A-level Sociology
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:
- 8 September 2025
- 5 January 2026
Colleges:
- Brighton
Entry level:
- Academic: Completed 10 years of schooling (GCSE or equivalent)
- English: IELTS 5.5 or equivalent
Minimum age:
- 16
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