Our distance learning GCSE Sociology course is the perfect beginning for anyone wishing to pursue a profession in areas such as the media, care, the law or any other role dealing with society. This home study course looks at the way people relate with one another, the way society is structured, crime, mass media, social inequality and education, among other topics. GCSEs are the most widely taken qualification in the UK and considered the educational standard for school-leavers at 16.
Studying sociology will give you a better idea of how different groups in society relate to each other, the way modern life has developed and the impact of conflict, culture and politics on society. Whether you want to pursue this subject area in later life or not, it will give you a fascinating insight into the way society works.
This GCSE Sociology course has been written to the latest specifications and has been designed to give you the best possible chance of success. You’ll have everything you need to succeed, starting with a clear induction and well-structured assignments to help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to prepare for the exam. You will also have guaranteed access to one of our exam centres if you sit your final GCSE examinations in the UK.
GCSEs are qualifications that count.
You will benefit from:
- Brand new course, written to the latest specification with dynamic and engaging content
- Fast track is available on this course (for exams in 2022)
- Access to our network of partnership exam centres (guaranteed exam venue)
- Unlimited tutor support – we help you write a study plan and support you throughout
- Exam pass guarantee (if you don’t pass the first time, we’ll support you to the next exam)
Studying sociology will give you a better idea of how different groups in society relate to each other, the way modern life has developed and the impact of conflict, culture and politics on society.
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Exam Pass GuaranteeIf you don’t pass the first time, we’ll support you to the next exam for free
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Guaranteed exam centreAccess to our Country-wide network of exam centres (guaranteed exam venue)
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Unlimited Tutor SupportGet as much help and support as you want from your personal course tutor via email and phone.
- Awarding body: AQA
- Our course code: X809
- Qualification code: 8192
The 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 GCSEs, IGCSEs and A-levels.
Study Hours
You should allow for between 120 and 150 hours’ study time, plus additional time for completing assignments.
Study Method
Our course is delivered via our online learning platform as this provides learners with a dynamic and engaging experience. Don’t worry, if you prefer, you can print the learning materials yourself. The learning resources are in a range of different media including videos, quizzes, and interactive activities.
Course Duration
Once you enrol, you’ll have up to two years to study and take your exams, and your unlimited tutor support will continue throughout this time.
Assessment
You can enrol now for examinations from Summer 2022.
You’ll be required to complete the two GCSE standard written exams.
Official exams
- 1 hours 45 minutes, 50% of marks
- 1 hours 45 minutes, 50% of marks
We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our exam centres around the Country, to take away the hassle of needing to find your own. Check where your closest exam centre is.
Assignments
During your course, you will also be required complete 11 assignments and one introductory. These do not contribute towards 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. There is no coursework to complete. All exams must be taken in the same session.
Course Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive a GCSE in Sociology, issued by AQA. This syllabus has been chosen specifically because it is the best suited to distance learning.
Additional Information
Difficulty - Level 2
Entry requirements - There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English.
Course Content
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have some answers to common student questions, but if you can't find the answer you're looking for then please contact us and we will do everything we can to answer your questions.
Yes. there will be additional fees for your exams that are payable to the centre upon booking Your personal tutor can provide more details.
There are no essential set texts. The course includes some recommended books that you may wish to refer to for additional reading.
You will need to pay separately for your final examinations. Additional texts may also need to be purchased to supplement your learning on the course.
We are able to offer places at partnership exam centres across the UK for our students, therefore, guaranteeing an exam venue. If you choose to find your own exam centre, you can, you will need to register with them as an external or private candidate. Fees vary across the country so we recommend enquiring prior to enrolment.
Yes! You study the same curriculum, take the same examinations and get the same qualification. The only difference is that the course is specially designed to be studied from home in your own time.
You will have access to your personal tutor, via email, who will mark your assignments and guide you through the course to help you get ready for your examinations. In addition, you will be supplied with a comprehensive Study Guide that will help you through the study and assessment process. Your personal tutor will be highly experienced in their subject area and qualified to teach.
You can study this course from anywhere in the world, but the exams must be taken within the UK.
Please check our main FAQs section or Contact Us, we have experienced course advisers who will be delighted to help!