Progression and Careers

Welcome to Sociology

What is sociology?

Have a quick look at the video below to explore some of the key questions and concepts that Sociologists may ask themselves. You can also hear about some of the skills you will gain as a Sociology student at QE.

Skills in Sociology

Studying Sociology will provide you with the opportunity to develop a wide range of transferable skills, which are highly desirable in both higher education and employment. These skills include:

Critical analysis.
Research skills.
The ability to evaluate and make clear judgments.
Communication skills through group work.
Academic writing.
Time management.
Self-reflection.
Problem solving.
Empathy and flexibility of thinking.

Where can sociology lead?

A-level Sociology can lead to University , Post A-level apprenticeships or directly into employment. Many of our Sociology A-level students progress on to higher education to study a wide range of degrees at University's all over the world. Many choose to continue their study of Sociology whilst others commonly pursue degrees such as:

- Law;

- History;

- Nursing/ Midwifery;

- Social work;

- Teaching/ Primary Ed (PGCE);

- Business;

- Psychology and many more;

Sociology is a highly diverse, contemporary and broad subject and as such is seen as very desirable by University's and employers alike. Check out the UCAS link below for useful information on a range of university courses:

www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/choosing-course/choosing-undergraduate-course

Work Experience and guest speakers:

Students will be given the opportunity to apply for relevant work related placements and will be supported with any applications they wish to make. Students will also be regularly informed and kept up to date with the details of any upcoming University open days for those wishing to continue with the study of Sociology at a higher level or similar subjects. Check out the useful links below for similar past events, upcoming dates and a taster of what these events entail:

https://www.dur.ac.uk/sociology/undergraduate/missedopenday/

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/sociology-bsc-ft-uusscg1/

The sociology department ensures the organisation of regular talks and workshops throughout the academic year, with a range of guest speakers who come into college to talk to students. These guest speakers are all experts in the field of Sociology/Criminology and the talks are designed to help support you with your Sociological knowledge, develop your study skills further and providing you with tips for reaching the highest grades in your exams. You will also gain insight into what it is like to study Sociology at university and hear all about possible future career roles linked to Sociology. All these experiences will prove extremely useful when completing your UCAS application or future job applications.

Guest speaker: Kimberly Jamie

Kimberly is a Professor at Durham University who works within the Sociology department. Kimberly has visited students to talk about possible career and research opportunity's in the field of Sociology. Kimberly has also given students advice on possible modules and degree programmes available at Durham University and information around the application process.

Guest Speaker: Craig Ancrum

Craig is a senior lecturer in Criminology at the University of Teesside. Craig has visited college to speak to students about his own experiences of carrying out Sociological research and the role of the Sociologist in the research process. Craig was able to share with students his unique insights into researching crime and deviance. Students were able to evaluate a wide range of research methods and develop their exam skills and knowledge.

WHAT DO THE STUDENTS SAY?

"Studying Sociology dramatically changed the way I look at Society"

I chose to study sociology because it was unlike any other course I’d done before at GCSE, and I felt like learning in depth about what keeps society ticking would provide me with knowledge that I could apply to any university degree after College. I enjoyed learning about the flaws of the education system, and the hidden reasons behind success and failure. However, this course mostly taught me time management and organisational skills, as there is a lot of content, it also developed my literacy skills as I learnt how to produce good quality, analytical essays. Most of all, studying sociology dramatically changed the way I look at society, which will be very useful when continuing my studies at university.

"The teachers in the Sociology department are absolutely amazing"

I choose to study Sociology at QE as I wasn’t really sure on what I wanted to do, so when I came to the open days I decided to choose something that I thought I would enjoy. The teachers in the sociology department are absolutely amazing and I had the best experience studying sociology along with amazing support from the time I started to the time that I left. I learnt to look at the world and society in a different way and I also had a greater understanding of how society functions.

"I was interested in the topics of Culture and Identity, Media and Crime"

I chose to study Sociology, as I knew that it would give me a deeper understanding of the collective behavior of different groups. I was interested in the topics of culture and identity, media and crime and deviance. This course has enabled me to look more objectively at our society and individuals. I now have a greater understanding of the complexity of society, how social systems work from different viewpoints and a greater appreciation of diversity.

"I have chosen to continue with Sociology in my future"

Sociology has taught me the necessary knowledge to be able to look at society in different ways. Looking at how gender, ethnicity, sexuality and other factors affect society but also why. I have chosen to continue with Sociology in my future, pursuing a Bachelor degree at University, this is because I wish to further my knowledge into the many ways society functions and what power people have over it. One of the main reasons I have chosen to pursue this subject is the teachers I had the pleasure of having at QE, they have shown me how compelling Sociology can be. Teachers are there for you every step of the way, making sure you achieve the best possible grade.

"The Sociology teachers are always there to support you"

I enjoyed the whole of the Sociology course, after doing Sociology you will have a whole new perspective on many situations (e.g. education, media and crime). The Sociology teachers are always there to support you and they want you to do your best and succeed. I am really happy that I chose to do Sociology two years ago.

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