AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Sociology
Qualification summary
AS and A Level courses based on this specification should encourage candidates to:
• acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of contemporary social processes and
social changes
• 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.
There should be a focus on contemporary society.
Studying sociology should:
• foster the development of critical and reflective thinking with a respect for social diversity
• provide an awareness of the importance of social structure and social action in
explaining social issues
• provide candidates with an awareness of social structure and social action which
emphasises different interpretations of social experiences.
Where appropriate, comparative and/or historical materials may be introduced. Students should be encouraged to develop their own sociological awareness through active engagement with the contemporary social world.
In addition, A Level specifications in Sociology should enable candidates to demonstrate:
• a wider range and greater depth of knowledge and understanding than at AS
• more highly developed skills of application, analysis, interpretation and evaluation than
at AS.
Qualification details
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
For information on the approval of qualifications for funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, see the links to DCSF, DIUS, DCELLS, DELNI and DENI below.
When undertaking a qualification that does not appear on the governments' lists as eligible for funding for specific age ranges, users must be aware of legal requirements. Not all qualifications are suitable for all age ranges.
For further information on 14-19 qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DCSF
Section 96 website.
For further information on 19+ qualifications offered in England, please refer to the DIUS
Section 97 website.
For further information on Wales, visit the
DCELLS website.
For further information on Northern Ireland, visit the
DELNI and
DENI websites.
This qualification may form part of the entry requirements for progression to higher education or employment.
No specific job occupation
-
11 Social Sciences
-
11.2
Sociology and Social Policy
All AS and A2 units are assessed through independent assessment and holistic assessment is addressed within A2 units.
All units are mandatory within the qualification.
-
K/500/8547 - Culture and Identity; Families and Households; Wealth, Poverty and Welfare
The relative percentage weighting of this unit within the qualifications is 20.00%.
Assessment Methods (these supersede the ones in the Unit Details):
• Written Examination.
-
T/500/8549 - Education with Research Methods; Health with Research Methods
The relative percentage weighting of this unit within the qualifications is 30.00%.
Assessment Methods (these supersede the ones in the Unit Details):
• Written Examination.
-
L/500/7584 - Beliefs in Society; Global Development; Mass Media; Power and Politics
The relative percentage weighting of this unit within the qualifications is 20.00%.
Assessment Methods (these supersede the ones in the Unit Details):
• Written Examination.
-
R/500/7585 - Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods; Stratification and Differentiation with Theory and Methods
The relative percentage weighting of this unit within the qualifications is 30.00%.
Assessment Methods (these supersede the ones in the Unit Details):
• Written Examination.