Full Time Sociology AS/A2

Sociology AS/A2
Sociology is the study of the individual and society, and will appeal to students who are interested in investigating how our everyday lives are shaped by factors such as class, gender and ethnicity. Sociology will develop your research skills and your ability to weigh up evidence and arguments, and combines well Media, History, Geography and a wide range of other subjects.

What will I study?
Throughout the course you will look at human behaviour by studying social groups, and the influences on their actions, ideas and beliefs. You will gain experience in research design and analysis, and look at the different methods used by sociologists to collect information and the theoretical perspectives that aim to explain why society is organised the way it is.

AS: In the first year you will explore two main areas; the sociology of family and households and the sociology of education. In addition you will be introduced to sociological methods such as the questionnaire survey, the experiment, interviews and observation, and the practical and ethical issues involved in research.

A2: The second year will focus on further specialist areas, which may include religion, crime and deviance, power and politics. You will also continue to develop critical approaches to sociological research methods and theory.

How will I be assessed?
AS: 2 written exams at the end of the first year.

A2: 2 written exams.

What can I do next?
A level Sociology is a valuable subject for a wide range of careers and Higher Education courses. You may wish to look specifically at areas which involve an understanding of people and social relationships, such as journalism, health care, social work, education, the public services, marketing and management.