A-Level Sociology

You will need 5 GCSE's at grades 5-9, including English Language.

The course is graded A*-E and each grade is worth the following UCAS points:

- Grade A = 56 UCAS points
- Grade B = 48 UCAS points
- Grade C = 32 UCAS points
- Grade D = 24 UCAS points
- Grade A = 12 UCAS points

You will be assessed by 3 exams at the end of year 2, which are set by the exam board, OCR. Your progress will also be monitored internally with in-class assessments, homework tasks and practice exams.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications before you enrol.

At Northumberland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

Our A Level programmes allow you to choose multiple subjects, enabling you to study 3–4 A Levels over two years or combine them with equivalent vocational qualifications, with each subject taught for 4 hours and 30 minutes per week across three separate lessons and your timetable determined by your chosen subjects (provided at the start of the academic year).
Although you are not required to be on campus when you do not have a timetabled lesson, we strongly recommend making effective use of our learning facilities and resources during these periods to stay on top of your work.

The main aim of the course is to prepare learners by providing a suitable foundation for the study of sociology or related courses in higher education.

By studying Sociology, learners will be able to:

- Recognise that their sociological knowledge, understanding and skills help them to develop an understanding of the inter-relationships between individuals, groups, institutions and societies
- Critically analyse the nature and sources of information, and to base reasoned judgements and arguments on evidence
- Organise and communicate their knowledge and understanding in different and creative ways, and reach substantiated judgements
- Appreciate the significance of theoretical and conceptual issues in sociological debate
- Understand and evaluate sociological methodology and a range of research methods through active involvement in the research process
- Develop skills that enable individuals to focus on their personal identity, roles and responsibilities within society
- Develop a lifelong interest in social issues

This is a two-year course where you will study 3 units.

In year 12, you will study:
- Socialisation, Culture & Identity (Youth Culture)
- Debates in Contemporary Society (Education and Globalisation and the Digital Social World)

In year 13, you will study:
- Debates in Contemporary Society (Education and Globalisation and the Digital Social World) - continued
- Researching Social Inequalities