Sociology A Level [Y1]

You can only apply for one course type on an application.

Applying for A-Levels and/or V-Levels? You can choose to study three A-Levels or create a mixed programme combining A-Levels with other qualifications, including the new V-Levels. You will select the courses from a list of relevant subjects when you apply.

Applying for T-Levels? T-Levels are full-time courses that allow you to focus on one subject.

Applying for Vocational courses? Our technical and professional vocational courses are full-time programmes focusing on one subject. You can apply for up to two courses in the same application.

We accept applications to more than one campus; however once you have attended an interview session and received an offer from us, you will need to confirm your first-choice course and the campus you want to study at.

Sociology explores society and the interaction between institutions and individuals. You will explore how sociologists use a range of research methods to gather data; you will then critique those methods.

Sociology enables students to gain a deeper understanding of the way society works and to explore the power struggles within society. In Year 1 you will study areas that you are already familiar with: Families and Households and Education. You will then look at these areas with a sociological gaze and begin to realise that the power relations in society have a huge impact on the ability of individuals to succeed. Why is it that 7% of the population attend private schools and yet account for approximately 60% of top professional careers? In Year 2 the foci are: The Media: Who owns it? How much does it influence our identity? Is surveillance capitalism a real phenomena? Also, Crime and Deviance: why are crimes committed? Why are some crimes reported more than others; how does the nature of deviance change over time? All study areas are changing continuously and you will be encouraged to ensure that you too ‘keep up to date’ by exploring the news on a range of platforms but also to question, critique and consider who benefits from the way the news is presented.

You will be assessed by examination for all of your four units. All exams take place at the end of year two. Students are given one homework per week throughout the course.

Our general entry criteria to study 3 A-Levels is: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 5. For a mixed Level 3 programme the criteria are: Minimum five GCSEs grade 4-9 with English Language or Maths at grade 4. Subject specific entry criteria apply:A GCSE grade 4 in English Language.

This course can provide a pathway to employment or Higher Education. The traditional occupation for sociology students has been social work or another form of public sector welfare work. However, in practice, sociology students go into a much wider range of jobs, including human resource management.