Sociology A Level

Course code: FTT022

School of Humanities & Science

The Programme

On this course you will cover many aspects that underpin the workings of society and acquire essential knowledge and understanding of sociological thought and methods. Analytical and evaluative skills will be developed that provide a sound basis for any courses in Higher Education. AS Level learners will complete two modules containing the topics Families and Households, Education and Sociological Methods. At A2 Level the two modules will focus on Global Development, Crime and Deviance, Sociological Theory and Research Methods.

The Programme Content

The AS Level course provides a knowledge and understanding of the main areas of sociology and central aspects of sociological theory and methods.
It consists of two units:
Unit 1 is Families and Households. This allows students to develop their sociological imagination using a topic that is already familiar to them.
Unit 2 is Education and Sociological Research Methods. Education considers differences in experience and educational outcome looking at gender, ethnicity and social class. Research Methods examines how sociologists study the social world.

The A2 Level course also consists of two Units:
Unit 3 is Global Development. Theories underpinning reasons for development and underdevelopment.
Unit 4 is Crime and Deviance and Theory and Methods.
Crime studies areas such as why people commit crime and who is most likely to be a victim of crime. This unit also considers more advanced theoretical perspectives (such as post modernism) and more complex methodological issues.

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade C or above in appropriate subjects, including English Language.

Costs

There will be some costs for text books.

Venue

Tiverton, Main Site

Progression

Most students expect to go to university or some other form of higher education. Sociology is particularly useful for those who are considering teaching, law, journalism, medicine, social work, nursing or social policy. It teaches transferable skills of analysis and evaluation which are applicable to all career paths.

Length of Study

AS Level one year, A Level two years.

Academic Year

This course starts in the 2013 / 2014 academic year.