A-Level Sociology
Overview
“Sociology is the study of how society is organized and how we experience life.”
British Sociological Association
Sociology seeks to provide insights into, and evidence about, the many forms of relationship among people, both formal and informal. Such relationships are considered to be the 'fabric' of society. Smaller-scale relationships are connected to larger-scale patterns of connection among organisations and institutional sectors, and the totality of this is society itself.
People who study sociology go on into a wide variety of jobs. You will gain a range of very valuable skills. You will learn how to work independently. You will learn how to find information, extract what is important from it and turn it into an argument. A full breakdown of the course can be found in the table below.
Key Information
Qualification: A-Level
Exam Board: AQA
Entry Requirements
English 5+
Sociology 5+
Useful Links
Paper 1: Education
2 hour written exam
80 marks
33.3% of A-level
Education: short answer questions and extended writing, 50 marks
Methods in Context: extended writing, 20 marks
Theory and Methods: extended writing, 10 marks
Paper 2: Topics in Sociology
2 hour written exam
80 marks
33.3% of A-level
Section A: extended writing, 40 marks
Section B: extended writing, 40 marks
Paper 3: Crime and Deviance
2 hour written exam
80 marks
33.3% of A-level
Crime and Deviance: short answer questions and extended writing, 50 marks
Theory and Methods: extended writing, 30 marks
Progression
By studying Sociology you will build on skills developed in the sciences and humanities, and enable progression into a wide range of other subjects.
Take these skills together with your insights into the workings of society and it is not surprising that a very wide range of employers see a sociology degree as highly relevant. Beyond this many people today study sociology for the personal enrichment it brings them, broadening their minds and enabling them to see their world in new and interesting ways. Occupations that are commonly associated with Sociology include:
Community development worker
Forensic psychologist
Broadcast journalist
Counsellor
Sociologist
Social worker
Cognitive behaviour therapist
Consumer scientist
Diplomatic service officer
Market research data analyst
What goes well with Sociology?
Most subjects have some relevance to Sociology as it involves human behaviour. Combinations could include:
Psychology
English
History
Sociology
Sport
Health & Social Care
Biology