A Level Sociology
A Level Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. Sociology’s subject matter is diverse, ranging from crime to religion, from the family to the state, from the divisions of race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from social stability to radical change in whole societies. Sociology is an exciting and illuminating field of study that analyses and explains important matters in our personal lives, our communities, and the world.
FIRST YEAR:
You’ll start off studying and exploring different sociological perspectives and linking these to the following module:
- Family. How do different family structures impact society? How influential is this in shaping our identity?
From January onwards, you’ll be studying Education Theory and Research Methods, including topics such as:
- Are girls really doing better than boys?
- How can teachers label students?
- How does your ethnicity or class affect your experience at school?
You’ll use data throughout this module to support your answers. This will prepare you for your AS exam.
SECOND YEAR:
If you meet the minimum grade of a D to continue to A2, you will explore topics such as Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods, including:
- Why do people commit suicide?
- Why is crime increasing?
- What makes people kill, rob or beat?
- Domestic violence
Again, you’ll use supporting data to reinforce your arguments and opinion.
You will then study the following option:
- The Media. How does the media influence and manipulate society? Does fake news really exist?
All students studying A Levels should have at least five GCSEs at grade 9 – 5 in academic subjects, including English Language at grade 5. Two of these should be grade 6. Specifically for Sociology, you should have GCSE Maths at grade 5.
AS and A Level Sociology assessment is by examinations that may include short answer questions and extended writing. This is an essay-based subject and you should be confident in writing long essays.
Sociology is a subject that is accepted at all universities in most courses. Many students who take A Level Sociology go on to university to study it as their major choice.
Many students who undertake a career in social services, social policy, teaching, business, the civil service, the police, etc, find the study of Sociology invaluable to their understanding.
STEVEN PRITCHARD
- Sociology degree from the University of Worcester
- 7 years’ frontline experience, including social work and Youth Offending Services
- Keen to help young people explore topics such as ‘Identity’ and ‘New Media’
RICHARD CONWAY
- BSc (Hons) Sociology & Social Policy from Swansea University
- Over 10 years’ experience working as a Qualified Academic Support Worker at the University of Wolverhampton
- AQA Sociology Examiner
ISOBEL WHITEHOUSE
- A* in Sociology A Level
- A in English Language/Literature & Psychology
- Now studying Psychology (Mental Health) at Nottingham Trent University