Free A Level Sociology in Bristol. Classes run at Meadowbrook Primary School Olympus Academy Trust. Sociology explores how society works: from family structures and the education system to crime, deviance, and global events. You'll study specific topics including family, education, and crime and deviance, building the analytical and research skills that universities and employers value. The course runs full time over two years. Entry requires a grade 5 in English, plus a grade 5 in Sociology or a humanities subject if you've studied either.
Who this course is for
Sociology is the study of one of the most fascinating topics on earth human life and social groups from the man on the street to global events. This subject asks the big questions about social life to enable us to understand the world around us and to understand how policies are formed that can help improve our lives. For example, we look at what is the best way to investigate football hooliganism and is there an ideal type of family. Specific topics include family, education, crime and deviance, and beliefs. As well as these areas of knowledge you will also develop essential research skills including data analysis. Sociology equips students with many general skills which are sought by universities and employers alike such as critical analysis and the clear expression of ideas. It is well suited to people centred employment such as journalism, teaching, legal professions and marketing.
Entry requirements
5 in English; plus 5 in Sociology if taken or a humanities subject
What you will learn
You'll analyse how families are structured and how they've changed over time.
You'll examine how education systems shape social outcomes and inequality.
You'll investigate crime and deviance, including theories of why crime happens and how it's measured.
You'll evaluate different research methods, including how to investigate social issues like football hooliganism.
You'll assess how social policies are formed and how they affect people's lives.
You'll develop essay-writing and critical thinking skills needed for university-level study.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons, discussion, and written work. Assessment is by written examinations at the end of the two-year course. AQA sets the exams, which test your knowledge of sociology topics and your ability to apply sociological theories and research methods. There is no coursework component for AQA A Level Sociology.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Meadowbrook Primary School Olympus Academy Trust will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Social worker: supports individuals and families through statutory services.
Community development worker: designs and delivers local social programmes.
Police officer: applies understanding of crime and social behaviour.
Probation officer: works with offenders to reduce reoffending.
Journalist: investigates and reports on social and political issues.
Human resources officer: manages workplace relations and policy.
Youth worker: supports young people in community or educational settings.
What you could study next
Sociology degree (BA): the natural next step after an a level sociology qualification, going deeper into theory, research methods, and specialist topics like race, gender, and globalisation.
Criminology degree (BA): builds directly on the crime and deviance units in this course.
Social Policy degree (BA): focuses on how governments design and evaluate public services.
Psychology A Level: some learners add a second A Level to broaden their university options.
