A Level Sociology

A Level Sociology

The Sociology A Level course looks at the way society works and develops. The study of sociology is absorbing and highly practical, with applications in a wide range of professional and personal situations, from families and education to the media and crime. Sociology study is important because we all operate within society. Our customs, laws, morals and working systems shape our lives and determine the future direction of society, and the A Level Sociology course takes you into that vital field of knowledge, whether for a career in sociology or elsewhere. 

In the A Level Sociology course you will develop a wide-ranging understanding of our social structure and how it operates

You will begin with a focus on family and cultural identity, and progress onto issues such as wealth, poverty and welfare. You will also study the health and education needs of society, as well as belief systems, crime and the media.

The A Level Sociology course will go on to let you look at the bigger picture and global development. Politics and power will be studied and you'll develop your analytical skills in assessing the impact these factors have on social structure and change.

You will learn some of the methods used by sociologists and to apply that knowledge to your own research project.

Through your sociology studies you'll understand more about the development of societies and the forces which shape behaviour, values and identity. And in understanding more about the world around you, you'll come to understand your own motivations and behaviours better.

Entry Requirements

You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol in our A Level Sociology course. That's because we believe in making home study - and a rewarding future - as accessible as possible. An awareness of current issues is recommended.

Where will I go from here?

An A Level in Sociology can lead to university studies and a career in any of a wide variety of careers, such as social welfare, healthcare, politics and the media. If you want to enter or progress in employment, you'll find your A Level Sociology will demonstrate to employers that you have an understanding of people and the ability to commit to learning, and have acquired good reasoning and analytical skills - essential in practically every walk of life.

What will I gain?

This course will prepare you to sit the A Level Sociology exams.

Assessment

  • Unit 1: Written paper, 1 hour - One question of three - questions will be in five parts
  • Unit 2: Written paper, 2 hours - Choose one topic (Education or Health) and answer one question on that topic, one question on sociological research methods in context and one question on research methods.
  • Unit 3: Written paper, 1 hour - One question of four, one compulsory questions and one question of two.
  • Unit 4: Written paper, 2 hours - Choose one topic and answer one question on that topic, one question on sociological research methods in context and one question on theory and methods.

Please note that you are responsible for making your own exam arrangements. You will have to pay an examination fee as well as a centre fee which will vary depending on exam centre.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.

What will I get?

Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and offers all the support you need along the way.

You'll receive study materials that have been specially designed for distance learning by experts in your chosen field.

You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and motivation.

You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where you'll have access to library materials and your account information, as well as vital links with your fellow students, with the chance to discuss your work, ask questions and make new friends.

Study Period

18 months

Support period

18 months

Course code

H15

Course cost

£439.00

Additional fees

Centre exam and registration fees are additional to your course fees and these costs may vary according to the exam centre you use.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.

See your course content

This course prepares candidates for the AQA Sociology A Level syllabus (2190), for examinations in June 2012 and later years. 

The Sociology A Level course is divided into four units.

Unit 1 - Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare

In this unit of the A Level Sociology course, you will examine:

  • Topic areas in relation to the two core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification)
  • Both the evidence of and the sociological explanations for the content listed in the following three topics: Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare

Unit 2 - Education; Health; Sociological Methods

In the study of this unit, you will examine:

Topic areas in relation to the two core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification)

  • Both the evidence of and the sociological explanations for the content listed in the following three topics: Education; Health; Sociological Methods.
  • Attention should be given to drawing out links with other topic areas studied.
  • Throughout this unit, you should be encouraged to use examples drawn from your own experience of small-scale social research.

Unit 3 - Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics

  • The study of this unit will engage you in theoretical debate while encouraging an active involvement with the research process.
  • It should foster a critical awareness of contemporary social processes and change, and draw together the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in different aspects of the course.
  • The examination will explicitly assess your understanding of the connections between the topic(s) studied in this unit and the nature of sociological thought, methods of sociological enquiry, and the core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification).
  • In the study of this unit, you will examine both the evidence of and the sociological explanations for the content listed in the four topic areas: Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics.

Unit 4 Crime and Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods

  • The study of this unit will engage you in theoretical debate while encouraging an active involvement with the research process. Throughout this unit, you will be encouraged to use examples drawn from your own experience of small scale social research.
  • The study of this unit should foster a critical awareness of contemporary social processes and change, and draw together the knowledge, understanding and skills learnt in different aspects of the course.
  • The examination will explicitly assess your understanding of the connections between the topic(s) studied in this unit and the nature of sociological thought, methods of sociological enquiry, and the core themes (socialisation, culture and identity; and social differentiation, power and stratification).
  • In the study of this unit, you should examine both the evidence of and the sociological explanations for the content listed in the following topic areas: Crime and Deviance; Stratification and Differentiation; Theory and Methods.

 

 

You can either pay for your course in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.

Standard Course Fee: £439

Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment plans.

 

Centre exam and registration fees are additional to your course fees and these costs may vary according to the exam centre you use.

Find out more information about arranging your examinations.