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Sociology

A Level Sociology provides an exciting opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and reflect on social issues that are often relevant to your own experiences. It opens up opportunities for frequent and fascinating discussions, considering questions like: What impact do digital forms of communication have on social relationships? How do sociologists investigate inequality in society? What are the patterns and trends of crime in relation to social class?

Subject content

You will acquire detailed theoretical knowledge and a critical understanding of social processes and changes. You will be able to develop a broad set of essential academic skills that are valued by universities and employers, including the ability to analyse and formulate clear logical arguments and evaluate using a range of theoretical perspectives.

In the first year you will study Culture and Identity and the Sociology of Education. You will explore how culture has traditionally shaped our identity and how in a globalised world we increasingly construct our own identities through consumer choices. You will then deepen your sociological understanding through in-depth study of the role of education in society and how inequalities of class, gender and ethnicity affect educational achievement. You will also learn how to carry out sociological research and how to apply those skills in the context of education.

In the second year you will deepen your theoretical understanding of sociology and research skills, alongside the study of Crime and Deviance and Beliefs in Society. This will engage you in debates about which social groups commit more crime and why, as well as ways of tackling the problem of crime in society. You will then explore the role of religion in society and how it contributes to social change. This will include the debate between science and religion and the changing levels of participation in religious practice in modern society.

This course is an award of AQA. Visit the AWA website to view the course specification.

Specific entry requirements

GCSE Grade 5 or above in English, History or another Humanities subject.

Assessment

This course uses the AQA exam board and is a linear A Level. You will be assessed by examination on all content at the end of your two years of study.

Progression opportunities

The skills acquired whilst studying A Level Sociology are highly relevant and transferable to a wide number of Higher Education courses such as history, geography, English, law, politics, business, philosophy, media studies, journalism, social work, nursing and criminology.

Sociology students often go on to careers in teaching, law, research, politics, the police force and probation services, counselling, events management and business.

Meet the A Level expert

Jack Grimshaw

Jack has a degree in Sociology, along with a PGCE in post 16 education, both from the University of Cardiff.

Jack said: “Studying Sociology at A Level will change the way you view the world. Students in Sociology will explore topics such as Education and Research methods as well as looking at deeper sociological issues such as ‘is Sociology a Science’. Studying Sociology enables you to view the world from a different perspective and it allows you to think about your own identity and how social factors such as gender, sexuality and ethnicity have shaped you into the person you are today.”

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