A Level Sociology

Course overview

Sociology is the study of society, explanations of social behaviour and an investigation into an individuals relationships with society.

Modules covered:

Education with Theory & Research Methods

Topics include:
Education - Educational reform; education policy linked to globalisation; functions of education; differential achievement by class, gender & ethnicity.

Methods in context - Links between sociological research methods (Observation; questionnaires; interviews) and issues in education.

Research Methods - Data; methods (e.g. observations; questionnaires; interviews; experiments; secondary sources and sampling techniques). Practical, theoretical and ethical issues in research.

Theory - Sociological theories and debates. Social policy.

Topics in Sociology

Topics include:
Family and Households - Sociology of childhood; division of domestic labour; family diversity; functions of the family; demography and pattern of marriage & divorce.

Belief and Society - Function of religion, secularisation, religion and social change and religious organisations.

Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Topics include:
Crime and Deviance - Functions of crime, crime prevention, punishment, green crime and state crime. Globalisation of crime.

Theory - Sociological theories (e.g. Marxism; Functionalism; Feminism) and debates (e.g. sociology as a science; value freedom), and social policy.

Research Methods - Data; methods (e.g. observations; questionnaires; interviews; experiments; secondary sources and sampling techniques). Practical, theoretical and ethical issues in research.

The course includes a wide variety of learning experiences such as lectures, one to one tutorials, ICT based tasks, practical work, group work, discussions/debates, use of media e.g. documentaries, and personal research when preparing for assessment. Also, as part of your course in Sociology you will be offered the chance to go on several educational visits including a trip to New York, which includes many new cultural experiences including a tour of the United Nations. There are also taster day visits to a number of Universities’ Sociology departments in the last term of the first year.

What else do I need to know?

Studying Sociology provides an excellent general qualification for many careers. You will be able to use it to progress to Higher Education. Universities recognise the independence of thought and critical awareness that A Level Sociology courses develop. Many employers appreciate the skills and knowledge that Sociology students will have gained during their studies. On a personal level, students will find that their awareness of sociological themes enhances their understanding of society and institutions and will consequently gain a unique and fascinating insight into their own lives.

Find yourself reaching higher on our Honours Programme.
Step up to a top university or move into a competitive programme like Medicine or Law with our Honours Programme. Perfect for ambitious and high-achieving students.
The Honours Programme is an additional pathway for students whose aspirations are to progress onto highly competitive courses at top universities, such as those in the Russell Group. Once accepted onto the programme, you’ll be expected to commit extra time every week to this intensive support pathway.
Find out more here