Sociology is primarily the study of social structures. It looks at institutions such as the education system, the criminal justice system, and the mass media. Sociologists have developed numerous theories about how people are organised within these structures and the various ways in which much of what compiles our daily lives is, in fact, socially engineered.
Key concepts within the study of sociology are the emergence and development of feminism, the stratification of society by class, ethnicity, age, and gender, and the role of government legislation and social policy. The subject also incorporates sociological methodology and the consideration and application of a diversity of theoretical perspectives.
Awarded By:
Key Facts
Programme Costs:
The fees for this course are currently being confirmed.
Please contact Student Recruitment for more information.
Level:
3
Awarding Body:
Assessment & Qualifications Alliance (AQA)
Course Code:
- 24/25A1QSOC
Mode of Attendance:
- Full Time
Course Duration:
2 Years
Dates:
- September 2024
CourseContent
A-level Sociology allows students to think critically about the society we live in and how various socio-economic structures impact upon different groups' experience of social life.
In Year 12 we examine the institutions of the education system and the family unit, considering the context of how and why these cornerstones of society have changed over time.
Students will also study the development of social and educational policy. The methodological and theoretical practices undertaken by sociologists are studied across both years and are central to the A Level examinations.
In Year 13 students will build upon their existing knowledge and apply it to the criminal justice system and the various theories pertaining to criminal and deviant activity, as well as considering the role and impact of the mass media in contemporary society. To be successful within this discipline students must be capable of constructing arguments and applying and evaluating theoretical concepts.
It is advantageous for students to have an interest in, or at least an awareness of, national and international current affairs, as this will often form the basis of class discussions.
Features/
Benefits
You will get the opportunity to conduct practical research, create exciting learning materials such as videos, and to take part in social experiments to improve your understanding of sociological research.
You will gain skills in critical analysis, essay writing, and independent study during this course. Class debates are lively and interesting, with students able to learn from the life experiences of others from a variety of social backgrounds.
Entry
Requirements
Minimum Entry Requirements:
All Loughborough College
Sixth Form courses have minimum entry requirements of at least five GCSEs at
grade C/4 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Subject Specific Entry Requirements:
GCSE English
Language at grade 5.
Assessment
Methods
Three x 2 hour exams.Progression
Opportunities
Those who have studied Sociology often go on to Higher Education to study for degrees in Sociology, Psychology, Criminology, Social Policy, Media Studies, Law, Journalism, Social Work, Nursing, or other humanities-related courses. Sociology is useful to any career in which you work with people and need an understanding of equality and diversity.
FAQs
DO YOU OFFER THE EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION (EPQ)?
- Yes, but only to Year 2 students who have demonstrated in Year 1 that they have the academic ability to cope with this extra research project.
HOW MANY A LEVEL SUBJECTS DO I NEED TO TAKE?
- You will need to choose three subjects minimum with a maximum of 4. See page 5 for more details on subject choices.
I’M INTERESTED IN A LEVELS BUT I’M NOT SURE WHICH ONES
- That’s okay! We know that deciding on A Levels can be a long process and
that you can change your mind—a lot.
When you initially apply, we’ll ask you for your options, but you’re not tied down to these subjects. We’ll confirm your final choices at a later date.
DO I HAVE TO STUDY THE SUBJECT I WANT TO STUDY AT UNIVERSITY AS AN A
LEVEL?
- Not always; it depends on your chosen university course. Subjects like Medicine and Architecture have very specific entry requirements, whereas you can study Psychology or Law at university without having studied them at A Level. Check university entry requirements to see if they are asking for specific subjects.
ARE A LEVELS THE ONLY ROUTE INTO UNIVERSITY?
- No. We also offer Level 3 BTEC Extended Diplomas, which are the equivalent to three A Levels and many universities accept them as an alternative.
CAN I STUDY 3 A LEVELS AND BE A PART OF THE ACADEMY OF SPORT PROGRAMME?
- Yes. Visit the Academy of Sport pages for more information.
CAN I STUDY A DIPLOMA IN SPORT AND ONE A LEVEL?
- Yes, but it is only recommended for high-performing students due to the demands that both courses will place on timetable and ability. We will need to ensure that your combination is suitable for future progression and doesn’t clash on the timetable.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information contained on this website is correct, the College accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Please note that details are subject to change without notice with regard to the provision of courses, course times and dates and the fees and charges levied.