Assessment Components
Component 1: Family, Education and Research Methods. Written examination at the end of the course.
Component 2: Beliefs in Society and Crime and Deviance. Written examination at the end of the course.
Component 3: Sociological Theory and The Media. Written examination at the end of the course.
Higher Education and Career Prospects
Sociology is valued by universities and employers. It develops reasoning, evaluation, research and analytical skills and supports progression into law, policing, journalism, media, research, marketing, social work and many other professional fields.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Grade 5 in English Language.