WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?

There are several very similar definitions of Sociology including:

• The scientific study of human social life
• The scientific study of human relationships and their consequences
• The study of human society and social behaviour
• The description and explanation of social structures, social behaviour, and social interaction

Sociology requires open minds, critical thinkers, good organisation skills, and independent learners. The subject is constantly updating and, as well as looking at classic 19th century sociologists, we also analyse up to date studies and current affairs. Many students have the opportunity to conduct their own research and will explore sociological issues around families and households, such as studying the relationship of the family to social structure and social change; changing patterns of marriage, cohabitation, separation, divorce and the life course; gender roles; changing status of childhood; and demographic trends since 1900.

Additionally, students study issues around the British education system, including explanations of the role and purpose of education; sociological explanations of differential educational achievements of social groups by class, gender, and ethnicity; relationships and processes in schools such as subcultures and the hidden curriculum; educational policies; and sociological research methods. Students explore different beliefs in society including theories of religion, sociological explanations of the purpose and role of religion, religious organisations, religions and social groups, and the debate of secularisation.

Finally, students also spend time analysing crime and deviance studying theories of crime and deviance; explanations of the social distribution of crime and deviance trends; contemporary issues in the sociology of crime such as effects of globalisation and the mass media; sociological views of the criminal justice system, and the study of research methods and theory.

WHY STUDY SOCIOLOGY?

Studying sociology offers insights into social and cultural issues. It helps you develop a multi-perspective and critical approach to understanding issues around culture, identity, religion, crime, families and social power. More than once during the course you are bound to ask yourself the question ‘why has society developed like this; with poverty, ignorance, crime and injustice?’

Students will learn the fundamentals of the subject and develop skills valued by higher education and employers, including critical analysis, independent thinking and research.

Sociology is a great choice of subject for people who want a career in social work, nursing or medicine. Sociology is also useful in a number of other careers, like marketing, advertising, public relations, journalism, law or teaching.

According to bestcourse4me.com, the top six degree courses taken by students who have an A-level in sociology are:

• Sociology
• Psychology
• English studies
• Business studies
• Law
• Teaching

Our A-level Sociology will help you develop a range of skills that will benefit you, whether you decide to go on to further study or the working world, including:

• the use of evidence to support your arguments
• how to investigate facts and use deduction
• critical thinking
• making reasoned arguments developing opinions and new ideas on societal issues
• the ability to analyse and better understand societal issues.

There is no limit to the other subjects that you can take alongside sociology. There is such breadth to the subject that it will complement just about anything. Students who study sociology often also study psychology, English and media studies. But students, who want a career in any of the caring services, or in marketing or business, will find an understanding of sociology useful.