A Level Sociology 2025-26

Sociology is the study of society. But what is ‘society’? It is questions like this that we will explore in A Level Sociology along with attempting to explain societal trends throughout history. Sociologists are interested in a range of issues, from the changing definitions of culture to the impact our education system has on the development of children. Sociology will help you develop a sense of empathy whilst also developing your analytical and evaluative skills.

Here at ED6, you will study culture and identity, education, crime and deviance and beliefs in society alongside sociological theory and research methods. If you are interested in becoming more aware of the society we live in, then A Level Sociology is for you!

Year 12:

Culture and Identity – In this topic we will explore how culture and identity are formed and maintained within society. We will investigate the different definitions of culture, alongside debating how our identities are formed. Are our identities formed by the societies we live in? How is culture passed from generation to generation? Do our characteristics impact our identity? These are all questions that we will explore during this topic.

Education with Research Methods – In this topic we will investigate the education system in the UK throughout history to the present day. We will look at the development of educational policy and the experiences in the education system from the viewpoint of social class, gender, and ethnicity. Alongside this, we will also study the methods of research that are used in Sociology and link this knowledge to the study of education.

Year 13:

Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods – This topic will investigate how we define crime and deviance alongside looking at the inequalities that are faced within crime prevention and reporting. We will also explore crime from the perspectives of social class, gender, and ethnicity as well as exploring how different theories within Sociology explain crime. Alongside this, we will build on the Year 12 topic of research methods with theory and methods. We will explore in depth the different sociological perspectives and the debate of whether or not Sociology should be considered a science.

Beliefs in Society – In this topic we will explore the relevance of religion in the modern world. We will investigate how society is becoming much more secular, alongside the development of new belief systems within society such as spirituality. This topic also allows us to explore the distinction between cults and sects and religious fundamentalism, and the impact that these groups can have on society.

A Level Sociology develops a range of skills that are appealing to a wide range of careers. Sociology students go on to careers such as policing, social work, the law industry, teaching, and many more!

Sociology as a subject is attractive to universities due to the skills it teaches. In Sociology, you will develop empathy as well as the ability to analyse views and data. Students who study A Level Sociology go on to study a range of subjects at university such as politics, social policy, criminology, social work, policing, childhood studies, teaching and psychology.

For a three A Level programme you will need to have a minimum of five 9-4 grade passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics.

For a four A Level programme you will need to have a minimum of six 9-4 grade passes at GCSE which includes English and Mathematics; it is expected that the majority of passes will be at 7-9 grade.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

A Level Sociology is assessed 100% through examinations which are sat at the end of Year 13. Each examination is worth 33.3% of your overall A Level. These examinations will be testing your ability to apply sociological knowledge to a range of views as well as analysing and evaluating sociological debates.

September 2025

Two years, full time.