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Sociology

Submitted by admin on 14 December 2011 - 3.45am
Course Overview

Type of Course and Awarding Body 

A Level - AQA

AS and A2

Level 

Level Three

What's it all about? 

Sociology studies our social life - the way that, even though we consider ourselves to be individual, we are compelled to make connections with others. We look at how we learn the rules of society. We look at the taken-for-granted assumptions that govern our lives and discover they are not natural but artificial and change over time and from place to place. It is a voyage of self discovery.

Progression 

Successful completion of year one - AS level will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to progress onto the A2 part of the A level.

Entry Requirements 

In our experience in order to be successful on this level of programme you will need one of the following:

  • four to five* GCSEs at grades A*-C (including English and maths)
  • an intermediate GNVQ in a related subject
  • a BTEC first diploma in a related subject
  • an NVQ level 2 / technical certificate in a related subject
  • successful completion of an apprenticeship programme
  • successful completion of the Gateway / Newstart programme
  • equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.

* A level candidates will be expected to have five GCSEs

Duration 

One year each for AS and A2 levels

Are there any exams? 

Unit 1 is assessed by a one hour written exam this accounts for 20% of the AS marks.

Unit 2 is assessed by a two hour written exam and this accounts for 30% of the AS marks.

Unit 3 is assessed by a 90 minute exam and accounts for 20% of the final A level.

Unit 4 is assessed by a two hour exam which accounts for 30% of your final mark.

Course Content

What does the course involve? 

The AS year comprises two units ...

Unit 1 (Families and households)

We will study the important changes in the family in the UK ranging from marriage to cohabitation, divorce to changes in child rearing as well as how expectations have changed and continue to change.

Unit 2 (Education)

We will study which groups of people benefit from the education system in the UK today. We look at a history of education and the different type of schools that have been tried out as well as their relative merits. We look at the experience of school to see if it is positive or negative or both.

The A2 year comprises two units

Unit 3 (Beliefs in Society)

We will look at the various different types of ideology that influence society including religious and non-religious belief systems. You will look at the influence of science and why it is seen to be an alternative to religion (by some) whereas others argue it is no better or worse than religion. We also look at the various forms religion takes and why particular belief systems appeal to some groups more than others.

Unit 4 (Crime and Methods)

We will look at the patterns of crime and criminality in the UK today. We examine the role of the police and imprisonment as well as crime statistics to see whether or not crime is spiralling out of control. We look at which groups of people are likely to get into trouble with the law and why.

When can I study? 

Various days and times
Course Facts

September

Full-time

Goschen Centre

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Advanced

ASFT


Certain "part-time" courses may become "full-time" courses if additional courses are taken.

If you are aged 16-18, due to Government funding, tuition fees may not be applicable for your course (Please note: this does not apply to foundation degrees or access to higher education courses, and other courses not eligible for public funding).

Please note that fees quoted apply to courses starting in the academic year 2011 / 12 (August 2011 - July 2012). There may be a slight increase in fees for courses starting 2012 / 13.

September

Part-time

Kings Road Centre

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details.

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Advanced

ASPT


Certain "part-time" courses may become "full-time" courses if additional courses are taken.

If you are aged 16-18, due to Government funding, tuition fees may not be applicable for your course (Please note: this does not apply to foundation degrees or access to higher education courses, and other courses not eligible for public funding).

Please note that fees quoted apply to courses starting in the academic year 2011 / 12 (August 2011 - July 2012). There may be a slight increase in fees for courses starting 2012 / 13.

Click here to request an application form be sent to you through the post or download a printable copy.

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Jack Skorecki

" I chose to study A levels here rather than going to my local sixth form as the College gives you more independence - and they offered a much wider range of courses than any sixth form that I looked at."

Jack Skorecki

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