Skip to content

A-Level Sociology Course

Distance Learning Course, featuring tutor support and AI assistance, available online or as a study pack option.


Open Learning College

Summary

Price
£493.75 inc VAT
Funding options

Funding options available on our website

Study method
Online
Course format What's this?
Reading material - PDF/e-book, slides, article/plain text
Duration
700 hours · Self-paced
Access to content
24 months
Qualification
No formal qualification
Certificates
  • A Level - Free
Additional info
  • Exam(s) / assessment(s) is included in price
  • Tutor is available to students
  • TOTUM card included in price What's this?

Overview

Discover the convenience of Open Learning College’s Distance Learning A-Level Courses, designed to accommodate students worldwide with the flexibility to study from the comfort of home. These comprehensive two-year programs provide access to extensive online course materials and personalised tutor guidance through a virtual learning platform. Upon completion of examinations, students receive certificates endorsed by reputable Awarding Bodies such as Edexcel, AQA, or OCR.

Whether you’re a newcomer to academia or seeking to enhance your qualifications for university admission, our adaptable A-Level courses are tailored to suit your individual needs. Study at your own pace, on your own schedule, and from any location that suits you.

Our comprehensive two-year A-Level Courses cover both the AS and A2 components, requiring students to sit exams as private candidates at approved examination centres. Successful completion of all required exams within a single assessment period ensures eligibility for the full A-Level qualification.

Studying sociology at the AS level provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the complexities of human societies and gain fundamental insights into how these societies are constructed and function. The course curriculum is meticulously designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of sociological theories, perspectives, and methods, equipping students with the analytical tools necessary to critically examine social structures, actions, and issues. By delving into topics such as social inequality, family dynamics, and cultural diversity, students develop a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of society and the various factors that shape individual beliefs and behaviours.

One of the key strengths of the AS sociology course is its emphasis on critical thinking and reflective analysis. Through engaging with diverse sociological theories and methodologies, students learn to evaluate and challenge prevailing assumptions about society, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities of social dynamics. Moreover, the course encourages students to develop their research skills and apply sociological concepts to real-world phenomena, empowering them to address contemporary social issues with rigour and precision. By fostering a culture of inquiry and debate, the AS sociology course nurtures students’ intellectual curiosity and prepares them to become informed and engaged citizens in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

In addition to its academic rigour, the AS sociology course promotes social awareness and empathy by encouraging students to explore the lived experiences of individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds. By examining social phenomena through multiple lenses, students develop a deeper appreciation for social diversity and gain insights into the intersecting factors that shape human identity and interaction. Moreover, the course fosters a sense of social responsibility by prompting students to critically reflect on the ethical implications of sociological research and the potential impact of social policies on marginalised groups. By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to analyse social issues from multiple perspectives, the AS sociology course empowers them to advocate for positive social change and contribute to the creation of more equitable and inclusive societies.

Overall, the AS sociology course offers students a rich and dynamic learning experience that transcends traditional academic boundaries. By immersing themselves in the study of society, students not only deepen their understanding of the world around them but also develop essential skills for personal and intellectual growth. Whether they aspire to pursue further studies in sociology or embark on careers in fields such as social work, education, or public policy, students who complete the AS sociology course emerge as informed and engaged citizens equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary society with confidence and insight.

Certificates

A Level

Hard copy certificate - Included

Most of our A-Level courses are evaluated through written exam papers, while subjects like English Language, English Literature, and History may include coursework, known as non-exam assessment (NEA), which is assessed and moderated by our tutors.

Examinations are held annually in the summer, with no winter examination sessions available.

Our A Level Accounting programmes are eligible for UCAS points, making them a great choice for students aiming to progress to University. UCAS points are awarded according to the grade earned, please see below for details.

A levels are also widely recognised by employers and are useful for students looking to progress their careers or meet requirements for promotion.

Course media

Description

Course Key Topics

the A-Level Sociology course is divided into 9 modules.

Module 1: Introduction to Sociology and Education
Topics covered include:

  • Introduction to sociology.
  • Key introductory ideas.
  • Education, socialisation and citizenship.
  • Processes and relationships in education.
  • Theoretical perspectives on education.
  • Differential achievement.
  • Education policies.
  • Researching education

Module 2: Research Methods and Theory in Context
Topics covered include:

  • Sociological research methods.
  • Topic selection.
  • Practical issues.
  • Hypotheses.
  • Types of data.
  • Evaluating research.
  • Bias and ethics.
  • Gathering data.
  • Social survey.
  • Participant observation.
  • Experiments.
  • Official statistics.
  • Other types of data.

