Sociology A Level

Before submitting your application to Wyke Sixth Form College, please ensure that you have added

1. Personal Details (including Home Address, Email Address and Contact Number)
2. A full list of all of your predicted grades

Without this information we will be unable to process your application and will refer this back to you until it is fully complete.

Sociology is a great choice for students interested in careers in teaching, local government, law, public services, and caring professions such as nursing, social work, the police, and the civil service. It’s also popular among those pursuing careers in personnel management, written and broadcast media, and other roles that require strong analytical and communication skills.

It combines well with other social science and humanities subjects such as Criminology, Psychology, Politics, History, and Philosophy.

An A Level in Sociology is ideal for anyone curious about how society works- especially the roles of institutions like the family, education system, and law enforcement agencies. It also helps students develop a broader understanding of how cultural beliefs shape social policy across the globe.

Students have access to course study booklets, an online e-book, and a programme of structured revision to support independent learning. A structured programme of Assessment for Learning leads to Individual Learning Plans tailored to each student.

Sociology teachers are highly qualified and experienced, committed to enhancing learning and building confidence in the classroom. The department values strong relationships with students, tutors, and parents, and offers an extensive package of support to help all learners succeed.

The department offers an international trip to San Francisco or New York, enabling students to take their learning beyond the classroom and develop their sociological imagination through first-hand engagement with diverse social and cultural environments. Students also benefit from two annual Sociology Conferences featuring university academics, alumni, and professionals, including a talk from Hull City Council's Social Work Academy. Through the wider Social Sciences Enrichment Programme, students have opportunities to explore future pathways in Sociology, including support with prestigious competitions, research placements, university summer schools, and highly competitive apprenticeships, helping to strengthen UCAS applications and progression opportunities.

COURSE DETAILS

Topic 1: education

We will study sociological theories of education, the role and purpose of education, processes within school, differential educational achievement by class, gender and ethnicity, and educational policy.

‍

Topic 2: families and households

We will examine the role of the family, changing family patterns, family diversity and the life course, families and social policy, childhood and relationships within the family, and sociological theories of the family.

‍

Topic 3: crime and deviance

We will analyse functionalist, strain and subcultural theories of crime and deviance, labelling theory, Marxist theories of crime and deviance, realist theories of crime and deviance, class, gender and ethnicity, the media and crime, globalisation, green crime, human rights and state crimes, control, punishment and victims.

‍

Topic 4: Theory and Methods

We will explore sociological theory and research methods in context, including how sociologists investigate and explain social phenomena. This includes debates around objectivity, values, science, and the use of quantitative and qualitative methods.

Topic 5: beliefs in society

We will investigate theories of religion, ideologies of science, religion and social change, whether or not there has been a decline of religion, postmodernity and beliefs, religion in a global context, religious organisations, movements and members, and social patterns of belief and participation.

The full specification and past papers are available on the AQA website.

‍

HOW IS THIS COURSE DELIVERED?

Delivered over 2 academic years

4 hours 40 minutes of lessons per week

Regular classroom-based assessments

Emphasis on critical thinking, evaluation, and essay writing

Assessed by three 2-hour exams at the end of the course

(100% examination)

100% Examination

Information on course specific and pathway specific entry criteria can be found on our website.

Having A Level Sociology can open up a world of opportunities in both university choices and career options. If you are considering applying to university to study Sociology, Criminology, Anthropology, Social Policy, Social Work, Psychology, Public Administration, Journalism, Marketing & Advertising and a host of other Humanities based subjects then A Level Sociology is essential. Possible career choices that require A Level Sociology include the Public and Civil Service, Caring Professions, Law, Voluntary Sector, Teaching, Media, Advertising and Personnel Management amongst a range of others. In fact, having an A Level in Sociology is desirable for a huge range of careers, as it is a great qualification to have.