Sociology IGCSE
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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- Students have enjoyed a 98% pass rate
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- Online Learning
- Study on your own terms with our our learning platform, MyOxbridge
Course Introduction
It’s often said that sociology’s function is to reveal what 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 your qualification.
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.
IGCSE Sociology is one of many IGCSEs/GCSEs we offer for online learning. By enrolling in our online courses, you can trust that our expert tutors will be available around the clock to offer full support whenever needed.
Course Info
- Duration
- Study Hours
- Difficulty
- Outcome
- Syllabus Code
- Units
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9–24 months
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150
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Level 2
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CAIE IGCSE
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0495
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6 units (view units)
Awarding Body: CAIE
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) is the world’s largest provider of A-level courses and GCSE courses, qualifications and exams, delivering assessments to over 8 million learners in over 170 countries.
What you will learn
Below is an outline of the course material you will study:
Unit 1: Research methods
- How do sociologists approach the study of society?
- What types of data and evidence do sociologists use?
- How do sociologists investigate society?
In this unit, you will explore how sociologists approach the study of society, the types of data and evidence they use, and the ways in which they investigate society.
Unit 2: Identity: self and society
- How do we learn our identity?
- How does society control us?
- What influences our social identity?
In this unit, you will explore your identity. How society controls us and they various influences which impact our social identity.
Unit 3: Social stratification and inequality
- What is social stratification?
- What attempts have been made to reduce social inequalities?
- How has globalisation affected inequalities between societies?
In this unit, you will explore what social stratification is. Exploring the attempts that have been made to reduce social inequalities. Lastly, looking into the ways globalisation has affected inequalities between societies.
Unit 4: Family
- What are the different types of families?
- What is the role of the family for the individual and society?
- How is family life changing?
In this unit, you will look at the different types of families, the role of the family for the individual and society, and how family life is changing.
Unit 5: Education
- What is education and schooling?
- What are the roles and functions of education?
- What factors help to explain differences in educational achievement and experience?
In this unit, you will explore education and schooling, including its roles and functions. You will also understand the factors that help explain differences in educational achievement and experience.
Unit 6: Crime, deviance and social control
- What are crime, deviance and social control?
- What are the patterns of and explanations for crime and deviance?
- How is crime dealt with in different societies
In this unit, you will explore what crime, deviance, and social control mean. Including what the patterns of and explanations for crime and deviance are. Lastly, exploring how crime is dealt with in different societies.
Course Outcome
Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive a GCSE in Sociology issued by CAIE. This syllabus (8192) has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.
Progression Routes
A qualification in IGCSE Sociology provides a foundational understanding of social science concepts and can lead to academic and career opportunities. If you wish to study A-levels, subjects such as A-level Economics, A-level Politics, and A-level Psychology will be ideal.
Examinations and Assessments
Sociology GCSE Exams
You’ll be required to complete the two IGCSE standard written exams, all of which will be taken in the same session.
- Paper 1 (Research Methods, Identity and Inequality): 2 hours, 50% of marks
- Paper 2 (Family, Education and Crime): 2 hours, 50% of marks
We guarantee a seat in one of our exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is. Or, if you prefer, you can find your own.
Assignments
There is no coursework to complete during your course. However, you will need to complete three assignments. These do not contribute to your final grade but allow you to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course.
Exam FAQs
Are exams required to pass the course?
For A-levels and GCSEs you will need to sit an exam. You can purchase your exams when you enrol on a course, or you can book them later via MyOxbridge. Either way, once you're on board with us, your tutor will guide you through the process.
Where are the exams held?
Exams will require attendance at a physical exam centre, with detailed information available on our Exam Centres page. We offer guaranteed exam spaces at our partnership centres across the UK, or you can register as a private candidate at a centre of your choice, keeping in mind that fees may vary by location.
When do exams take place - are there set dates?
Exam dates are set nationally and cannot be changed, so it's important to plan accordingly. They are usually late spring to early summer. For example, forthcoming A-level exams are scheduled from 1st March to 31st May 2025, while GCSE exams will run from 5th May to 25th June 2025.
Can exams be taken online?
For A-level and GCSE courses, exams must be taken in person at a designated exam centre.
Are mock exams available? Are they compulsory?
Yes, we offer both compulsory Internal Mocks in the autumn (included in your course fees and delivered online) and optional External Mocks in the spring (for an additional fee, taken at an exam centre). Mock exams are a great way to prepare for the real thing, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
How and when do I register for exams?
Exam registration opens in the autumn before the summer exam period, so if you plan to take exams next summer, you should register by November of the preceding year. You can complete the exam registration form in your student portal, and our Student Support team is available to help with the process.
Can you take exams outside of the UK?
While our MyOxbridge learning portal is accessible worldwide, most exams must be taken within the UK. Check with us for specific exam requirements to avoid any surprises.
Do I have to buy the exam from Oxbridge in order to study with you?
No, you are not obligated to purchase your exam through Oxbridge. You can either book your own exam centre independently, or take advantage of our partnerships with exam centres for a more streamlined process.
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.
