Sociology (A Level) – Level 3

Year 1: Identity, Culture and the Education System

You’ll begin by exploring how social identities, such as class, ethnicity and gender, are shaped, and how globalisation and diversity are transforming society. This unit encourages reflection on your own values, beliefs and behaviours. You’ll study Education, examining why achievement varies by class, gender and ethnicity, and how schools can reinforce or challenge inequality. You’ll also look at how education policy has evolved, from marketisation to recent reforms. You’ll be introduced to key sociological theories and research methods, learning how sociologists investigate society using both qualitative and quantitative approaches.

Year 2: Media, Crime and Sociological Methods

You’ll apply your sociological knowledge to Media and Crime and Deviance. In Media, you’ll explore how news is selected and shaped through concepts like news values and moral panics. You’ll analyse how media representations influence identity and reinforce stereotypes, and consider the effects of fake news, algorithmic bias and social media on democracy and protest. From viral misinformation to the Southport riots, you’ll ask: can we trust what we see online?

In Crime and Deviance, you’ll investigate why people commit crime, how it’s defined and measured, and who benefits from criminal labels. You’ll explore theories from Marxism to Right Realism, and topics like stop and search, youth deviance, white-collar crime, and the media’s role in amplifying fear. You’ll also deepen your understanding of sociological methods and theory, preparing to evaluate evidence and build strong arguments in exams and real-world debates.

This is a 2 year course studied September – June.

Five GCSEs at grade 4/5 or above, including GCSE English language at grade 5.

As well as the entry requirements above you will also need to meet the specific requirements for the A Level courses you choose.

A Level Sociology is a linear qualification, which means exams take place at the end of two years. It is assessed through examinations in which consist mostly of essay-based questions, plus several structured questions.

The three A Level exams each count for a third of the final mark:

• Paper 1: a two-hour exam on Education in Society, with associated sociological theory and methods
• Paper 2: a two-hour exam on two option topics (see earlier)
• Paper 3: a two-hour exam on Crime and Deviance, with associated sociological theory and methods

University opportunities:
You could progress onto university to study sociology, law, psychology, journalism, teaching, marketing and much more.

Career opportunities:
You could go on to work as a community development worker, a further education teacher, international aid and development worker, policy officer, social researcher, youth worker, social worker, or housing manager.

Students should bring stationery and notebooks.

Our MC Click scheme provides full time students (ages 16-19) on a Level 1, 2 or 3 study programmes with a free loan laptop to assist with their studies. Laptops can be collected at enrolment. Click here for more information about MC Click.

Tuition fees are free if you are a UK or home-fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course.

Additional financial support may also be available for full-time students – click here to find out more.

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top of this page which will take you to an application form to apply for A Levels. You only need to apply once for A Level programmes. After receiving your application form you will be invited to attend an informal interview where you will have a chance to discuss which specific A Level subjects you would like to enrol on. Click here to download the full time application form.

If you have any queries with regards to your application or you would like further information and support, please contact our Admissions Team on 01642 333601, or if you have any enquiries about courses, please contact Course Information on 01642 333333 or e-mail CourseInformation@mbro.ac.uk.

Although not part of our full-time A Level study programme, students can work with our dedicated Work Experience Co-ordinator to secure a suitable placement, be that a one-off experience, or a more long-term placement.