Sociology

Contact Details

Faculty: Humanities
Level: A-Level
Examination Board: AQA

Website: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology 

Entry requirements

Students wishing to study A Level Sociology should achieve at least a Grade 5 in GCSE English Language or English Literature, alongside a Grade 5 in a Humanities subject. Where students have studied GCSE Sociology, a minimum Grade 5 in Sociology is required and takes precedence over other Humanities qualifications, as this demonstrates the subject-specific knowledge and skills needed for success at A Level.

Course Structure

Students will have 8 lessons per cycle, providing opportunities for independent study, wider reading and consolidation of knowledge alongside taught lessons.

Course Overview

A Level Sociology encourages students to develop a critical understanding of society and the social forces that shape people's lives. Students will explore contemporary social issues, examine how society is organised, and investigate debates surrounding inequality, power and social change. The course equips students with the ability to analyse evidence, evaluate different viewpoints and construct well-reasoned arguments.

The course builds upon several topics introduced at GCSE, allowing students to develop their understanding in greater depth. Topics include:

• Families and Households – exploring family diversity, changing relationships, childhood, marriage, divorce and the role of the family in modern society.
• Education – investigating educational achievement, social class, gender, ethnicity, educational policies and the functions of the education system.
• Crime and Deviance – examining patterns of crime, social control, victimisation, punishment and the role of the criminal justice system.
• Mass Media – a new topic for all students, exploring the influence of traditional and digital media on individuals and society, including representations, ownership, globalisation and media regulation.

Students will also study Sociological Theory and Research Methods, enabling them to understand how sociologists investigate society and generate evidence about the social world. Through the study of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including questionnaires, interviews, observations and official statistics, students learn how sociological knowledge is developed and evaluated.

A key aim of the course is to help students move beyond a common-sense understanding of social issues and develop a more critical, evidence-based perspective. Students will examine how different sociological perspectives, including Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, Interactionism and Postmodernism, explain social behaviour and institutions. They will learn to question assumptions, analyse evidence critically and evaluate competing explanations for social phenomena.

Skills Developed

Throughout the course, students will develop valuable transferable skills, including:

• Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
• Essay writing and extended written communication
• Evaluation of evidence and sociological research
• Interpretation of statistical and qualitative data
• Independent learning and research skills
• The ability to construct balanced and persuasive arguments
• Applying sociological theory to contemporary issues

Teaching and Learning

A Level Sociology is a highly popular subject and is delivered through a knowledge-rich curriculum that combines secure subject knowledge with the development of advanced analytical skills. Lessons include discussion, debate, case studies, contemporary examples, independent research and examination practice. Students are encouraged to engage with current social issues and apply sociological concepts to real-world events and experiences.

Progression Opportunities

Sociology provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of university courses and careers, including:

• Law
• Criminology
• Social Work
• Psychology
• Teaching
• Journalism and Media
• Politics
• Public Services
• Human Resources
• Health and Social Care

Students who enjoy discussing current affairs, questioning social issues and understanding how society operates will find A Level Sociology both engaging and rewarding. The course develops highly valued analytical, evaluative and communication skills that support progression into higher education and a broad range of professions.