Exam Board: AQA    Duration: 2 years    Entry Requirements: Grade 5 at GCSE in one of the Humanities subjects, Grade 5 in GCSE English and Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.

Reasons to study Sociology A Level


In Sociology, students critically analyse theories and research on the structure of society and the impact this has on human behaviour. You will develop skills that are applicable to a variety of university courses, such as critical and analytical thinking, written fluency, social awareness, information gathering and interpretation.

Explore what Feminists, Marxists and other Sociological perspectives think about identity, culture, media influence, inequality, crime and globalisation. If you enjoy discussions, formulating arguments and are good at written skill then this could be the course for you.

Course Outline


Paper 1 Education with Theory and Methods:
Students examine: the role and purpose of education; educational achievement in relation to class, gender and ethnicity; relationships and processes within schools; educational policies, equality of opportunity, the impact of globalisation; and the application of sociological research methods to the study of education; theory and methods – research data, positivism, interpretivism, considerations, theories, science, impact of sociology on social policy.

Paper 2 Topics in Sociology:
Section A – Candidates examine: the relationship of the family to social structure, social change and state policies; changing patterns of marriage and divorce; diversity of family structures; changes within the family – gender roles and power relationships; the concept of childhood and the status of children; and demographic trends.
Section B – Students examine: theories of ideology, science and religion; the relationship between religious beliefs, social change and stability; religious organisations; social groups and religious movements; secularisation and religiosity in the contemporary global context.

Paper 3 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods:
Candidates examine: theories of crime, deviance, order and control; the social distribution, patterns and trends of crime and deviance; globalisation and crime, green crime, human rights.

Assessment Outline


Exams are taken at the end of year 13

Paper 1 Education with Theory and Methods: written exam (2 hours) and is worth 33.3% of the A Level.

Paper 2 Topics in Sociology: written exam (2 hours) and is worth 33.3% of the A Level.

Paper 3 Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods: written exam (2 hours) and is worth 33.3% of the A Level.

Progression Routes and Career Paths


  • Sociologist
  • Social Researcher
  • Social Worker
  • Development Worker
  • Policy Analyst
  • Human Resources Officer
  • Criminologist
  • Youth Worker
  • Counsellor
  • Probation Officer
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Sociology Lecturer
  • Urban Planner
  • Diversity Specialist
  • Health Educator
  • Victim Advocate

The Romero’s Sociology Department


Part of the recruitment process of establishing our Sixth Form is the appointment of a Head of Social Sciences who will oversee the teaching in Sociology, Psychology and Criminology.

We have already advertised for this position and had strong interest.

Further Information


For more information or if you have any questions about the A Level Sociology course please contact:

Mr R Noye – Head of Sixth Form [email protected]