Sociology
Sociology
WJEC A-level Sociology
Sociology is the study of human societies; social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behaviour. As a sociologist you will investigate the structure of groups, organisations and societies and how people interact within these contexts.
Is this course right for me?
This course is ideal for you if you appreciate an enthusiastic, knowledgeable debate on a wide range of social changes in contemporary society.
What are the entry requirements?
- Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics
- English Language/Literature/First Language Welsh grade B
- Please check the AS Level Options Grid to see if this subject fits into your chosen programme
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
What will I learn?
Sociology A-level is a complex course that will help you understand and evaluate a number of theories and controversial ideas related to the pattern, trends and social change in society.
During your time on this course you will develop your understanding of British society in terms of contemporary culture and issues related to social divisions, attainment of power and control.
Units to be studied will include:
- Acquiring culture – the core theme for this unit is socialisation and culture. Within these themes the focus is on how culture is transmitted, with an emphasis on sources of identity and the family.
- Understanding culture – split between studying education and research methods.
- Understanding power and control – the key theme to understanding in this unit is the nature of power and social control by examining crime and deviance.
- Understanding social divisions – there are two elements to this unit. The first element is a compulsory research methods assessment which is designed to build on the knowledge and understanding of research methodology. The second element relates to social inequality in the UK.
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
You may need to study an additional skills course depending on:
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
Click below to find out what skills course you may be taking at College.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
All other courses:
- Upskilling Destination Programme – an hour and half session a week developing essential research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing techniques, supporting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
All other courses and those who have progressed through the internal progression route:
- A one year GCSE Resit Programme in GCSE Mathematics Intermediate Tier (Welsh or English medium) / GCSE English Language
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
All other courses and those who have progressed through the internal progression route:
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s – The priority of this programme (Foundation Maths for Mathematics pathway) is to build fundamental skill and knowledge, to prepare learners for progression onto the one-year, intermediate tier resit programme.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
All other courses:
- A one year pre-GCSE upskilling course in mathematics – The priority of this programme is to build fundamental skill and knowledge, to prepare learners for progression to the Foundation Maths programme.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications
All other courses:
- Upskilling Destination Programme – an hour and half session a week developing essential research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing techniques, supporting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For English:
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For Maths:
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
- A two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
Learners studying on a Jobs Growth Wales (JGW+) programme will be timetabled into literacy and numeracy sessions. To discuss the opportunity of attending a GCSE resit programme, in addition to their JGW+ timetable, please contact skills@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Can I do this course in Welsh?
How will I be assessed?
- Written examination
What can I do next?
This course can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities in a varied range of businesses including: Further education teacher, Higher education lecturer, International aid/development worker, Policy officer, Secondary school teacher, Social researcher, Social worker, Youth worker, Charity officer, Civil Service administrator, Family support worker, Housing manager/officer, Human resources officer, Life coach, Newspaper journalist, Police officer, Probation officer, Public relations officer, Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO).
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course
- Textbooks - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most textbooks are available to loan from the college library or online libraries
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2025/26
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Additional information
| Mode: | |
|---|---|
| Level: | |
| Duration: | 2 years |
Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.
