Sociology

Exam Board: AQA

Aims

The aims of the course are as follows:

  • Provide students with the opportunity to understand how society works, with knowledge development of society’s structures and processes through sociological theories, perspectives and methods.
  • Encourage the ability to recognise and evaluate the research conducted by sociologists that contributes to our knowledge of society.
  • Enable the ability to discuss the theoretical and methodological perspectives and debates that exist within sociology across the different structures explored in the course.

Entry Requirements

Students should have Grade 4 or higher in GCSE English and Mathematics, or the equivalent grade/mark in their national system of secondary education.

Course Structure

Year 1

  • Families and Households
  • Education
  • Research Methods

Year 2

  • Crime and Deviance
  • Theory and Methods
  • The Media

Assessment

  • Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods.
  • Paper 2 – Topics in Sociology; Families and Households; The Media.
  • Paper 3 – Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods.Each assessment is a 2 hour written examination; 80 marks in total; 33.3% of the final grade.

Core Text

Year 1

Sociology for AQA Volume 1: AS and 1st Year A Level. ISBN: 9780745691305 – Ken Browne.

Year 2

Sociology for AQA Volume 2: 2nd Year A Level. ISBN: 9780745696942 – Ken Browne, Jonathan Blundell and Pamela Law.

Careers and Opportunities

Studying Sociology at A Level will provide opportunities to pursue higher education in sociology, philosophy, psychology, politics and law, as well as careers in academic research. This course also provides a deep understanding of the processes and structures that exist within society, relevant to a range of careers and industries, including law enforcement, education, media and various other public and private sectors.

Important Announcement

Richard Lewis and Alistair Wardell were appointed as joint administrators of Padworth College Limited on 30 June 2025.

In the days prior to our appointment the directors had notified parents, guardians, agents and staff that the school was ceasing to trade.

If you are a creditor, you will shortly receive formal notification from the Joint Administrators of their appointment with details of how to claim the amounts you are owed. Please let us know if you have not heard from us by 18 July 2025.

If you have any queries, please send them via email to cmusupport@uk.gt.com.

The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed by the Joint Administrators who act as agents of the Company and without personal liability. Richard Lewis and Alistair Wardell are authorised by the Insolvency Practitioners Association to act as insolvency practitioners.