Course at a glance

Examining Board: AQA
Next Examination Period: May / June 2023
Exam Specification Code: 7192
Coursework Element: None
Practical Element: None
Course Fee Includes: Online course materials and tutor support. Additional materials available at extra cost.

AQA A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations must be taken in a registered UK exam centre. It is recommended students check with UK examining centres that the chosen exam is available.

 

Introduction

Oxford College offers this full ‘AS’ level course in Sociology. The AS award has now been redefined as a final qualification which no longer constitutes the first half of an Advanced Level qualification, so no marks can be carried forward to that qualification.

The course materials are comprehensive standalone content which follow the specification closely. Most students like to have a supporting text book to draw on which provides alternative perspectives on main topics and themes; text books also follow the specification closely. If you would like to purchase a supporting text book or borrow one from your local library then simply makes sure that it covers the AQA 2015 Sociology specification. There are a range of different text books to choose from and each one is slightly different in presentation and how it is written so selection will be according to individual preference so have a look at some before deciding.

The course aims to give you some fundamental and lasting insights into how human societies are constructed, and how they influence our beliefs and daily lives. Sociology is about developing a critical understanding of society, and through this understanding, providing a basis for highlighting and explaining social problems. As well as learning about how society influences individual lives, you will also learn how to express yourself coherently, how to challenge and evaluate information presented to you, and how scientific information is produced.

Due to the changes in the contemporary world, modern sociology is a dynamic, ever changing subject with new information and studies constantly confirming or challenging existing theories and producing new ones. The subject matter of sociology is uniquely around and within you. It is essential that you are curious about the society processes in all settings from the cradle to the grave, from peer groups to institutions like schools, and within the class system. This course will help you observe the world in a more analytical manner, to understand and question why things are the way they are, and to consider what can be done to change the more negative aspects of our society.

The emphasis of the course is on the development of critical and reflective thinking whilst fostering a respect for social diversity. It aims to encourage you to develop awareness of the importance of social structure, actions and issues within the contemporary world. Included in each topic as integral elements are sociological theories, perspectives, and methods, plus the design of the research used to obtain the data under consideration, including its strengths and weaknesses.

You should expect to spend approximately 150 hours of study on the AS course and therefore time management skills are essential and a personal study timetable should be implemented to ensure you are fully prepared for your chosen exam date.

There is no requirement to have studied sociology previously, although there is a smooth transition from GCSE Sociology for those who have studied at this lower level. A pass at A-C GCSE in English and Mathematics is desirable, but no formal qualifications are required, although those who find reading and understanding broadsheet newspapers difficult will find the course more challenging.

AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) Entry Requirements

Although the AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) programmes build on the course content of GCSE, it is not necessary to have this qualification before undertaking an AS Level. However, in order to meet the demands of the course, it is recommended that candidates have literacy and communication skills equivalent to C or higher at GCSE. Please note that full tutor support is still provided throughout your course duration.

All students must be 16 years of age or above.

AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) Course Duration

1 year.

Awarding Body

AQA

AQA A Levels are available for study anywhere in the world. Examinations must be taken in a registered UK exam centre. It is recommended students check with UK examining centres that the chosen exam is available.

Examination Information

Students are required to arrange and pay for their AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) examinations and manage the course work element if the subject requires this. Students must check the relevant examination board website for further information and final examination sitting dates for the specification.

All examinations are held during the May / June exam period of every year.

Further information on exams can be found here: https://www.oxfordcollege.ac/examination-centres/

AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) Specification

AS Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification)
The AS specification is examined for the first time in June 2016

AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) Assessment

The course is assessed via written exams. However, assignments are included at the end of each unit to assess your progress and provide feedback. The following information contains details of all the exams for AQA ‘AS’ level. There are compulsory elements to the AS award and an optional topic which forms part of Paper 2 assessment.

AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) Paper 1: Education with methods in context

1 hour 30 minutes written exam
Compulsory content assessed
50% of AS level
60 marks
Questions:
Education: short answer and extended writing, 40 marks
Methods in Context: extended writing, 20 marks

AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) Paper 2 : Research methods and topics in sociology

1 hour 30 minutes written exam
Section A: compulsory content assessed
Section B: one from optional topics in sociology assessed

50% of AS level
60 marks
Questions:
Section A: short answer and extended writing, 20 marks
Section b: short answer and extended writing, 40 marks

Progression

Our AS Level Sociology 7191 (2015 Specification) 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.

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

UCAS Points Table

A = 20
B = 16
C = 12
D = 10
E = 6