Sociology Fast Track A Level (Full AS+A2)

Sociology A Level

About A Levels

A levels are subject-specific qualifications normally studied after GCSEs or International GCSEs, though they are appropriate at any age to gain a qualification in a subject in which you are interested.

The qualification is made up of two levels: the AS level and the A2 level. The AS level is the first half of a full A level and is a qualification on its own. The A2 level builds on the knowledge gained from both the AS level, as well as the GCSE level. Both the AS and A2 levels and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level.

Students usually take 1 year to complete the AS and a further year to complete the A2 - so a full A level usually takes two years. This fast track A level, however, lets you complete the course in half the time (i.e. one year instead of two years). The fast track A level works in exactly the same way and you get the same certificate as you would on the two-year course.

A levels are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. They are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework and they carry UCAS points, which will be awarded according to the grade achieved (A = 120, B = 100, C = 80).

Many courses at university or college will require you to take A levels in certain subjects. We recommend you check the requirements for those courses and take the appropriate subject A levels.

About Our A Level Sociology Studies Course

This A level Sociology course aims to give you some fundamental and lasting insights into how human societies are constructed; how they influence our beliefs and daily lives. Sociology is about developing a critical understanding of society, and through this understanding providing a basis for highlighting and explaining social problems such as ill health, poverty and crime. As well as learning about how society influences individual lives, you will also learn how to express yourself coherently, how to challenge and evaluate information presented to you and how scientific information is produced.

The course lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Sociology and related subjects in higher education. In addition, it provides a worthwhile course for candidates of various ages and from diverse backgrounds in terms of general education and lifelong learning. Equally, material studied would be useful for candidates intending to pursue careers in any of the Social Sciences.

Sociology is a dynamic, ever changing subject with new information and studies constantly confirming or challenging existing theories and producing new ones. The subject matter of sociology is uniquely around and within you, it is essential that you are curious about the why’s and how’s of society's processes in all settings from cradle to grave, from peer groups to institutions like schools and the class system. The purpose of this course is to help students look around them in a more analytical manner, to understand and question why things are the way they are, and what can be done to change the more negative aspects of our society.

What Can I Do After Completing This A Level in Sociology?

Getting A levels can provide you with a variety of options, such as work, further study or an apprenticeship.

After successful completion of this course, you could apply to university, a BTEC Higher National, NVQ, a BTEC Apprenticeship or a mixture of these qualifications.

If you are applying to a UK university you are likely to apply through the University and College Admission Service (UCAS). You can find out more about UCAS and how A levels are valued by Further and Higher education institutes on the UCAS website.

Financing Your Sociology A Level

While our 'Fees' tab below shows only full payment options, we do offer alternatives for financing your A level course. You can either pay everything up front so you don't have to think about it again, or we have an instalment payment plan available, whereby you pay a deposit of £100.84 plus 5 monthly intalments of £60.84.

To take advantage of our monthly instalment plan, you'll need to contact us directly to enrol at +44 (0) 1288 356300, or info@stonebridge.uk.com.

Syllabus

The AS course is laid out as follows:

Unit 1
Introduction Topic 1 Introduction to Sociology
Initial assignment. Introduction to Tutor Topic 2 Culture and Identity Assignment 1 Section A Topic 3 Families and households Assignment 2 Section B Topic 4 Wealth poverty and welfare Assignment 3 Unit 2 Topic 5 Education Assignment 4 Topic 6 Health Assignment 5 Topic 7 Sociological methods Assignment 6 Topic 8 Preparing for the AS exam.

The A2 course is laid out as follows:

Unit 3 Topic 9 Theory and Methods Assignment 7 Topic 10 Global Development Assignment 8 Topic 11 Mass Media Assignment 9 Topic 12 Power and politics Assignment 10 Unit 4 Topic 13 Crime and Deviance Assignment 11 Topic 14 Stratification and Differentiation Assignment 12 Topic 15 Global Development Assignment 13 Topic 16 Preparing for the A2 exam

For a more detailed syllabus, including core themes, integral elements and assessment details, please view this Sociology A Level Syllabus.

This course covers all the content of the AQA Sociology course. You can find the full syllabus for this course at www.aqa.org.uk.

Study Hours

Approximately 300 hours.

Qualifications

Qualification: AS/A2 - A level in Sociology

On successful completion of this course you will receive a AS/A2 A level in Sociology from AQA. Both AS and A2 level courses and examinations must be successfully completed to gain a full A level. Specification: AQA (Full A Level) 2190, AQA (AS) 1191 and AQA (A2) 2191

AQA is a leading provider of GCSE and A level qualifications and support services for teachers and students. It provides qualifications that are valued by employers and higher education and enable students to progress to the next stage in their lives.

A levels are at level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework, and they carry UCAS points, which will be awarded according to the grade achieved (A = 120, B = 100, C = 80).

Requirements for Entry

No requirement to have studied sociology previously. A pass at A-C GCSE in English and mathematics is desirable, but no formal qualifications are required. Although those who find reading and understanding broadsheet newspapers difficult will find the course more challenging. Only basic English reading and writing skills are required, as full tutor support is given.

No requirement to have studied sociology previously. A pass at A-C GCSE in English and mathematics is desirable, but no formal qualifications are required. Although those who find reading and understanding broadsheet newspapers difficult will find the course more challenging. Only basic English reading and writing skills are required, as full tutor support is given.

Benefits

What's Included

Online learning documentation, online resources, plus priority tutor support for 1 year.

More Information

January 2013 will be the last January exam period. All future exams will be held during the May - June exam period only.

Students are required to arrange and pay for their examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.