After two years of hard work and dedication over 1,600 A Level, Vocational Diploma and T Level students collected their results in August. With almost 1,000 students leaving College having secured entry to their first-choice university, this year is the culmination of their efforts and diligence, supported through the care, expertise and dedication of our excellent staff.
A Level Sociology
Sociology can be best understood as a study of the changing world. Within the topic we seek to explain broad ideas, such as; why certain roles are ‘gender-specific’, why people commit crimes and what attracts people to join cults.
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
Sociology is arguably one of the most relevant topics in contemporary society. This subject will broaden your mind and provide you with the ability to think critically, a skill that is highly valued at university and in employment. We identify various social inequalities and ongoing consequences of these. We discuss what power is, who has it and how it impacts our lives. There will be consideration of the individual experience and its existence within wider society. An interest in current affairs is essential to this subject and will enrich your educational experience. You will learn to think critically and independently about society and your place in it, gain the tools to think for yourself, and develop an informed understanding of the world around you.
A Level Sociology will introduce you to points of view on society, including those which promote conservative values (Functionalism), to those which argue for change (Marxism and Feminism). In Sociology much of what we investigate is open to interpretation; the information will be presented to your group and via discussions and debates, you will be encouraged to reach your own opinion.
Apply for this course
Start date: 09/09/2024
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
Study criminology topics
Specialist lecturers
Debate current affairs
Small class sizes
Fascinating issues
Introduction to criminology
This course offers a good introduction into criminology as well as other aspects of studying society. We explore the problems caused by social inequality in terms of gender, ethnicity and class. This often links to significant current affairs which means this subject is always developing in new and interesting ways.
thought provoking
You will be able to apply your own life experiences of education and family to the course. Many of the topics we cover are extremely thought provoking including modern day slavery, racism in schools and the decline of religion in western society.
expert lecturers
Expert lecturers who know their subject and have experience developing learners’ written skills and powers of analysis.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
During the first year of the course students will be introduced to the key sociological perspectives; Marxism, Functionalism, Feminism and Postmodernism. These perspectives will then be applied to the Education and Families and Households units. During the second year of study, the course covers Crime and Deviance, Beliefs and Sociology Theory. Research Methods will be covered in both years of the course. Two core themes run throughout the course, socialisation, culture and identity and social differentiation, power and stratification. The focus is on UK society today, with consideration given to the impact of globalisation on our society.
Families and Households: This unit examines the role of the family in contemporary society and how changes in the family have occurred over time. In this unit the nature and extent of changes within the family are studied, with reference to gender roles, domestic labour and power relationships. The changes in the nature of childhood is considered and how the status of the child has changed over time along with the change in demographic trends; such as how birth rate and death rate have affected the family.
Education with Research Methods: In a society dominated by debates around the effectiveness of education we develop an understanding of the factors influencing underachievement. Particular focus is on the difference in performance between male and female pupils and on the experiences and achievements of ethnic groups within the education system.
We also look at how sociologists research issues in society. This unit explores the methods that are used in research and examines previous sociological research. The problems associated with conducting research are examined. Students are also able to carry out their own research.
Beliefs in Society: Understanding beliefs is central to sociology because beliefs shape the way we see the world and influence how we live. This unit focuses on the social role of religion and its functions for individuals, groups and society as well as the diversity of religious beliefs and organisations including cults, sects, denominations and New Age movements. This unit also looks at science as a belief system and the way in which ideology can serve the interests of particular groups.
Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods: This unit focuses on explanations for patterns of behaviour and issues relating to social order and control. It provides an in-depth look at the main sociological theories and how they can be applied to the study of crime and deviance. We cover issues such as why certain groups in society appear to commit more crime than others, victims of crime and new developments such as global crime, people trafficking and cyber-crime. This unit continues the examination of research methods used by sociologists, with particular reference to researching crime and deviance.
WHERE WILL IT TAKE ME?
A qualification in Sociology is highly valued by many universities and employers alike. Sociology is also an excellent subject to complement many courses, such as English, Psychology, Politics, Economics, History and Education. Studying Sociology opens the door to a fantastic range of interesting and rewarding careers.
Sociology will teach you a range of skills including critical thinking and using evidence to support an argument. The objective and rigorous nature of this subject ensures a range of careers, such as management, human resources, social work, the civil service, the criminal justice system, national or local government and law.
ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS
You will be formally examined on each unit that you study. The examinations are traditional and essay-based and are sat at the end of the second year. There are three formal exams, each lasting two hours.Â
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above in appropriate subjects, with a Grade 6 in English or another Humanities subject as extended writing is a significant part of assessment.
information & support
We encourage all students to read widely and conduct their own research into society in particular in relation to the units you will study. Support is provided in class and on a one-to-one basis as required.
Awarding Body: AQA
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£26,166
Entry Level Salary
£7,435
Average Salary
£18,388
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£37,809
Entry Level Salary
£14,325
Average Salary
£26,271
Annual openings in Cornwall
6
Potential Salary
£65,088
Entry Level Salary
£24,820
Average Salary
£39,493
Annual openings in Cornwall
4
Potential Salary
£44,373
Entry Level Salary
£15,818
Average Salary
£26,924
Annual openings in Cornwall
11
Potential Salary
£59,846
Entry Level Salary
£21,334
Average Salary
£36,313
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£49,275
Entry Level Salary
£18,578
Average Salary
£34,237
Annual openings in Cornwall
16
Potential Salary
£57,509
Entry Level Salary
£21,871
Average Salary
£33,516
Annual openings in Cornwall
1
Potential Salary
£48,656
Entry Level Salary
£18,153
Average Salary
£27,817
Annual openings in Cornwall
