SOCIOLOGY AS/A LEVEL 3

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - We would, ideally, like applications to be submitted by Thursday 8th January 2026, when planning for the timetable will begin, but applications will be accepted after this date

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Minimum Entry Requirements

The admissions criteria for the Sixth Form are as follows:

- A minimum of 6 separately identifiable GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at an average grade of 5.5 or above

- These 6 subjects must include at least a grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and at least a grade 4 in Mathematics

- You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

- To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

- To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

- Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

- For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

- Short Courses count as half a GCSE

- A positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

- Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and the school community

- Students will not be admitted if they have not completed the appropriate paperwork

Sociology is a part of the social sciences with its influence being seen across most disciplines. It seeks to gain understanding of the changing nature of modern human societies. It looks at how people live, behave and work together in groups. It asks questions about the world that we live in and tries to explain why society is the way it is. The study of Sociology A level encourages students to take a critical approach to understanding societal structures and the way the influence us.

In the A level course, we seek to answer such questions as:

1. Why are most convicted criminals’ young working-class males? Why do girls do better than boys in education?

2. Does religion still have a place in society?

3. To what extent should sociology be considered a science?

4. Is the family in decline or just changing?

Sociology is a co-teachable subject meaning it can be one of the 3+ options by completing an AS Level.

During the two years course you will study the following units:

Paper 1

Education: In this unit students will learn about the variety of mechanisms of control and coercion the education system possesses. Such as are school’s exam factories producing a passive labour force or are schools maintaining the patriarchal structures in society. We will also look at how experiences in wider society could limit student participation.

Theory and Methods: This unit is about understanding the way sociology thinks about the world and explains the human experience. Do we have freedom? Is it an illusion created by power groups? Within these questions we will investigate the best ways to research these ideas by understanding the methodology used in investigations Sociologists conduct.

Paper 2

Families and Households: In this unit we will look at the family as a whole system by breaking down the reasons for relationships in society. Are families there to help keep society stable? Are families serving a different purpose. This module gets us to see the wider issues in the family and investigate how family’s structures could differ from culture to culture.

Beliefs in Society: This is a fascinating unit which gives students the chance to investigate the different belief systems that exist in society. In this unit we look at whether religiosity is still high within society or has it declined. If it has declined what are some of the causes for this?

Paper 3:

Crime and Deviance: In this section we understand the function of crime and the causes of crime in society. As sociologists we need to understand the why element to this topic – why does it exist? Why does every society experience crime and deviance? In lesson we investigate the reasons for increased criminality but also the reasons for victimisation.

In class, you will be involved in discussions and activities to deepen understanding of issues and arguments. Assessment is by an externally marked examination paper for each unit.

There is no coursework for the course.

• The minimum requirement is three 6 grades and three others at a 5 grade

• At least a grade 4 or above in English and Mathematics

• You will require a grade 6 or above in most subjects you wish to study at A Level

• To study Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages or a Science subject you will require a grade 7

• To study Economics a grade 7 or above in Mathematics is required and a 6+ or above in Business or a related subject

• Students may be able to study a Science subject with a 6 grade but their 4th option choice must be STEM Access forming part of your Personal Enrichment Pathway

• For Further Mathematics you will need an 8 or 9

• Short Courses count as half a GCSE

• You will need a positive attitude in your chosen subjects and a respect for school aims, objectives and ethos

• Commitment to the expectations of the Sixth Form and your school community

Sociology is intellectually demanding and will teach you to question the world around you. Sociology is excellent intellectual training that sharpens interpretive and analytical skills, you will also learn essay technique and how to respond to information. It is a discipline that is valued and recognised preparation for a wide range of university degree subjects. Historically, we have had students go to Royal Holloway, Oxford Brooks, University of Essex and University of Exeter. Students study sociology as a discrete subject or with other disciplines such as internal management, anthropology or social psychology in recent years. Students can use their sociology A level to help support movement into other areas such as going on to study an apprenticeship in law. Sociology students go on to a hugely diverse range of careers from jobs in the health service, to police work, social work, to teaching and jobs in the media.