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Sociology

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Entry Requirements

Normal BSFC entry requirements for an AS programme of study including a grade C or better in GCSE English Language. Additionally candidates who have taken GCSE Sociology must have achieved at least a C grade. 

About the Subject

Sociology is the systematic study of society. It examines our attitudes, beliefs and way of life, in other words our culture. Important concepts in Sociology include power, social class, ethnicity, gender, inequality, socialisation and social control. The social structures that define our experiences are, for example, the family, childhood, education, work, and religion.

Rather than relying on commonsense assumptions such as exam grades are simply a reflection of a student’s intelligence, Sociology prefers to examine the idea that our lives can be shaped by circumstances beyond our control. In the case of educational achievement, Sociology would consider the importance of variables  
such as poverty and deprivation.

AS Year

Assessment
Unit
 Name Type of
Assessment
 Date of
Exam
Weighting
in AS
 Weightin
g in A2
UNIT 1 FAMILIES &
HOUSEHOLDS		 WRITTEN EXAM
(1 HR.)		 JAN &/OR
MAY 		 40% 20%
UNIT 2 EDUCATION &
SOCIOLOGICAL
METHODS		 WRITTEN EXAM
(2 HRS.) 		 JAN &/OR
MAY		 60% 30%

A2 Year

Assessment
Unit
 Name Type of
Assessment
 Date of
Exam
Weightin
g in A2
UNIT 3 BELIEFS IN SOCIETY WRITTEN EXAM
(1 HR. 30 MINS) 		 JAN &/OR
JUNE (2ND
YEAR)		 20%
UNIT 4 CRIME & DEVIANCE &
THEORY & METHODS		 WRITTEN EXAM
(2 HRS.) 		 JUNE (2ND
 YEAR) 		 30%

General Information

FAMILIES AND HOUSEHOLDS

Looks at the relationships of the family to the social structure, with particular reference to the economy and state policies. Additionally, this module examines changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce and child bearing; and the changes in the status of children and childhood.

EDUCATION

This element of UNIT 2 examines different explanations of the different educational experiences of different social groups by social class, gender and ethnicity.

SOCIOLOGICAL METHODS

This element of UNIT 2 analyses the relationship between the theoretical, practical and ethical considerations that influence the choice of topic, method(s) and the conduct of research.

CRIME AND DEVIANCE

UNIT 4 examines the relationship between social class, gender, ethnicity and crime/deviance. The social construction of crime, with particular reference to the role of the mass media.

SENSITIVE ISSUES

Prospective students should be aware that on occasion, and within the context of the AQA specification, issues such as racism, abuse, rape, suicide, and mental Health are discussed in class. Some students, for whatever reason may find these topics disturbing 

What Next?

Most Advanced Level Sociology students go on to University to read a variety of subjects at undergraduate level.