Sociology GCSE

Studying GCSE Sociology will give you key transferable skills that will allow you to succeed in a variety of careers.

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  • Overview
  • What you'll learn
  • Extra info
  • FAQs

Are you ready to change your world?

Due to high capacity this course is temporarily unavailable until early May 2023.

We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience. We’ve experienced a high level of interest this year. We hope you will consider joining us in May!

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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

Unit 1 - Introduction

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.

Unit 2 - The Sociological Approach

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.

Unit 3 - Families and Their Functions

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.

Unit 4 - Families

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.

Unit 5 - Education

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.

Unit 6 - Crime and Deviance

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.

Unit 7 - Social Stratification

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.

Unit 8 - Social Stratification: Power and Poverty

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.

Unit 9 - Sociological Research Methods

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.

Unit 10 - Preparing for the Exams

In this unit, you’ll prepare for your final exams.

Extra info

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Awarding Body

aqa@8x

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

FAQs

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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How much do exams cost?

Many of our courses do not require exams however, A-levels, GCSEs and some other courses do require exams to complete the qualification. Exam fees are additional to the cost of the course and prices vary depending on the course and where you sit them – find out more.

Planning on studying A-levels or GCSEs with us? We can add your exams during enrolment and blend them into your monthly payment plan if you wish. If you’re not ready to book your exam(s) yet, you can book them at a later date – all of the information is available on MyOxbridge under NEAS and Exams.

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Exam Results: I need to resit my exams, can I enrol with Oxbridge?

At Oxbridge, we take enrolments all year round. Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be able to get started right away. Studying online means your work and revision fit around you and your lifestyle. For example, if you have a part-time job or need to study alongside other subjects, you’ll be able to find time to fit our online courses into your schedule.

Enjoy flexible, convenient, affordable learning, fully supported by expert tutors who are passionate about their subjects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our course tutors and know that they hold the key to success. Whatever your goals, dreams or aspirations, Oxbridge is here to help you facilitate them.

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Exam Results: I didn't pass English or Maths, what do I do next?

First of all, don’t worry – everything will be okay. Unfortunately, if you didn’t get a grade 4 or higher (equivalent to a C or above) in your English and Maths, you will have to re-take it in order to pass. Oxbridge is ready and available to support you with this. Get in touch via live chat, phone or email.

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Exam Results: When will I receive my certificate?

Oxbridge students who sat their exams through our partnership exam centres will usually receive their certificates in November. Certificates will be sent out by recorded delivery.

Wondering what to do next? There are so many options available, it’s important to get the right advice. Whether your choice is to continue onto further education, go into job training or get an apprenticeship and whether your grades are high or low – there are always options! Speak to an adviser today to see how we can support you on your next steps…

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Do Universities prefer IGCSEs or GCSEs?

Universities prefer neither iGCSEs or GCSEs. Universities recognise both iGCSEs and GCSEs and treat them equally.

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How long does it take to gain a GCSE as an adult?

GCSEs are typically studied across a period of 2 years however, our fast-track GCSE option enables you to complete and qualify for your chosen GCSEs within a year.

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Exam Results: I haven't done as well as I expected in my exams. Is there anything I can do?

Yes! There are a number of post-result services available. Your entering centre will be able to provide you with further information and will process any requests for you. If you’re not sure where to turn, our friendly learning advisers are on hand and ready to help you.

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Can GCSEs help you get a place at university?

Gaining GCSEs is the first step toward sitting a uni degree. You’ll need GCSE courses or IGCSE courses to progress to A-level courses, which remain the most prevalent means of accessing higher education.

At Oxbridge, we offer both GCSE and IGCSE courses, which are qualifications of equal merit with the added benefit of being internationally recognised. Both GCSEs and IGCSEs can be studied by adults online.

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Exam Results: I have individual unit marks, but no overall grade. What should I do?

Check for a cash-in code on your statement of entry. If there isn’t one, cash-in may not have been applied for. Cash-in can be applied for retrospectively from your exam centre and once entered you can expect an overall grade in one week.

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How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

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Is IGCSE harder than GCSE?

International General Certificate of Secondary Education courses (ICGSEs) cover some of the same subjects as GCSE’s such as GeographyEnglish Language and the sciences, but they are recognised internationally. The level of difficulty is equal to a GCSE course, and universities view both qualifications as equal.

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Can Adults take GCSE Courses?

It’s never too late to gain a GCSE qualification. Oxbridge teach thousands of adult GCSE courses every year. So, whether there’s a specific career you’ve always been interested in but couldn’t pursue because you didn’t have the right qualifications, or you want to take up a college or university course, an online General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) course can help get you there. The same can be said for our adult A-level courses too.

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Why study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses with Oxbridge?

When you enrol on a course with us, you’re really enrolling into a partnership. We set up our online learning platform to help people achieve the grades and qualifications they need to realise their aspirations. We do everything we can to help make our students’ dreams come true.

Our learning platform is award-winning, and our course content is written by Oxbridge subject experts and delivered by tutors who are just as passionate about their teaching as they are in helping you succeed.

On average, by studying Oxbridge online GCSE courses, we find that our students get grades that are 20% higher and pass around 30% quicker than students in traditional colleges. We’d love to help you do the same!

If you aren’t sure which course is right for you, speak to one of our learning advisers, they’d be more than happy to help you find the right path.

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What does GCSE stand for?

GCSE stands for: General Certificate of Secondary Education and IGCSE stands for ‘International General Certificate of Secondary Education’.

Whatever your aspirations and goals for the future, you’ll most likely need GCSEs to get there. Introduced in 1988, the General Certificate of Secondary Education remains the UK’s primary recognised certificate of foundation-level education and is viewed by employers, colleges and universities as the minimum expected standard for prospective candidates.

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Why Study GCSE courses or IGCSE courses online?

GCSEs remain a basic requirement for further education and some workplaces, so adding them or an IGCSE equivalent to your CV can be essential for personal success.

Studying these GCSE qualifications online has opened up a world of possibilities for people who haven’t been able to learn around their jobs or family commitments before.

If traditional education has held you back long enough, take the reins and build a future you’re proud of.

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