Embedded Files
Qualification level
Qualification level
A Level
A Level
Exam Board
Exam Board
AQA
AQA
Why should I study Sociology?
Why should I study Sociology?
Sociology is the study of society and the way it shapes people's behaviour, beliefs and identities. It covers the way that society is organised and the impact of social structures like gender, class, ethnicity and age.
Sociology is the study of society and the way it shapes people's behaviour, beliefs and identities. It covers the way that society is organised and the impact of social structures like gender, class, ethnicity and age.
A Level Sociology offers students the opportunity to develop the essential knowledge and understanding of central aspects of sociological thought and methods.
A Level Sociology offers students the opportunity to develop the essential knowledge and understanding of central aspects of sociological thought and methods.
It is designed to encourage students to demonstrate the application of a range of skills and consider the integration of sociological themes: Socialisation, culture and identity, social differentiation, power and stratification.
It is designed to encourage students to demonstrate the application of a range of skills and consider the integration of sociological themes: Socialisation, culture and identity, social differentiation, power and stratification.
You do not need to have a GCSE in Sociology to study it A Level.
You do not need to have a GCSE in Sociology to study it A Level.
What students say
What students say
"I enjoy my lessons of sociology as it allows me to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and the different societies that oppose ours. You gain a variety of skills such as critical thinking and improving your essay writing. It is a very interesting subject to study that is closely tied to multiple other social sciences such as criminology and psychology when picking your A-Levels." Lily (current year 13 student)
"Sociology is a really enjoyable subject because it enables you to look more objectively at society as well as how different societies in the world function. It also helps you to improve your critical and judgemental skills because these are key features of the subject which you can take with you outside of education." Charlotte Taylor (6th Form Alumni) University of Essex
"I enjoy my sociology lessons as it enables you to view society from a wider perspective. It provides you with new theories and views that you wouldn't necessarily have thought of when you think about society's functions. In addition, sociology helps me to develop skills which are also transferable to further education such as university and a wide range of career options." Katie Combe (6th Form Alumni) University of Essex
Enrichment
Enrichment
Within the Sociology course, every effort is made to give students the opportunity to experience Sociology within the real world. In the past we have had guest speakers in to the school as well as students attending a Sociology conference & joint conferences with Criminology in London -hearing from Criminologist Professor David Wilson and University lecturers, the Police and former prisoner Noel ‘Razor’ Smith. Students have also previously been able to attend court and a prison.
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
A Level Sociology is a two year programme and at the end of Year 13, you will complete three written examinations:
A Level Sociology is a two year programme and at the end of Year 13, you will complete three written examinations:
Paper 1 - Education with Theory and Methods (2 hour examination)
Paper 1 - Education with Theory and Methods (2 hour examination)
Education; Methods in Context; Theory and Methods
Education; Methods in Context; Theory and Methods
33.3% of A Level
33.3% of A Level
Paper 2 - Topics in Sociology (2 hour examination)
Paper 2 - Topics in Sociology (2 hour examination)
Families and Households; Beliefs in Society
Families and Households; Beliefs in Society
33.3% of A Level
33.3% of A Level
Paper 3 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (2 hour examination)
Paper 3 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (2 hour examination)
Crime and Deviance; Theory and Methods
Crime and Deviance; Theory and Methods
33.3% of A Level
33.3% of A Level
Opportunities for progression
Opportunities for progression
Many Sociologists go on to find work in the public sector, including careers in teaching, nursing, police and social work. Others find their careers path in marketing , law, counselling or the media. Sociology provides students with transferable skills such as critical analysis , independent thinking and communication.
Many Sociologists go on to find work in the public sector, including careers in teaching, nursing, police and social work. Others find their careers path in marketing , law, counselling or the media. Sociology provides students with transferable skills such as critical analysis , independent thinking and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Sociology and Psychology?
Q: What is the difference between Sociology and Psychology?
A: Sociology is a debate based subject that tries to understand how society shapes our beliefs. values and behaviour. Psychology on the other hand attempts to understand how we think, feel and behave by looking at internal processes in a scientific way. Psychology is similar to the natural sciences such as Biology, whereas Sociology is similar to History and English Literature.
A: Sociology is a debate based subject that tries to understand how society shapes our beliefs. values and behaviour. Psychology on the other hand attempts to understand how we think, feel and behave by looking at internal processes in a scientific way. Psychology is similar to the natural sciences such as Biology, whereas Sociology is similar to History and English Literature.
Q: What subjects go well with Sociology?
Q: What subjects go well with Sociology?
A: It is important to study a broad range of subjects, so anything will go well with Sociology. Whilst Sociology will develop extended writing, analytical and evaluative skills, you may wish to compliment that with more technical subjects such as Psychology, Maths or a natural Science.
A: It is important to study a broad range of subjects, so anything will go well with Sociology. Whilst Sociology will develop extended writing, analytical and evaluative skills, you may wish to compliment that with more technical subjects such as Psychology, Maths or a natural Science.
Staff Link:
Staff Link:
Miss E Churchyard
Miss E Churchyard
echurchyard@fxs.org.uk
Page updated
Report abuse