Overview
It's often said that the function of sociology is to reveal that which is hidden; why do people behave the way they do? What governs our everyday interactions, and what drives social change? If you're fascinated by questions like these, then GCSE Sociology is the qualification for you.
As a cornerstone of social science, sociology overlaps several unique disciplines that study society, such as economics, psychology, and political science. It provides a range of essential, transferable skills, including analysis, problem-solving, critical thinking, and research, all of which are invaluable in just about any career, as well as further education avenues.
What you'll learn
In this section, you’ll get a brief overview of the content and structure of the course, how to get support from your tutor and our student support team, and the marking structure that will be used to grade your work.
In unit two, you’ll take a look at some of the key terms and themes that all sociologists need to be familiar with. You’ll also examine key classical sociologists, their world view, and their contribution to the subject as a whole. Moving on, you’ll investigate different sociological perspectives and debates, the appropriate way to utilise different research methods, and more.
In this unit, you’ll take a look at the role of the family, and how it’s changed over time. You’ll also examine typical conjugal roles and responsibilities, sociological criticisms of different family structures, and marital breakdown and divorce. You’ll also take a look at the topic of families through the lens of Marxism and feminism.
In this unit, you’ll take a look at how families in the UK differ from those around the world. You’ll also examine Rapoport’s family diversity theories, diversity within family life, as well as surrogacy, single parenting, and same-sex parenting.
In this section, you’ll focus on education and the role it plays in society. You’ll examine the relationship between education and capitalism, the different factors that affect educational success, and how education success is measured within the school system.
In unit six, you’ll focus on the social construction of crime and deviance, how social order is maintained, and how gender, age, social class and ethnicity affect people’s propensity to commit crimes.
In this unit, you’ll study the functionalist theory of social stratification, and how society is divided according to socio-economic factors. You’ll also take a look at how different life experiences can affect a person’s chances of achieving happiness and success.
Next, you’ll examine poverty as a social issue, along with the different sociological perspectives through which this issue can be analysed. You’ll look at the inequalities that exist in society between different social groups, along with the role that political power plays in reinforcing this.
In this unit, you’ll take a look at how sociologists carry out research, qualitative and quantitative methods of gathering data, research planning and ethics, and more.
In this unit, you’ll prepare for your final exams.
Extra info
Awarding Body
AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries around the world, highly valued by employers and universities and enable young people to progress to the next stage of their lives. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive a GCSE in Sociology, issued by AQA. This syllabus (8192) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.
How is this course assessed or examined?
You can enrol now for examinations for Summer 2024.
Sociology GCSE Exams & Assignments
You'll be required to complete the two GCSE standard written exams, all of which must be taken in the same session.
- Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of marks
- Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of marks
We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.
There is no coursework to complete during your course. However, you will be required complete 11 assignments and one introductory. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this level two GCSE Sociology course; however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English
