SUBJECT SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Grade 6 GCSE Sociology and Grade 7 or above in GCSE English Language or Literature.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?

Sociologists are interested in why society works in the way that it does and the extent to which our behaviour - and even opportunities - can be shaped by our social class, age, gender and race. We question the society in which we live in order to understand the relationship between individuals and institutions such as the education system, religion and the mass media. By choosing sociology, you will learn to understand the world in which you live, how and why it functions as it does, and who has power and who does not. During the course, you’ll be asking more questions such as:

• Has Facebook, Twitter and the blogsphere empowered people?
• Is there an ‘ideal family’?
• Why is it that factors such as class, ethnicity and gender appear to impact on how well - or otherwise – we do at school?
• Is there a rise in extremism and fundamentalism?
• Why does crime occur and how reliable are official statistics?
• Who has ‘power’ in society and why?

WHAT ARE THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES?

You will participate in discussion and debate, group work, individual research, presentations and essay writing. You are expected to keep up to date with current affairs and read widely around the subject.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

WHY IS THIS QUALIFICATION USEFUL?

Sociology is a well-respected A-Level that will help to gain access to a variety of degree courses and professional qualifications. It is particularly useful for those considering a career in Teaching, Law, Media, Health, Criminology and Social Research.