Sociology
A LEVEL (AQA)
If you are interested in the way people interact in modern society then you will enjoy Sociology. This subject will allow you to explore how we are shaped and controlled by social institutions such as the family, education, law etc. You will develop your debating skills, learn how to gather and assess information and how to present a conclusion.
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Key topics
contemporary social changes
why some groups are more powerful than others
the sociology of the family, education, beliefs, crime and deviance
societies: are they in conflict or in orderly balance?
You will
consider who decides what is lawful or criminal
discuss whether beliefs divide people or bring them together
think about if society defines who you are
take part in group discussions
develop your written and oral communication skills
build upon your analytical and evaluative skills
develop your skills in research methodology
+ Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs (average score of 5)
These must include:
- English Language at grade 5
- Maths at grade 4
+ Assessment
Assessment methods include:
- Exams
+ What can I study with this course?
This course can be taken as part of an A Level programme.
We recommend that students choose three A Levels or a combination of Level 3 Extended Certificates and A Levels. Depending on your GCSE grades and long-term destination, some students may be able to take up to four A Levels.
If you are planning on progressing to university, the majority of university courses do not require specific subjects. Most universities prefer that you are able to demonstrate skills and competance via the successful completetion of related courses. Therefore we recommend that the most important thing when choosing course combinations is that you choose a range of subjects that your enjoy and excel in.
We do not recommend that your take two courses that are similar to each other in content.
Some courses and universities require that you take specific A Levels for entry onto their courses. Please visit: UCAS.com and explore individual university entry requirements for more information.
If you are planning on studying Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry or other competitive science based courses, most universities require you to take Biology, Chemistry and either Maths, Statistics or Physics.
If you want more information on choosing your A Levels, please speak to your schools career advisor or chat to us at any of our careers or open day events.
+ Why study at NewVIc
Prepare to study many subjects that you have not come across before at school. Popular and interesting subjects such as Psychology, Sociology, Law and Criminology will allow you to engage in a broad range of intriguing topics which explores behaviours, feelings and actions of citizens and criminals.
Trips and opportunities
Criminology students: receive talks from a reformed criminal and a Rwandan genocide survivor as well as talks on honour crime and Jack the Ripper tour.
Law students: visit The Old Bailey court to view a live court case and understand how the judicial system works.
Psychology students: visit ZSL London Zoo and take part in sessions on hypnotherapy, phobias and animal intelligence.
Sociology students: visit to the Museum of Childhood to explore changes in the making of toys throughout history.
Inspirational academics
The Social Sciences team has over 150 years of teaching experience, supporting students with university applications and experience as examiners in sociology, business and psychology. All of the Social Science team have industry experience in a wide range of sectors.
+ How we support you
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
- Learning difficulties
- Physical and sensory disabilities
- Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, ADHD, Aspergers or other specific learning difficulties
- Mental health, counselling and wellbeing
- Exam access arrangements
- Money, finance and bursary advice
- Careers advice, job and university applications
+ Next steps
Many of our students go onto study sociology or criminology at some of the UK’s top universities including Durham, York, Lancaster and Queen Mary. Sociology will open a range of avenues in numerous employment areas. Many students go onto legal professions, the civil service, local government, teaching, the police, social work and social research, to name a few.
+ Top universities for Sociology
The Complete University Guide give university rankings each year. If you are planning on progressing to university, find out which universities are ranked most highly for Sociology.