Module 3: Culture and Identity (Exam Option 1)
Topics covered include:

  • Different cultural perspectives.
  • Types of identity.
  • The socialisation process.
  • Agencies of social control.
  • Perspectives on identity.
  • Labelling.
  • Theoretical summary of identity.
  • Leisure, consumption and identity.
  • Theoretical summary of identity.

Module 4: Families and Households (Exam Option 1)
Topics covered include:

  • Definitions of family and households.
  • Perspectives on the family.
  • Types of family structure.
  • Ethnic difference in family types.
  • Regional variations.
  • Families of choice.
  • Decline in death and infant mortality rates and the ageing population.
  • Emigration and immigration.
  • Marriage, divorce and cohabitation.
  • Lone parents.
  • Historical changes in childhood and childhood as a social construct.
  • Historical changes in childhood.
  • Inequalities in domestic labour.
  • Power distribution and authority between couples.
  • Cross cultural views.
  • Perspectives on family and social policy.

Module 5: Health (exam option 1)
Topics covered include:

  • Social construction of the body and health, illness, and disease.
  • Disability.
  • Models of health.
  • The role of medicine and health professionals.
  • Historical improvements.
  • Medicine and social control.
  • Contemporary changes in health and health care.
  • Inequalities in health.
  • Perspectives on mental illness.
  • Researching health.

Module 6: Work, Poverty and Welfare (Exam Option 1)
Topics covered include:

  • Defining poverty wealth and income.
  • Measurements of poverty, wealth and income.
  • Distribution of resources.
  • Theories of poverty.
  • Theoretical approaches to welfare.
  • Public and private welfare provision.
  • Voluntary and informal provision.
  • Issues and problems.
  • Responses to poverty.

Module 7: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods (Compulsory)
Topics covered include:

  • Crime, social order and control.
  • Social distribution of crime.
  • Globalisation and crime.
  • Crime control, prevention and punishment, victims and the criminal justice system.

Module 8: The Media (Exam Option 2)
Topics covered include:

  • The new media.
  • Ownership and control of the media.
  • The media and globalisation and popular culture.
  • Media representations.
  • Media and audiences.

Module 9: Stratification and Differentiation (Exam Option 2)
Topics covered include:

  • Stratification and differentiation by social class, gender, ethnicity and age.
  • Dimensions of inequality.
  • Defining and measuring social class.
  • Structures of inequality: change and its effects.
  • Social mobility.

What Will You Learn?

  • In-depth understanding of A-Level Sociology, covering advanced concepts and theories.
  • Development of critical thinking and analytical skills through complex problem-solving.
  • Preparation for higher education or entry into the workforce with specialised knowledge.
  • Acquisition of practical skills and competencies relevant to chosen career paths or academic pursuits.

Who is this course for?

Target Audience

  • High school students aiming to pursue further education at universities or colleges.
  • Individuals seeking to fulfill academic requirements for specific career paths or professions.
  • Mature students looking to enhance their qualifications for career advancement or personal development.
  • Students interested in acquiring specialised knowledge and skills in particular subjects or disciplines.

Requirements

  • The good news is that no prior learning knowledge or experience is essential to take this course. This course is openly available to anyone wishing to learn more about A-Level Sociology and would like to take part in a highly rewarding distance learning study course.
  • We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and study further, so we try to keep our entry requirements to a minimum.
  • You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 12 months from initial registration with full tutor support.

Questions and answers

Reviews

Currently there are no reviews for this course. Be the first to leave a review.

FAQs

Study method describes the format in which the course will be delivered. At Reed Courses, courses are delivered in a number of ways, including online courses, where the course content can be accessed online remotely, and classroom courses, where courses are delivered in person at a classroom venue.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. If you work in certain professions or for certain companies, your employer may require you to complete a number of CPD hours or points, per year. You can find a range of CPD courses on Reed Courses, many of which can be completed online.

A regulated qualification is delivered by a learning institution which is regulated by a government body. In England, the government body which regulates courses is Ofqual. Ofqual regulated qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which can help students understand how different qualifications in different fields compare to each other. The framework also helps students to understand what qualifications they need to progress towards a higher learning goal, such as a university degree or equivalent higher education award.

An endorsed course is a skills based course which has been checked over and approved by an independent awarding body. Endorsed courses are not regulated so do not result in a qualification - however, the student can usually purchase a certificate showing the awarding body's logo if they wish. Certain awarding bodies - such as Quality Licence Scheme and TQUK - have developed endorsement schemes as a way to help students select the best skills based courses for them.