Sociology

AQA

WHY SHOULD I STUDY A LEVEL SOCIOLOGY?

Sociology is an exciting, contemporary and important academic field of study which plays a vital role in understanding and influencing the society in which we live. A Level Sociology students will be guided as they explore the relationship between individuals and society, drawing comparisons with their own experiences and everyday life, and comparing and contrasting different theoretical viewpoints and perspectives. They will learn about how society has changed over time, and be encouraged and supported to develop their own views about social issues while thinking critically and analytically. Most of our sociologists have never studied Sociology before, and are excited to take up the opportunity to study this course which they have described as ‘interesting and fun, a subject that really makes you think about the world around you’. Students learn how to debate and discuss their ideas, and this course equips students with the ability to question, think critically, and share their own views articulately and with confidence.

Sociology combines well with other social sciences such as Criminology, Psychology, Politics, Law, Philosophy, Economics, Health and Social Care as well as History, English, Media/Film Studies, Statistics, Mathematics, Religious Studies and any art, humanities or science subjects.

We offer plentiful university visits to give students the experience of lecture-style teaching and to visit social science faculties. Students can also attend a Sociology in Action day in London where they hear from experts in their field. We welcome visiting speakers from relevant fields of work including social researchers, social workers, police, tech project managers, the charities sector and many more. We have, in the past, taken students to New York and offered a trip to Berlin, and are working to introduce more trips abroad and locally in the future.

The Sociology department also offers a number of support lessons where students can get small group or 1:1 help, as well as exam skills development for all levels of ability. There is a successful Sociology mentoring programme which many students benefit from.

COURSE CONTENT

This is split into approximately six major units learnt over two years:

Sociology course topics include:

• Education: is the education system failing some students?
• Families and Households: what does “family” mean?
• Beliefs in Society: has science replaced religion? What is the role of religion globally?
• Crime and Deviance: what are the social causes of crime and how do we prevent it?
• Research Methods: how do sociologists gather evidence to support their theories?
• Sociological theory

FINAL ASSESSMENT AT END OF YEAR 2

Three equally weighted written examination papers will be taken at the end of the second year, which will form the full A Level qualification:

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods (2 hours).

Paper 2: Topics in Sociology: Families and Households/Beliefs in Society (2 hours).

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (2 hours).

The exam papers are assessed with short and longer answer questions, some of which have source material or ‘items’ to analyse, based on the two years of study.

PROGRESSION ONTO YEAR 2

Progression to the second year of the A Level depends on satisfactory progress in the first year, including achieving at least an E grade in the Year One formal assessment and maintaining good attendance and commitment.

MINIMUM ENTRY CRITERIA

Standard College entry requirements (see page 16 of the prospectus) and a minimum of:

WHAT CAN I DO AFTER STUDYING A LEVEL SOCIOLOGY?

Sociology gives students confidence, writing skills, communication skills and an understanding of the social world. Studying Sociology supports careers which require good communication skills, an understanding of people, sensitivity to social issues and an ability to research and analyse information effectively, efficiently and independently. It enables students to present an argument concisely, precisely and analytically.

CAREER POSSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Social and market research, business, journalism, civil service, legal profession (police, lawyer, citizens advice, probationary), youth and social work, social reform and government policy, town and community planning, development and charity work, human resources, PR, advertising, counselling services, local government, housing and social/health services, retail management and any career which requires an understanding of today’s complex world and an ability to use initiative and creative thinking.

FURTHER INFORMATION

A strong emphasis and expectation is placed on students to complete independent study and revision throughout the course. We provide a range of different resources to suit different types of learners to allow students to be proactive, independent learners.  Sociology students should have a positive attitude to learning and be ready to work hard.

Good written skills are required as Sociology is an essay-based course. Teachers in the department are highly experienced in working with exam boards and are well placed to help students to develop their skills and maximise their achievement in exams.