Why choose A level sociology?
Sociology is the study of society in a structured and disciplined way. It encourages you to explore not only the major events that shape human beliefs and behaviour but also the everyday, often overlooked, social realities around us. Sociology reveals the many layers of meaning beneath social life, challenging perceptions and offering new insights into how societies and identities are formed.
Course type: A level
Board: OCR
Entry requirements: Grade 5 or above in GCSE English, humanities and maths
How will A level sociology be delivered?
The course is taught over two years through a mixture of classroom-based lessons, independent research, group discussions, and essay writing. Students will study three core units that cover key sociological themes and theories:
| Unit | Content |
| Exploring socialisation, culture and identity | Investigates how society and individuals are shaped by socialisation, culture, and identity |
| Researching and understanding social inequalities | Covers sociological research methods and explores inequalities linked to class, gender, race, and age across key social areas |
| Debates in contemporary society | Section A: Globalisation and digital social world; Section B: Crime, deviance, power, control, and social institutions |
Assessment
Assessment is through three written exam papers taken at the end of the course. Each paper carries equal weighting toward the final grade. There is no coursework component.
Progression
A level sociology develops strong analytical and research skills that are highly valued by universities and employers. It opens the door to a wide range of higher education courses and career pathways where understanding social issues is essential.
Studying this course can help students to:
- Progress to university courses in social sciences, humanities, and related fields
- Pursue careers in social welfare, healthcare, education, politics, and media
- Develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication, and data analysis
- Explore opportunities in government, community work, journalism, and research sectors
