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A Level Sociology Online Course CIE

The A Level Sociology Online course with Learn Now follows the CIE (9699) specification and is equivalent to the qualification you would achieve if attending mainstream college. Once completed, you will obtain UCAS points which will support progression to university in degrees such as Sociology, Law, Crime and Criminal Justice.

This course would suit adult learners returning to education, students resitting exams or studying alongside other commitments, and learners looking to be accepted into University.

  • Awarding Body: Cambridge
  • Specification Code: 9699
  • Learning Hours: 360hrs Full A Level
  • Fast Track Available
  • Full A Level Qualification

Enrol Anytime | Enrolment Fee £395

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Syllabus

This International A Level Sociology Course with Cambridge offers students the opportunity not only to explore the processes that are shaping current trends, but also to develop an understanding of the complexity and diversity of human societies and their continuities with the past.

The study of sociology stimulates awareness of contemporary social, cultural and political issues, and focuses on the importance of examining these issues in a rigorous, reasoned and analytical way.

The Full A Level has four modules you will need to cover which are split into IAS and IA2.  The IAS Level has two modules and all of these are listed below.

IAS Modules

This topic will provide an insight into how society shapes who we are and how a sociologist would study society.

From birth, we are taught how to behave, what is right and wrong and the roles we are expected to play. For example, boys being encouraged to like football or someone learning to raise their hand before speaking.

This process is known as socialisation and through this, we develop a sense of who we are as individuals.

As individuals become older, they will follow rules which are encouraged by society. For example laws, school rules and social pressure. Conformity means going along with these rules/pressures. An example could be wearing appropriate clothing for a job interview.

Social identity is how you see yourself and how other see you in society. For example, gender, social class, ethnicity, religion and age.

Finally, you will cover quantitative and qualitative data along with different approaches used by sociologists for gathering research. You will also investigate research issues such as ethics, practical issues and theoretical issues.

Socialisation and the creation of social identity

  • The process of learning and socialisation
  • Social control, conformity and resistance
  • Social identity and change

Methods of research

  • Types of data, methods and research design
  • Approaches to sociological research
  • Research issues

Different sociologists have different views about what the family does. This topic explores what the family does and how it has changed over time.

Perspectives on the role of the family will include Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism. Diversity and social change will investigate the types of families and social changes affecting them. For example, in the UK, legalisation of same-sex marriages reflected changing social values.

Traditionally, men would be seen as the breadwinners whilst women remained at home carrying out chores and caring for the family. Roles have become more equal recently where women now work full-time and some fathers stay at home. However, inequalities still exist.

Age helps shape family experiences. A vast majority of grandparents help with childcare and longer life expectancy means more grandparents are involved with their grandchildren. For others, grandparents are working until later and this means they are not able to provide help and care. In this topic, you will cover:

Theories of the family and social change

  • Perspectives on the role of the family
  • Diversity and social change

Family roles and changing relationships

  • Gender equality and experiences of family life
  • Age and family life

IA2 Modules

Again, different sociologists have different views about education. Education is often seen as a way to move up or down the social class system. The curriculum can be influenced by government policies, cultural values and economic needs. Some sociologists also talk about the informal lessons a student will learn. For example, respect for authority and gender roles.

Some will believe that differences in achievement amongst children are due to natural ability. However, a vast majority of sociologists feel that intelligence is shaped by the environment and cultural and economic factors influence performance.

Students from middle-class backgrounds often achieve higher results than working-class students. Reasons could include access to private tutoring, resources or greater parent involvement. In this topic, you will cover:

Education and society

  • Theories about the role of education
  • Education and social mobility
  • Influences on the curriculum

Education and inequality

  • Intelligence and educational attainment
  • Social class and educational attainment
  • Ethnicity and educational attainment
  • Gender and educational attainment

Countries are becoming more connected through trade, technology, migration and media. For example, you can buy clothes made in another country or use social media all over the world. This process is known as globalisation. Some believe that globalisation helps reduce poverty and connects cultures whereas others feel that it increases inequality and exploits poorer countries.

