Key Facts

GCSE Sociology

GCSE Sociology helps students to gain knowledge and understanding of key social structures, processes and issues through the study of families, education, crime and deviance and social stratification. Students will develop their analytical, assimilation and communication skills by comparing and contrasting perspectives on a variety of social issues, constructing reasoned arguments, making substantiated judgements and drawing reasoned conclusions. By studying sociology, students will develop transferable skills including how to:

Investigate facts and make deductions. Develop opinions and new ideas on social issues. Analyse and better understand the social world. You can find out about all our Sociology qualifications at: aqa.org.uk/sociology

This course is for school leavers aged 16-18 and must be studied as part of the full time GCSE Retake programme.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

    4 x GCSEs at D/3 or above (including a humanities GCSE subject), or a Level 1 qualification in a relevant subject.

    Your GCSEs must include either maths and / or English , or a Functional Skills qualification in maths and / or English.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    This qualification is linear. Linear means that students will sit all their exams at the end of the course. Subject content:

    The sociological approach

    Social structures, social processes and social issues

    Families

    Education

    Crime and deviance

    Social stratification

    Sociological research methods

  • Progression Next Steps


    This course provides a strong foundation for further study at AS and A-level as well as vocational pathways. To support this progression, the assessment objectives, structure and titles are very similar to those detailed in the AS and A-level Sociology specification.

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    The exam board is AQA, the specification is GCSE Sociology and the syllabus number is 8192

  • Assessment Details


    Paper 1: The sociology of families and education

    What's assessed

    The sociology of families, The sociology of education and Relevant areas of social theory and methodology.

    Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.

    Paper 2: The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification

    What's assessed

    The sociology of crime and deviance, The sociology of social stratification and Relevant areas of social theory and methodology.

    Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.