Sociology

Course requirements

To study Sociology at A Level, students will need a G5 in GCSE English.

What is Sociology?

A-level Sociology will help you to make sense of the society we live in and understand the cultural and identity issues which affect us all. Sociologists are interested in why society works the way that it does and the extent to which our behaviour – and even opportunities – can be shaped by our social class, age, gender and race. During the course, you will explore answers to some of the following questions; Why do people join gangs? Is Feminism dead? Who is more likely to commit crime? How can poverty in the UK be reduced?

What does the course involve?

The course is assessed by three examinations. In the first year students will study the topics of Education, Work, Poverty & Welfare and Research Methods.

In the 2nd year students will continue to develop their understanding of Theory and Methods, along with the topics of Crime & Deviance and Media.

“The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden”. Pierre Bourdieu

What can the course lead to?

A-level Sociology is recognised by top universities and employers due to the valuable skills gained over the two years. Students can progress directly onto degrees in Sociology, Psychology or Criminology. Sociology is also beneficial for degrees in Law, History or Politics. Many students study Sociology with a combination of other subjects in order to facilitate a pathway into careers such as teaching, nursing, public services, social work or journalism.

Why should I study Sociology?

From discussion and research on contemporary issues, Sociology students will develop an appreciation for diversity and open their eyes to social injustices. Students will gain a range of transferable skills from studying Sociology, including the ability to construct an argument in a logical manner and develop critical thinking skills in order to analyse and interpret the world around you.
A Level results at The Chase are consistently above the national average, with 100% of students achieving A*-C grades for the past two years.