Globalisation also affects how people see themselves and influences decisions about trade and human rights. It also has an affect on migration and crime. Criminal networks are now able to operate across borders using technology and new security challenges are created. In this topic, you will cover:

Globalisation

Key debates, concepts and perspectives

  • Perspectives on globalisation
  • Globalisation and identity
  • Globalisation, power and politics

Contemporary issues

  • Globalisation, poverty and inequalities
  • Globalisation and migration
  • Globalisation and crime

Media

Globalisation can also affect the media. The media spreads global culture and influences political opinions. Social media has allowed movements to spread quickly worldwide. In this topic, you will cover:

Ownership and control of the media

  • Traditional media and the new media
  • Theories of the media and influences on media content
  • The impact of the new media

Media representation and effects

  • Media representations of class, gender, ethnicity, and age groups
  • Different models of media effects
  • The impact of the media on behaviour

Religion

Globalisation can spread religious ideas, increase diversity and cause tensions between beliefs. Some religious movements are gaining international followers through online platforms. In this topic, you will cover:

Religion and social order

  • Religion and society
  • Religion and social order
  • Religion as a source of social change

The influence of religion

  • The secularisation debate
  • Gender, feminism and religion
  • Religion and post-modernity

What can I do with an A Level in Sociology?

Students in the past have progressed onto the following degree courses:-

• Sociology • Psychology • English studies
• Business studies • Law • Teaching

Studying A’ Level Sociology will enhance your chances of being accepted into University.

Previous Knowledge Required

There are no previous entry requirements for this course, however students are expected to have a reasonable standard of literacy. 

You have the freedom to start the course at any time and continue your studies at your own pace for a period of up to 24 months from initial registration with the full support of your Tutor.

Enrolment Fees

Our Enrolment fee for this course is noted at the top of this page where you can enrol directly onto the course.  This fee includes access to your course including tutor support for 2 years.

Our enrolment fee includes:

  • All study materials covering the full specification.
  • Full support where you can also message your tutor as many times as you need to.
  • Access to our online Library with a full range of eBooks.
  • Help completing university applications including UCAS and The Common Application.
  • Reference and predicted grade for University.
  • Assignment marking and feedback
  • Marked and graded practise examination papers
  • Eligibility for a Totum Card if you reside within the UK
  • Fast Track A Level if required and flexible learning from home 24/7.

The only other fee you will need to pay is for your exams which is due approximately six months prior and this will be paid directly to the exam centre.

Assessments

Students will be required to arrange and pay for their examinations at CIE approved centre. We can provide an extensive list of these centres for you.

A Level Exams
There are four exams for the full A Level qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:

Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 min
Paper 2 – 1 hour 30 min
Paper 3 – 1 hour 15 min
Paper 4 – 1 hour 45 min

Paper 1 Paper 1 Paper 1 Exam Paper 4 A Level Qualification

AS Level Exams
There are two exams for the AS Level qualification. The length of each exam is as follows:

Paper 1 – 1 hour 30 min
Paper 2 – 1 hour 30 min

Paper 1 Paper 1 IAS Exams

For Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology, learners can:

take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification) or

follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification) in one series, then Papers 3 and 4 (for the Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later series or

take Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level.

A Level Sociology Online Course Outcome

On successful completion of all your exams for the A Level Sociology Online Course, you will be awarded one of the following qualifications:

International A Level in Sociology with CIE | International AS Level in Sociology with CIE

Click here for more information on CIE and to be taken to their official website

FAQs

Still unsure? See below for more information on A Level Sociology

There will be a vast amount of writing with the A Level Sociology course as questions in the exams normally carry high marks.  If you enjoy writing structured arguments, this will definitely help.  Having a good understanding of perspectives like Functionalism, Marxism and Feminism along with being able to evaluate them will be key to succeeding.

If you enjoy subjects like English or History and you enjoy discussing social issues, this subject should be a good match for you.

You will not be required to purchase any books with this course.  We automatically include logins to our online e-Library which includes access to following eBook(s):

Cambridge International AS & A Level Sociology – Chris Livesey (Cambridge Press)

Not see the book you are looking for? Ask us and we will let you know if we have it!

Good subject combinations to take alongside Sociology include:

A Level Psychology – Sociology and Psychology both study behaviour and society. They also both require good essay and evaluation skills.  Pathways for these two subjects can include criminology, counselling, social work and forensic psychology

Cambridge International A Level Sociology can be taken outside the UK as well as within the UK.  Cambridge provide global recognition for their A Level qualifications and are recognised by universities.

At the end of this course you will receive an Internationally recognised qualification which will allow you to apply a university situated anywhere in the world.

AS and A levels are standalone qualifications, however the Full A Level carries more UCAS points than the AS Level.  It also requires more study hours as follows:

  • AS Level = 180 hours
  • A Level = 360 hours

You will see the difference in the content above under ‘syllabus’ but you can also refer to our article on ‘what is as level’ for more information.

You will receive access and support for two years, however you can complete it much sooner if you want to.  Exams for this subject fall in May/June and October/November each year and therefore you are able to choose which exam sitting you want to apply for.  We have more information on exam timetables here.

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Fill in the form below or call us on 0800 160 1556, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. Also don’t forget to let us know which course it is that you are interested in…