Sociology

Examination Board: AQA 

Specification: AS & A LEVEL Sociology

Why study Sociology?

Sociology is the study of people in social groups, and sociologists study the social behaviour of people. It is a social science that examines the impact of social action, and the institutions and structures in society. In class, we investigate issues relating to Religion, The Media, Family Life, Education, Politics, Law, and Crime in order to understand how individuals and groups live in an ever changing, diverse, multicultural world.

Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research. In class, expect lively and topical debate and discussion, and the examination of popular culture through media, film, television and music. You will be regularly assessed through essay writing and topic tests.

What will I learn about? 

EDUCATION WITH METHODS IN CONTEXT (AS Level)

In this unit we examine Gender, Ethnicity and Social Class and their impact on educational success; Education Reform; and the methods used by sociologists.

RESEARCH METHODS & TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY – FAMILIES & HOUSEHOLDS (AS Level)

In this unit we examine Family Diversity, Marriage, Divorce and Separation, Family Law, Childhood, and Domestic Violence.

EDUCATION WITH THEORY AND METHODS (A Level)

In this unit we examine Gender, Ethnicity and Social Class and their impact on educational success; Education Reform; and the methods used by sociologists.

TOPICS IN SOCIOLOGY - BELIEFS IN SOCIETY & FAMILIES & HOUSEHOLDS (A Level)

In this unit we examine World Religions, Sects and Cults, New Religious Movements, Women and Religion, Ethnicity and Religion, and Fundamentalism. We also examine Family Diversity, Marriage, Divorce and Separation, Family Law, Childhood, and Domestic Violence.

CRIME & DEVIANCE WITH THEORY & METHODS (A Level)

In this unit we examine Gender & Crime; Ethnicity, Crime and Institutional Racism; Corporate & Environmental Crime; The Media & Crime; Explanations for Crime & Deviance; and the Criminal Justice System.

How will I be assessed?

Students will study five units of work over two years. There are five exams in total over two years. There is no coursework component. In Year 13, AS Level AQA Sociology is based on two exams, and each exam is one and a half hours. In Year 14, A Level AQA Sociology is based on three exams in total, each exam is two hours. All of the exams are held in the summer series. 

Pathways to future careers/courses Students who study Sociology are interested in careers ranging from Teaching, Nursing, Social Work, Criminology and Policing, Law, Politics, Journalism and Health and Social Care.

Entry requirements

5 A*- C

GCSE English Language Grade C