A-Level Sociology

Course Summary

The AQA A Level qualification offers an engaging and effective introduction to Sociology. Through studying a range of topics and theoretical perspectives you will develop knowledge and understanding about society and how sociologists study. The new reformed A Level has been developed in consultation with universities meaning it will cover up-to-date material that will help the progression onto further study and employment. Examinations consist of shorter questions and also essay writing, with all three examination papers being taken after two years of study.

Course Overview

Course outline

Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods(2 hour written examination: 33.3% A-Level)This paper consists of 80 marks in total. Through this topic you will explore different sociological perspectives regarding the purpose of education, the reasons for differences in educational attainment and how social policies have changed our experiences of school. Methods in Context requires you to consider how sociologists would research issues in education. For example you could be asked to assess the usefulness of using questionnaires to research boys’ achievement in education..

Paper 2:Topics in Sociology(2 hour written examination: 33.3% A-Level)Topic 1: Families and Households accounts for 40 marks within this examination paper. Through this topic you will study the diversity of family forms and how societal changes have led to their emergence, such as cohabitation, divorce and the changes in childbearing. Topic 2: Beliefs in Society makes up the final 40 marks of this examination, in which you will study how various sociological perspectives view the function of religion in society, along with whether religion is as important today as it may have been in the past. The study of new religious movements will also be analysed to see the impact upon society and our belief systems.

Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods(2 hour written examination: 33.3% A-Level)You will be expected within this topic to be familiar with sociological explanations of crime, deviance, social order and social control, along with the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class, including recent patterns and trends in crime. Within this examination you will also become familiar with how globalisation has impacted upon the types and frequency of crime within society. Theory and Methods will require you to be familiar with various research methods that sociologists may use along with answering question such as ‘Can sociology be seen as a science’ or ‘Can sociologists be value free’.

Subject Entry Requirements

In addition to the general Sixth Form Entry requirements students will need the following:
GCSE English Literature or Language: Grade 5 or above
GCSE Mathematics: Grade 4 or above

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