A-level Sociology at Kings

Overview

A-level Sociology is the course for students who enjoy working with others and having lively, knowledgeable debates on different social subjects. You will develop greater empathy towards a range of communities, opening you up to learn more about a diverse range of ideas and beliefs. You will also develop critical thinking skills which are highly valued by universities.

Key Facts

Start Dates:

9 September 2024
6 January 2025

Colleges:

Brighton

Entry level:

Academic: Completed 10 years of schooling (GCSE or equivalent)
English: IELTS 5.5 or equivalent

Minimum age:

Length:

2 Academic Years (3 terms)
We also offer entry from Year 12

Lessons:

Average 7 hours per week for each A-level subject (plus homework and private study)

Learning outcomes

Gain UK national university entrance qualification
Raise English to university level
Develop study skills required at degree level
Develop specialist subject expertise

Course content and structure

The following syllabus outline is based on AQA exam board content.

The first year of the A level course provides a broad-based introduction to many of the fascinating topics in Sociology. In the second year, the course builds on prior learning and covers a range of new topics in depth for those wishing to further develop their interest and enjoyment in this exciting area of study.

Assessment is 100% examination (3 Papers) at the end of Year 2.

Year 1

Research methods

The different ways that Sociologists study human behaviour based on their different perspectives of the relationship between society and the individuals living within it.
Qualitative and quantitative data
Practical, theoretical and ethical issues and their impact on research

Education

The role of the education system in society today from different sociological perspectives (Functionalist, Marxist and Feminist)
Differential achievement based on social class, gender and ethnicity – internal and external factors ( material and cultural deprivation , labelling and inside school processes)
Education and social policy – how government policy impacts on pupil experience in education

Families and households

The role of the family in society today from different sociological perspectives (Functionalist, Marxist, Feminist and Post Modern perspectives)
The family and social change (how the structure and role of the family and family members has changed over time for example changes in the nature and length of childhood)
Families and social policy – how government policy impacts on family size and the roles of individual members
Demography – how demographic changes have contributed to changes in the family (for example birth rates, death rates)

Year 2

Beliefs in Society

The role of religion in society today from different sociological perspectives (Functionalist, Marxist, Feminist and Post Modern perspectives)
Religious organisations – the characteristics and demographic make up of churches, denominations, sects and cults
The relationship between social groups and religious belief and practice (gender, age, ethnicity and social class)
The secularisation debate – the extent to which religious belief and practice are in decline
The relationship between religion and science – are they compatible or competing ideologies

Crime and deviance

Explanations for crime and deviance from different sociological perspectives (Functionalist, Marxist, Feminist, Interactionist and Post Modern perspectives)
Reasons for different patterns for crime and deviance (in terms of gender, ethnicity, age and social class)
Globalisation and crime, green crime and state crime – the impact of globalisation on the nature and extent of crime in society
Crime prevention and punishment – evaluation and analysis of the effectiveness of crime prevention and punishment strategies

Theory and methods

The arguments for and against the view that sociology can and should be viewed as a science (includes analysis of Positivism and Interpretivism)
The extent to which sociological research should be objective and value free
Consensus, conflict, structural and social action theories
The concepts of modernity and post-modernity in relation to sociological theory

Typical A-level subject combinations with Sociology

Sociology A-level compliments a wide range of social science and humanities subjects. In addition, it will be highly beneficial for any career that involves an understanding of culture, such as education, social policy and law.

Sociology, Politics and Geography
Sociology, Politics and Economics
Sociology, English Literature and Psychology

Sample enrichment activities

Debating Society
School newspaper

Trinity Arts Awards
Current Affairs and News Club

Sample academic calendar (2023-2024)

Year 1

Sept

6th: term starts
Student induction

Oct

23rd – 27th: half term
Progress tests

Nov

University fairs and talks

Dec

15th: term ends
End of term exams

Jan

8th: term starts

Feb

15th – 16th: half term
Progress tests
University fairs

Mar

End of term exams
22nd: term ends

Apr

8th: term starts

May

Progress tests

June

Exams
14th: term ends

Year 2

Sept

9th: term starts

Oct

21st October – 1st November: half term
15th October: UCAS deadline (Medicine)
Progress tests

Nov

University fairs and talks

Dec

13th: term ends
End of term exams

Jan

6th: term starts
15th January: UCAS deadline (other subjects)

Feb

13th – 14th: half term
Progress tests

Mar

21st: term ends
Mock exams

Apr

7th: term starts
Progress tests

May

Final exams

June

13th June: term ends

Degree progression

An A-level in Sociology provides an excellent background for careers in Law, journalism social work, teaching, consumer relations and many others.

Example degree courses which generally require or accept Sociology A-level include:

Sociology
International Relations
Journalism
Social Policy
Law
Politics
Philosophy

Sample alumni progression

Doan Phuong Truc

London School of Economics and Political Science
Sociology

Ruwen Yang

Durham University
Anthropology and Sociology

Anindita Widyadari Batubara

University of Warwick
Sociology and Quantitative Metods

Anastasiya Turchyn

University of Edinburgh
Sociology

Cheuk Sze Lai

University of York
Sociology and Social Psychology

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The Kings Admissions Team

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A-level Sociology

Overview

Key Facts

Learning outcomes

Course content and structure

Year 1

Year 2

Typical A-level subject combinations with Sociology

Sample enrichment activities

Sample academic calendar (2023-2024)

Year 1

Year 2

Recommended reading

Degree progression

Sample alumni progression

University Progression

Elite Preparation

Other programmes

Core Pre-university Programmes

Elite University Pathways

Specialist University Pathways

Summer Academy

Other programmes

Progression to the UK's Top Universities

Hear from our students

Progression agreements

Subject/Career Guides

Step inside Kings.Read our blog

The Kings Difference

Learning at Kings

Life at Kings

Support at Kings

A-level Sociology

Overview

Key Facts

Learning outcomes

Course content and structure

Year 1

Year 2

Typical A-level subject combinations with Sociology

Sample enrichment activities

Sample academic calendar (2023-2024)

Year 1

Year 2

Recommended reading

Degree progression

Sample alumni progression

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