Sociology

This course can be combined with others and goes well with History, Politics, Law, Geography, Philosophy, Religious  Studies, Psychology, Economics, Media Studies, and English Literature and Language. A Levels can also be studied alongside a BTEC Level 3 Certificate. You will complete an AS Level in the first year. 

Sociology is the study of society and human social behaviour: the wide range of things that govern our interactions with one another. It addresses society from the perspectives of culture, history, politics and psychology, looking at how people operate socially, from religious groups to office politics, as well as how social problems such as racism arise and can be tackled. Many sociological ideas, such as ‘moral panic’ and charisma, are now in everyday use. But the questions sociology asks have lost none of their challenge and excitement. Some of them are so important that we are still grappling with them in new ways.

This course is ideal if you enjoy questioning the world around you and your place within it, analysing everyday issues and institutions, debating and discussing current affairs, nationally and globally.

The final A Level qualification will be achieved by completing three examinations at the end of the two year course. However, all learners are given the opportunity to also gain an AS Level at the end of their first year to help you to know that this is the right course for you.

You will:

• Study units such as identity and culture, education, beliefs in society and crime and deviance
• Learn sociological research methods and skills
• Develop your own sociological awareness through wide reading and research and active engagement in the subject
• Operate in an environment of no right answers and learn to evaluate the usefulness of different theories and types of evidence
• Have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers and there will be visits to universities and conferences

This course goes well with History, Politics, Law, Geography, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Psychology, Economics, Media Studies and English Literature and Language.

Next steps: The analytical and interpretative skills you acquire are excellent preparation for university. Your high social awareness will be useful in a range of occupations. Further academic study and professional training can lead to a career in education (teaching), business (marketing/advertising), the caring professions (nursing, social care, social work), public services (police, probation, prison services, local council), or problem-solving careers (data analysts).

You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English Language and Maths).

Subject bespoke Learning Resource Centre support, computer suite and iPads for research, lecture theatre and a subscription to ‘Sociology Review’.

There are some costs of materials and resources.