Sociology A Level
Overview
IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.
This course can be studied alongside 2 A Levels or 1 A Level and 1 vocational course (as part of our 2+1 offer).
A Level Sociology aims to develop a critical understanding of society by examining the most important institutions within the social structure.
Sociology is a stimulating and relevant subject, offering you the opportunity to develop a range of transferable skills. Sociology is the study of how human society develops and changes and how people interact with one another.
The central aim of the A Level in sociology is to examine relationships and inequalities between people and the effects that social, economic and political influences may have on them.
Sociology gives students an understanding of how society shapes people and how people shape society.
What does it combine with?
- Business Studies
- Criminology
- Economics
- English Language
- Film Studies
- Geography
- History
- Law
- Media
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
- Sport and Exercise Science.
What our students say
Evie talks to us about the exciting opportunities studying A Levels with us has presented her, including how it differs from school, using the West Notts Travel Pass, and her plans to progress onto university.
What will I study?
The first year of A Level Sociology covers families and households and then education with research methods. The second year covers beliefs in society, crime and deviance, and theory and methods.
- Entry requirements
- Five GCSEs grade 4-9 including GCSE English Language
- An overall average of a grade 4*.
*To work out your grade average, add all of your grades together and divide by the number of GCSEs you've taken. If you need help, please contact our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626 or via email at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . - Assessment
This course is assessed solely by examination with exams scheduled for May/June at the end of the second year.
Ongoing assessments in the form of short questions, essays and mock tests are taken throughout the course in order to:
- Assess each student's progress
- Develop the student's subject knowledge, writing skills and exam techniques.
- Progression
Further study at university-level* in subjects such as social studies, psychology, law, business and politics.
*To find out how many UCAS points this course carries, and to receive advice on your Higher Education options, please contact the college’s enquiries team on 0808 100 3626 and ask to be transferred to the Head of Department for this subject area. They can provide the most up-to-date information.
As a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may also be eligible for a range of benefits if you choose to progress to NTU after completing your course. For more information, please visit Progress NTU.
- Careers
Typically, people with a sociology A Level or degree gain employment in careers that involve working with people. These could include community worker, housing officer, journalist, personnel manager, prison officer, probation officer, social worker and homelessness worker to name but a few.
- Qualifications gained
- GCE A Level in Sociology
- AQA
- Studying A Levels at West Notts College
Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.
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Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.