Sociology is a compelling and thought-provoking subject that examines the structure of society and the behaviour of individuals within it. This course is ideal for students who are interested in understanding how social institutions, cultural norms, and inequalities shape our everyday lives. It encourages critical thinking, debate, and the exploration of contemporary social issues.

What will you study?

Students follow the AQA A Level Sociology specification, which includes:

• Unit 1: Education with Theory and Methods
  Education systems, sociological research methods, and theoretical perspectives

• Unit 2: Topics in Sociology
  Families and households, and beliefs in society

• Unit 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
  Patterns of crime, social control, and sociological theory

Assessment

Assessment is through three written exams:

• Paper 1: 2 hours – 33.3% of A Level
  Education with Theory and Methods

• Paper 2: 2 hours – 33.3% of A Level
  Topics in Sociology

• Paper 3: 2 hours – 33.3% of A Level
  Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

Each paper includes a mix of multiple choice, short answer, and extended writing questions.

Entry requirements

To study A Level Sociology, students should have:

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 9–4 (or equivalent)
• Grade 5 or above in English Language is recommended

Enrichment opportunities

Students benefit from a range of enrichment activities, including:

• Debates and discussions on current social issues
• Guest speakers from social work, education, and criminal justice sectors
• Research projects and independent investigations
• Support with university applications in social sciences and humanities

These experiences help students develop communication, analytical, and evaluative skills essential for further study and employment.

Progression and careers

Studying Sociology opens doors to a wide range of university courses and career pathways, including:

• Social Work, Criminology, Education, and Human Resources
• Journalism, Marketing, Law, and Public Policy
• Careers in research, community development, and social justice

“I am particularly enjoying using Sociology to develop my skills across all of my courses because of how it overlaps between many other A-Levels. It is a subject that helps to accelerate my knowledge of my other courses and the world around me; Sociology students also learn research, communication, and critical thinking skills that are key to succeeding in higher education.”
— Chloe Burrows