Sociology – Level 3 Advanced GCE 

Qualifications 

Exam board: AQA 

Level 3 Advanced GCE in Sociology 

Entry Requirements 

GCSE Grade 5 in English Language and/or Literature. 

Skills required 

Students who enjoy this course are interested in finding out how and why people behave in different ways in various parts of society. They are intrigued by differing perspectives, such as feminism, Marxism and postmodernism. They have questions about why some groups of people have better outcomes from education and health care than others and are interested in ways in which the government acts to help sections of society.  They are intrigued by crime and deviance and wish to understand and explain types of crime and why some groups of people are more likely to be arrested and sent to prison. They enjoy reading, watching documentaries and looking at the way in which the media is used to inform and persuade people. 

Course outline 

A-level Sociology is a two-year course with external examinations at the end of the two year period. 

The course looks at ways in which Sociologists investigate people in social groups and issues of social change in recent times.  It is concerned with challenging issues facing society today including crime rates, homelessness, education, disabilities and illness and inequalities between different social classes, gender and ethnic groups.  The content is designed to stimulate discussion and debate about society today and help students become critical in their thinking and socially aware. 

In year 12 we will study Families and Households and Education and Research Methods​. We investigate the purpose of education: who underachieves and why, the history of education and how to conduct research in Sociology. We study how families are changing and developing out of ‘traditional norms’. We investigate the purpose of families and households, the ‘dark side’ of family and the history of childhood.

In year 13 we will study Crime and Deviance with Theory and methods and the New Media. We will look at each topic using different perspectives including Feminism, Marxism, Functionalism and Postmodernism. We take a depth study into why people commit crime, how victims of crime feel, how to research crime and criminal behaviour, along with green and state crime. We investigate differing belief and ideologies in society, such as how science and religion differ, why people are religious and how feminists, Marxists, globalists all interpret religion. We study new age movements, cults, social class and secularisation. Essentially, we investigate just why people believe what they believe.

Student testimony 

“Sociology is a fascinating subject that really goes deep into different aspects of society, looking at education, the family, crime and societal behaviour. We're learning about what is happening right in front of us in society now, and it has made me so much more aware of real-world issues. It's interesting to me to see how different perspectives clash and see the world differently. Sociology goes hand in hand with humanities and other social sciences and is a very academic and valuable subject to have under your belt”. -Year 13 student

“A really relevant A level and helpful to my Police Studies Degree – I was thankful for learning how to research and explain social issues.” -Dylan, RAF Police 

“Provided a fascinating study of society and useful to me for my Nursing Career.” -Hannah,  NHS Nurse

“Sociology is such an exciting subject and there are so many theories of society that challenge my thinking and are also actually visible in society.”  -Caroline, Year 13

“Being able to dive into the depths of why people do and think certain things is interesting.  It heightens your understanding of your ‘self’ and this heightens the commitment to the course.” -Tia, Year 13

Career paths 

A strong and respected A level for a broad range of careers including Journalism, Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic, Police, Social work, Law, Teaching, Youth work, Probation Officer and Local Government. Our students have progressed to a multitude of excellent University courses leading to professional and rewarding jobs.  

Course outline/assessment 

1 

Paper 1 Education and Research Methods - Assessed by written examination – Two hours duration. 

2 

Paper 2 Optional Paper:  Health Studies, Media Studies, Global development.  Two hours duration.  

3 

Paper 3 Crime and Deviance, Theory and Methods.  Two hours duration.