A LEVEL
Sociology
Sociology is the study of people, power, and society. How we live together, how we differ, and how our world changes.
At St Paul’s, you’ll explore the social forces that shape our behaviour, beliefs and opportunities, learning to see the world with curiosity, compassion and critical insight.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Sociology has opened my eyes to the underlying beliefs, structures and attitudes that bring our society together. It has allowed me to think critically about our world today.
Why Choose Sociology at St Paul’s?
- Explore real-world issues. From education and family to crime and culture, you’ll investigate how society works, and why it sometimes doesn’t.
- Challenge assumptions. Learn to question what’s taken for granted and analyse how identity, class, gender and race shape experience.
- Think critically and act thoughtfully. We’ll help you build skills in research, evaluation and debate that go far beyond the classroom.
- A supportive, discussion-rich environment. You’ll study with passionate teachers and classmates who value different perspectives.
- A subject that changes how you see the world and your place in it.
Where Sociology Can Take You
Sociology opens doors to a wide range of degree and career paths, including:
- Criminology and Psychology
- Social Work and Youth Work
- Politics and International Relations
- Education, Law and Journalism
- Business, Marketing and the Civil Service
It’s ideal for anyone interested in people, society and making a difference in the world.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
What You’ll Study
You’ll explore major sociological perspectives, theories and methods, applying them to real-world topics and debates.
Education, Theory & Methods
- Education
- Methods in Context
- Theory and Methods
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Topics in Sociology
- Families and Households
- Beliefs in Society
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Crime & Deviance, Theory & Methods
- Crime and Deviance
- Theory and Methods
Full details of the course can be found in the exam board’s official AQA specification.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
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Sociology Exam Results
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PASS RATE
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achieved
A* to C
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achieved
A* to B
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achieved
A* to A
Entry Requirements
In addition to our standard entry requirements, a number of our courses have specific entry requirements to ensure you are ready to thrive in the subject. For Mathematics, you’ll need:
- Grade 5+ in English Language
These requirements are in place to help set you up for success and make sure you have the right foundation to enjoy the challenge of Sixth Form study.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Hear From Our Students
Sociology develops your curiosity about the world around you. How does society really function?
Sociology challenges my views about society and has led me to question why things are the way they are right now.
Sociology has widened my understanding of other cultures and subcultures around the world.
Mrs A Teagle
SUBJECT LEADER FOR SOCIOLOGY
Sociology helps you see the world differently. It’s a subject that changes how you think about people, power, and the choices we make as a society.
Our team is passionate about helping students develop insight, independence and a strong sense of social awareness. If you’d like to find out more about studying Sociology at St Paul’s, please reach out.
Send me a message
We’d love to hear from you, whether you want to talk about subject choices, entry requirements, or your future career ideas.
Are you ready to challenge yourself, grow in confidence, and see the world through new eyes?
Start your Sociology journey at St Paul’s.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be joining a community where every student is known and loved. Our mission is not just to help you succeed academically, but to help you grow as a person, supported and celebrated every step of the way.
SociologyCourse Content
This course is designed to help students develop knowledge and understanding of the essential sociological theories and methods, to provide a variety of perspectives on society and developed your critical analysis of the world around you.
Core Content
An understanding of sociological theories and research methods. You will consider culture, identity, power, inequality and social change within the topic areas studied.
| PAPER 1Education, Theory & Methods | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CONTENT |
Education, Methods in Context and Theory and Methods |
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WEIGHT |
33.3% (80 Marks) |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours |
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Paper 1 is divided into three sections. Education consists of short answer and extended writing questions (50 marks). Methods in Context and Theory & Methods both consist of extended writing questions worth 20 marks and 10 marks respectively.Â
| PAPER 2Topics in Sociology | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CONTENT |
Families and Households’ and Beliefs in Society’ |
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WEIGHT |
33.3% (80 Marks) |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours |
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Each section consists of three extended writing type questions worth 40 marks.
| PAPER 3Crime & Deviance, Theory & Methods | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Content |
Crime and Deviance, Theory and Methods |
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WEIGHT |
33.3% (80 Marks) |
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LENGTH |
2 Hours |
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Paper 3 consists of short answer and extended writing worth 50 marks on Crime and Deviance, and 30 marks on Theory & Methods.
