Sociology

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - To be confirmed

Entry Requirements: - 5 GCSEs Grade 9-4 - Some requirements vary slightly dependent on course.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Applica here

Board: AQA (A Level)

Sociology is a social science that focuses on society, human social behaviour, patterns of social relationships and of social interaction

Sociological approaches form the basis of all that will be taught and the approaches will be applied to topics on education, research methods and crime and deviance.

You will gain a greater understanding of the roles and function of the education system, you will examine how to use qualitative and quantitative methods of research and gain a greater understanding of crime, deviance, social order and social control.

There will also be an opportunity to study additional topics in sociology including families, culture and identity and global development to name a few.

The qualification carries UCAS points and if it is taken alongside other qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning then it is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements for many courses. It will support entry to many higher education courses, depending on the other qualifications learners have taken. The qualification can also support progression to employment directly or via an Apprenticeship

Units of Study

Paper one: Education with Theory and Methods

You will explore relationships and processes within schools, the significance of educational policies and explore the role and function of the education system. This is a written exam.

2 hours

Externally assessed

Paper two– Topics in sociology

This is a written exam where you will be expected to 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 .

1 hour 30

Externally assessed

Paper 3– Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods

You are expected to be familiar with sociological explanations of crime and deviance, social order and social control, the social distribution of crime and deviance by ethnicity, gender and social class, including recent patterns and trends in crime, globalisation and crime in contemporary society; the media and crime; green crime; human rights and state crimes. This is a written exam

2 hours

Externally assessed

Externally assessed

Paper One

2 hours

Paper Two

1 hour and 30 minutes

Paper 3

2 hours

Entry Requirements

Five Grades 9 to 4 at GCSE including Grade 5 in English.