Sociology

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of social groups and social life in modern societies, and the interaction between individuals within these groups. This includes the study of different social characteristics, such as social class, gender and ethnicity, and social inequalities that may be connected to these identities.

What will I study?

You will study culture and identity, families, households, and education using theoretical debates and arguments, supported by empirical (evidence based) research. You will also investigate different methods of sociological research and you will experience practical use of these research strategies. You will also study Power and Stratification with topics including inequality and world sociology. Sociology is an essay-based discipline, a high standard of written English is required for this subject.

Assessments

There are three exams at A level. Two exam papers are 2 hours and 30 minutes and assessed, whilst the third is 1 hour and 45 minutes. These examine different parts of the content and different skills, with a focus on the topics taught  across the course.

Trips, visits and enrichments:

• Seminars or lectures at local universities
• Conferences to hear academics speaking first hand about their work
• Visiting speakers
• Soc Docs – Sociological documentary club

What can it lead to?

Sociology students go on to study a wide variety of subjects at degree level, including sociology, criminology and psychology. Many courses such as nursing and midwifery specify sociology as a preferred A level subject.