Skip to content ↓
Coombe Dean School

Coombe Dean School

Sociology

Sociology – Level 3 Advanced GCE 

You have not allowed cookies and this content may contain cookies.

If you would like to view this content please

Qualifications 

Exam board: AQA 

Level 3 Advanced GCE in Sociology 

https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/sociology/as-and-a-level/sociology-7191-7192/specification-at-a-glance 

Entry Requirements 

GCSE Grade 5 in English Language and/or Literature. 

Skills required 

Students who enjoy this course are interested in finding out how and why people behave in different ways in various parts of society.  They have questions about why some groups of people have better outcomes from education and health care than others, and are interested in ways in which the government acts to help sections of society.  They are intrigued by crime and deviance and wish to understand and explain types of crime and why some groups of people are more likely to be arrested and sent to Prison. They enjoy reading, watching documentaries and looking at the way in which the media is used to inform and persuade people. 

Course outline 

Sociology is a two year course with external examinations at the end of the two year period.  The course looks at ways in which Sociologists investigate people in social groups and issues of social change in recent times.  It is concerned with challenging issues facing society today including crime rates, homelessness, education, disabilities and illness and inequalities between different social classes, gender and ethnic groups.  The content is designed to stimulate discussion and debate about society today and help students become critical in their thinking and socially aware. 

Student testimony 

Dylan, RAF Police – “a really relevant A level and helpful to my Police Studies Degree – I was thankful for learning how to research and explain social issues.” 

Hannah,  NHS Nurse “Provided a fascinating study of society and useful to me for my Nursing Career” 

Caroline Year 13 “sociology is such an exciting subject and there are so many theories of society that challenge my thinking and are also actually visible in society”  

Tia Year 13 “being able to dive into the depths of why people do and think certain things is interesting.  It heightens your understanding of your ‘self’ and this heightens the commitment to the course” 

Career paths 

A strong and respected A level for a broad range of careers including Journalism, Nursing, Midwifery, Paramedic, Police, Social work, Law, Teaching, Youth work, Probation Officer and Local Government. Our students have progressed to a multitude of excellent University courses leading to professional and rewarding jobs.  

Course outline/assessment 

Paper 1 Education and Research Methods - Assessed by written examination – Two hours duration. 

Paper 2 Optional Paper:  Health Studies, Media Studies, Global development.  Two hours duration.  

Paper 3 Crime and Deviance, Theory and Methods.  Two hours duration.