Sixth Form - Sociology

Sociology (AS and A2)

Sociology combines well with most other subjects in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, including English, History, Psychology and Biology.

Sociology is accepted for a wide range of university degree courses in the social sciences (including social policy, social work and education), the arts, humanities and business studies. It is also accepted for training courses in health and social care, personnel management, teaching, leisure and tourism, journalism, the police, legal professions and similar careers, and for direct employment in these and similar areas.

The majority of A Level Sociology students enjoy the two year course and there are opportunities to produce and conduct your own seminars.

Course aims
The aim of the syllabus is to promote an understanding of one's position in Society, and to enable candidates to develop a critical, rigorous and analytical approach to sociology and the world around them. How groups in society inter-relate and to look and explore reasons why modern society is the way it is - i.e. increase in certain types of crime, changes in family relationships, underachievement of ethnic pupils etc.

Course content
The subject is made up of four units. There are two units available at AS, and you will be assessed on another two at Advanced level (A2).

Units

Exam duration

% of total AS exam

% of total A2 exam

Unit1 (G671) – Exploring Socialisation, Culture and Identity
This unit looks at the formation of culture, the process of socialization and its role in forming identity.

Unit2 (G672) – Topics in Socialisation, Culture and Identity
The themes of culture and socialization are developed

1.5 hours

50%

25%

Unit3 (G673) – Power and Control
The themes of power and control are developed

Unit4 (G674) – Exploring Social Inequality and Difference

1.5 hours

25%

Commitment
Two year course, five periods per week. Each individual needs to contribute three to four hours of reading and homework in Lower Sixth with more time being devoted to this in Upper Sixth.

Entry requirements
5 GCSE grades at A*-C, including GCSE English. It is not essential to have studied this subject prior to the Sixth Form.