Sociology A Level

Sociology is the academic study of social behaviour, attempting to answer questions about why society works the way it does, and why people behave the way they do. Studying sociology is inherently interesting. It gives you the tools to understand behaviour and how the world operates. You will never be the same again!

In Year 1 you will study the role and purpose of education; educational policies, teacher-pupil relationships; and educational achievement of different social groups. You will investigate different sociological views on the role of the family, the changing experience of childhood and relationships between couples. You will also learn about the way in which sociologists study society, and the methods they use to do this.

In Year 2 you will study the causes of crime and why some groups are more likely to break the norms of society than others. You will examine green crime, state crime as well as media representations and influences on crime. You will study the social role of religion, including explanations of the rise of religious extremism, the debate about whether the world is becoming more secular, and new religious movements including cults and sects.

Sociology forces you to look at the world in new ways. You will study the theories of key sociologists and have the opportunity for discussion, drawing on your own experiences and opinions, enabling you to relate to relevant sociological ideas and evidence. We make use of outside speakers and arrange trips, which have included visits to the universities of Liverpool and Manchester, film screenings and a Crime Conference in which ex-prisoners talked about their offending and experience of prison.

You will develop a range of transferable skills, including the ability to think sociologically, by placing yourself in the shoes of others, developing essay skills of analysis and evaluation and presenting information academically. The study of Sociology at this level can lead to a range of further studies and possible careers. These include: law, police work, journalism, teaching, the medical profession, human resources, social work, management, civil service, probation work and the world of business in general.

Year 1 Modules

Education with Theory and Methods

Families and Households

Year 2 Modules

Crime and Deviance

Beliefs in society

100% Exam

Exam Board: AQA

The study of Sociology at A level can lead to a range of further studies and careers including:

Law

Police work

Journalism

Teaching

Marketing

The Health Care Professions

Personnel work

Social Work

Probation Work

Some degree courses being taken by students who have recently completed their studies are:

Sociology at Warwick

Sociology at Newcastle

Rehabilitation Science at Keele

Society, Culture and Media at the University of East Anglia

Social Work at Leeds.

Social Policy at University of Bath

Social Anthropology and World Philosophy at SOAS