About this course
This course is ideal for students who are interested in understanding how society shapes people's lives and the social issues affecting the modern world. You will explore topics such as families, education, crime and the media while developing your understanding of different sociological perspectives and research methods. Students who enjoy debating ideas, questioning assumptions and examining real-world issues will particularly benefit from this course.
Sociology encourages you to think critically about the society you live in and how social change influences individuals, groups and institutions. Throughout the course, you will investigate inequalities, social policies and contemporary debates while considering a range of theoretical explanations for human behaviour and social organisation.
The course offers an engaging balance of theory, research and discussion, helping students develop analytical, communication and evaluation skills that are highly valued in higher education and a wide range of careers.
What will you learn?
Throughout the course, you will explore key aspects of society while developing your understanding of sociological theories, research methods and contemporary social issues.
Families and Households – changing family structures, marriage, divorce, childhood, ageing population and demographic trends.
Education – the role of education, educational achievement, social class, gender, ethnicity and educational policies.
Theory and Methods – sociological perspectives, research methods, research design and the importance of evidence in sociology.
Methods of Sociological Enquiry – qualitative and quantitative research, ethical considerations and evaluating research.
Media – ownership and control of the media, representation, globalisation, new media and the influence of social media.
Crime and Deviance – patterns of crime, explanations of criminal behaviour, social control, policing and the role of the media in shaping perceptions of crime.
Students will also develop an understanding of social inequality, culture, identity, power, social change and the ways sociologists investigate and explain society.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is aimed at students who are interested in understanding society, social behaviour and the issues affecting communities locally, nationally and globally. It is suitable for learners who enjoy discussing current affairs, analysing evidence and considering different viewpoints. Sociology is particularly appropriate for students considering careers in law, education, social work, policing, charity organisations or the wider public sector.
The course also suits those who enjoy independent research, critical reading and applying theoretical ideas to real-life situations. Students should be willing to engage in debate, meet regular deadlines and think critically about contemporary social issues. A Level Sociology provides excellent preparation for higher education and develops transferable skills that are valued across a wide range of university courses and professional careers.
Students should have achieved Grade 5 or above in GCSE English, with an average GCSE points score of 4.6 or above. A genuine interest in current affairs, social issues and contemporary society is expected. This course is best suited to students who enjoy discussion, critical thinking and exploring how society influences people's lives and behaviour.
Assessment takes place through three written examinations at the end of the two-year course. Students will complete three assessments covering core sociological topics, theory and methods, and research skills. There is no coursework; all assessment is examination based and requires students to apply sociological knowledge, analyse evidence and evaluate different perspectives on society.
Students will develop skills in:
Analytical thinking – evaluating sociological theories and interpreting evidence.
Communication and teamwork – participating in discussion, debate and presenting balanced arguments.
Research and investigation – conducting sociological enquiry, analysing data and evaluating research methods.
Time management – organising independent study, meeting deadlines and preparing for examinations.
Problem-solving – applying sociological knowledge to contemporary social issues and evaluating possible explanations.
Academic skills – essay writing, literacy, metacognition, independent learning and making links across different areas of the course.
Progression routes
Possible progression routes include careers in:
Social work and community services
Teaching and education
Criminal justice, policing and probation services
Counselling and mental health support
Charity and voluntary sector organisations
Human resources, public services and local government
Research and policy development
Youth and community work
Degree Routes:
Sociology, Criminology, Law, Social Work, Education, Politics, Psychology, Social Policy, Human Geography and related social science subjects.
Apprenticeships:
Public sector, policing, education, social care, business, local government and community support apprenticeship programmes.
This course also provides an excellent foundation for higher education and degree-level study, while developing transferable analytical, research, communication and critical thinking skills that are highly valued by universities and employers across many different sectors.
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