Sociology.
If you are interested in understanding society, curious about why people behave differently and fascinated by the relationships, institutions and inequalities that shape our lives, A Level Sociology could be the subject for you.
Course overview
A Level Sociology
If you are interested in understanding society, curious about why people behave differently and fascinated by the relationships, institutions and inequalities that shape our lives, A Level Sociology could be the subject for you.
Sociology is the study of society and social behaviour. It explores questions such as: Why are some groups more successful than others? How has family life changed? Why do people commit crime? How does education influence our opportunities? What role does the media play in society? Why do people hold different beliefs?
Throughout the course, you will explore different sociological perspectives, theories and research, while developing skills in critical thinking, analysis, evaluation and academic writing.
What will I study?
This is a two-year A-level course, following the AQA Sociology specification.
Education – Explore the role and purpose of education, educational achievement, the impact of social class, gender and ethnicity, and the relationship between education and wider society.
Methods in Context – Apply sociological research methods to the study of education and consider the strengths and limitations of different approaches.
Theory and Methods – Explore key sociological perspectives and theories, including functionalism, Marxism, feminism and interactionism, alongside different approaches to sociological research.
Crime and Deviance – Explore explanations of crime and deviance, patterns of offending, social control and the relationship between crime and social factors.
Families and Households – Explore changing family structures, relationships, childhood, gender roles and the changing experience of family life.
Beliefs in Society – Explore the role of religion and belief in society, including religious organisations, secularisation, fundamentalism and the relationship between religion and social change.
Research Methods – Explore how sociologists investigate society using methods such as questionnaires, interviews, observations, experiments and official statistics.
How will I be assessed?
A-level Sociology is 100% examination based, with three two-hour examinations at the end of the course. Each paper is worth 80 marks and contributes one third of the A-level.
Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods: Education, Methods in Context, and Theory and Methods.
Paper 2: Topics in Sociology: Families and Households, and Beliefs in Society.
Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods: Crime and Deviance, and Theory and Methods.
Examinations include, short-answer and extended written questions. Students will need to demonstrate knowledge and understanding, apply sociological concepts and theories, analyse evidence and construct well-developed arguments.
What skills will I develop?
What you'll explore
Discover the knowledge and skills you'll develop throughout this course.
- Education, families and households
- Research methods and theory
- Crime and deviance
- Beliefs in society
Entry requirements
- Grade 4 in GCSE English Language is preferred.
How you'll be assessed
Explore examination papers, coursework and practical assessments.
Assessment breakdown
Where could Sociology take you?
Explore further study, career opportunities and the skills this subject can develop.
- Teaching
- Social work
- Journalism
- Law
- Policing
- Public Services
- Research
- Social Policy
Additional course information
A-level Sociology develops a range of valuable academic and transferable skills, including:
Critical thinking and evaluation
Analysis of evidence and research
Understanding and applying theories
Research and data-handling skills
Clear, structured academic writing
Constructing and evaluating arguments
Applying knowledge to contemporary social issues
Is Sociology right for me?
Sociology is a good choice if you:
are curious about society and the world around you;
enjoy discussing different viewpoints and challenging ideas;
are interested in social issues and current affairs;
enjoy reading, analysing evidence and writing extended answers;
are prepared to learn and apply a significant amount of subject knowledge;
enjoy asking questions about why society works in the way it does.
Sociology combines theoretical knowledge with the study of real-world social issues, making it a challenging and engaging A-level.
Progression and careers
Sociology combines well with subjects such as Psychology, English, History, Politics, Religious Studies, Philosophy and Economics, as well as a wide range of other A-level subjects.
It provides a strong foundation for further study in subjects such as Sociology, Criminology, Law, Psychology, Social Policy, Politics, Education and Journalism.
Sociology can lead to a wide range of careers, including teaching, social work, journalism, law, policing, human resources, public services, research and social policy, as well as many other careers where analytical, research and communication skills are valued.
Sociology encourages you to question the world around you, challenge assumptions and develop a deeper understanding of the people, institutions and social forces that shape our lives.
Your next chapter starts here.
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