Unit 3: Power and Control
This unit picks up where unit 2 left off. Again you will be given the opportunity to study an area of sociological importance and interest in depth. Hornsea School currently focuses on ‘crime and deviance’. This is one of the most popular units of study with students as it’s an area that really is topical. Issues we look at include whether criminals are made or born; why males appear to be more criminal than females; how the media represents crime and deviance and why the Government’s official crime statistics aren’t really that accurate! Topic areas studied are relevant, interesting and of real social importance.

Unit 4: Exploring Social Inequality and Difference
This unit begins with a consideration of difference patterns and trends of inequality and difference in society. We look at a range of difference areas, including work, poverty, discrimination and life chances – all clearly relevant to contemporary society. The key sociological factors of gender, age, ethnicity and social class remain the focus here, allowing all students to engage with and relate to the issues discussed. In a sense it’s probably one of the most eye-opening units we look at as you gradually came to realise just how unequal British society today actually is.

The second half of this unit gives you the opportunity to explore a variety of sociological research that has been done in the areas of social inequality and difference. Opportunities for students to complete their own research using a variety of different methods make this an exciting part of the course. This is something that most sociology students are eager to do and gives you the chance to go out “into the field” and experience sociological research first hand.

Students must have an AS Sociology qualification of at least grade ’D’

An A2 qualification! Hopefully, though, this course is about a lot more than just a piece of paper. Most students leave the course with a real sense of what their society and culture is all about and why they act and think in the way that they do. Discussion skills are much improved as students frequently have the opportunity to debate and listen to other points of view. Equally, however, we tend to see that a more confident and fluent written style has developed and that students are well equipped in terms of independent learning and research skills

Students can use their A2 Sociology qualification as a way into any University course. It can be a useful lead in to studying Sociology/Criminology at degree level but is also useful for any degree course which involves writing, thinking, debating and/or research skills. In terms of career paths the options are manifold, but perhaps the typical Sociology student ends up in a ’people/communications’ job, largely due to the skills they have developed during the course. Possible careers include teaching, social work, the police force, counselling, law and marketing. Sociology opens many doors - it closes none!