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Sociology

Sociology is the study of society - how people interact in groups.

A Level Sociology examines social behaviour from a variety of perspectives: how it originates and then develops, and the ways people are organised into groups according to distinctions such as class, gender and race. A Level Sociology also looks at the institutions and forces which shape and are shaped by groups within a society, such as the media, religion and education.

Sociology is a demanding academic discipline, and the grade recommendation is a grade 6 or above in any of the Sciences, a grade 6 or above in Mathematics, and a grade 5/6 in English Language. Strong written communication is essential as the Sociology student needs to discuss various scientific issues, as well as research methodology and debates in Sociology as well as have the ability to write about these clearly and concisely.

Curriculum

 

Course content

Assessment

Paper 1: Compulsory units

Paper 1 (33.3%)

  • Education
  • Methods in context
  • Theory and methods

2 hour written examination

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

Paper 2 (33.3%)

  • Section A – one from Option 1
    • Culture and identity
    • Families and households
    • Health
    • Work, poverty and welfare research
  • Section B – one from Option 2
    • Beliefs in society
    • Global development
    • The media
    • Stratification and differentiation

2 hour written examination

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Paper 3 (33.3%)

  • Crime and deviance
  • Theory and methods
     

2 hour written examination

 

 

Beyond the Course

Sociology provides an excellent starting point for any social science degree from Economics, Psychology, and Politics to Criminology and Philosophy.

A degree in Sociology can lead to many career options including Teaching, Advertising, Research, Marketing, and Business. Sociology is an academic subject teaching you transferable skills, so really it’s up to you on which area of work you choose to go into afterwards.

 

 

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The Oratory School
Woodcote
Oxfordshire
RG8 0PJ

Tel: +44 (0)1491 683500