Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C), to include a 4 (grade C) in English Language.
Course Introduction
Sociology is the critical study of human behaviour and life chances; for instance why people behave as they do, and why some individuals have different life outcomes compared with others. It will help you to understand the world around you, how societies work, the causes of social problems and their potential solutions.
Course Content
Sociology embraces the whole of society so is, by its nature, a very broad subject. You will study ideas about human behaviour, family life, crime, religion, education and social change. You will look at some of the theoretical perspectives behind Sociology, such as Marxism and Feminism, which offer varying explanations of human behaviour.
Sociology may make you question your own ideas and the ideas of others. It will give you the skills to better understand the way we live and interact with each other.
There are frequent opportunities to take part in class discussions about contemporary issues and engage in debates.
Other A Levels
Sociology complements many other humanities subjects such as Psychology, History, English, Economics and Law, and also Biology. It also provides a good balance if your other subjects are mainly sciencebased. It is also ideal for students who want to study science, but not specialise in just one.
Where will my course lead?
Sociology is an excellent foundation for humanities and some non-humanities based degrees. These include Sociology, Criminology, Media, Geography and History. It could aid pathways to degrees such as Law, Business Management, Journalism, and medical and nursing professions. Sociology is very relevant for any degrees that involve interaction with individuals – including medical degrees.
Career opportunities are broad and include work in the civil service, media, law and other institutions of criminal justice, public relations, market research, social work, foreign aid and development and teaching. Some students have chosen to stay in the academic environment researching various aspects of sociology.
