Dare to Question!

"Human societies are like buildings that are at every moment being reconstructed by the very bricks that compose them." (Giddens)

What is AS / A2 Sociology all about?

Sociology is a social science. It is a human science that explores in a scientific way the relationship between individuals and the society they live in.

In Sociology we ask such questions as:

• How and why do societies change?
• Why are certain social groups (e.g. homosexual and ethnic minority groups) treated differently by society?
• What causes social inequality at a global scale?
• Why do young men commit the most crime in the UK?

How is the course organised?

The AS course consists of 2 modules:

• Families and households
• Sociological methods and education

In A2, we explore the following:

• Beliefs in Society / Global Development
• Crime and deviance with Sociological theories and methods

Assessment

Assessment is by written examination only; there is no coursework component.

Sociology is closely related to Philosophy & Ethics, Psychology, Business & Economics, History, Geography and Media Studies and makes a good combination with these subjects, as well as Law and English.

What career opportunities are open for me?

The subject is excellent preparation for further study of any of the Social Sciences, Criminology, Journalism, Law and Education degrees. Sociology is a key component of professional qualifications needed for jobs such as social work and care professions including nursing and police work. Sociology’s emphasis on controversy and critical thinking makes it a challenging area of study attracting the brightest contemporary thinkers to research it further at university.

Students wishing to take Sociology A-level need CC in English GCSE.