Sociology

Course title: AQA A-Level Sociology (Specification Code: 7192)

Examining body: AQA

Course duration: 2 years 

Overview of the course

This course introduces students to:

  • Social structures, processes, and issues in contemporary society.
  • Core themes: 
  • Socialisation, culture, and identity
  • Social differentiation, power, and stratification
  • Development of critical thinking, research skills, and analytical writing.
  • Exploration of sociological theories (Functionalism, Marxism, Feminism, New Right, Interactionism and Postmodernism) and research methods.
    It encourages active engagement with real-world social issues such as inequality, crime, education, and family life

How the course is examined.

  • 100% written examination (no coursework). 

Three papers, each 2 hours, worth 80 marks and 33.3% of A-Level: 

  1. Paper 1: Education with Theory and Methods 
    • Education (50 marks), Methods in Context (20 marks), Theory & Methods (10 marks).
  2. Paper 2: Topics in Sociology 
    • Section A: one topic from Option 1 (Culture & Identity, Families & Households, Health, Work/Poverty/Welfare).
    • Section B: one topic from Option 2 (Beliefs in Society, Global Development, Media, Stratification & Differentiation).
  3. Paper 3: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods 

Crime & Deviance (50 marks), Theory & Methods (30 marks).
All exams include short answer and extended essay questions.

Any relevant further information such as unit titles, specialisms.

Compulsory Units:

  • Education with Theory and Methods
  • Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
  • Theory and Methods (integrated across papers)

Optional Topics (choose one from each group):

  • Option 1: Culture & Identity, Families & Households, Health, Work/Poverty/Welfare
  • Option 2: Beliefs in Society, Global Development, Media, Stratification & Differentiation

Where the qualification can lead to (i.e. next level, university, suggested careers)

  • University progression: Sociology, Criminology, Social Policy, Politics, Law, Anthropology. 
  • Suggested careers: Social Work, Policing, Journalism, Law, Education, Public Policy, and Research and Data Analysis
  • Employers value skills in critical analysis, research, and understanding of social issues.