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Sociology

Introduction

Sociology is an immensely challenging and exciting discipline, it is the study of human society, as well as the study of relationships between groups, and the study of social institutions and social processes that occur such as racism and sexism.

When you study Sociology, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to analyse society in the United Kingdom in the 21st century. You will also gain an understanding of the theories and concepts that form a key part of the current debate about contemporary society and the critical changes taking place.

 

A Level Sociology

Sociology at A-Level will help you make sense of your own experiences and will give you new ways of seeing the social world around you. You will develop the necessary skills to enable you to assess and evaluate different views and reach conclusions about society, based on a careful consideration of evidence. You will also develop skills of objective and analytical writing, critical-thinking, discussion, and debate. Most importantly, you will gain further interest in both social and political issues, across the globe.

A Level Sociology assessment structure

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods
2 hour written exam, 80 marks, 33.3% of A level

  • Education
  • Methods in Context
  • Theory and Methods

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology
2 hour written exam, 80 marks, 33.3% of A level

  • Families and Households
  • Beliefs in Society

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
2 hour written exam, 80 marks, 33.3% of A level

  • Crime and Deviance
  • Theory and Methods

Overview

Over two years of study, students will cover the following topics:

  • Education- what role and function does the education system play in society? How significant are the educational policies implemented by government? How and why does educational achievement differ depending on factors such as gender, ethnicity and social class?
  • Methods in Context: Students are required to apply their knowledge and understanding of sociological research methods to the study of education.
  • Theory and Methods- What is the process of conducting sociological research? Which types of data are used to study society and how can they be analysed? What is the difference between consensus and conflict theories, as well as structural and social action theories?
  • Families and Households- what is the relationship between the family and wider society? How has the family structure changed over time due to factors such as patterns in marriage, divorce and childbearing age? How has the status of children in the family changed?
  • Beliefs in Society- What is the relationship between ideology, science and religion in society? How has the significance of religion and religiosity fluctuated in society over time?
  • Crime and Deviance- How is crime distributed through society and why? How has globalisation impacted crime? How can crime control, prevention and punishment be implemented effectively in society?

Support for learning

Specification:

Useful links for revision:

Revision Books:

Textbooks used in class:

Entry Requirement

Level 5 or above in English Literature and/or English Language and any other predominantly written subject such as History, RE or Sociology

Careers in Sociology

Specific Sociology Careers:

  • Advice worker
  • Community development worker
  • Further education teacher
  • Lecturer
  • Police Officer
  • Marketing executive
  • Social Researcher
  • Policy officer
  • Youth Worker

More general careers linked to Sociology:

  • Probation officer
  • Civil service administrator
  • Charity officer
  • Family support worker
  • Life coach
  • Journalist
  • Social worker
  • Special educational needs coordinator
  • Public relations officer