SOCIOLOGY

What is the course about?

Sociology is the study of society looking at theories, research methods, concepts and studies.

• It will appeal to those who want to try to understand and explain their experience of the social world
• It is suitable for any one already in a career related to the social environment and who want to gain a relevant qualification
• It is appropriate for people with a wide variety of interests and background
• It will appeal to those seeking to study the social sciences to a higher level.

What will I learn?

• Knowledge and understanding of contemporary social issues in Britain.
• An opportunity to reflect upon your own experiences within the social world.
• A variety of essential skills such as interpreting and exploring information sources, evaluating and understanding sociological material.
• An appreciation of the role and contribution that sociology can provide to help you understand the modern world.

Health candidates should examine:

• health, illness and disability as both social and biological constructs;
• different explanations of the unequal social distribution of health and illness;
• different explanations of the inequalities in the provisions of, and access to, health care;
• different approaches to the study of mental health and illness;
• different explanations of the role of medicine and the health professions.

Wealth, Poverty and Welfare:

• different definitions of poverty and wealth and income;
• different explanations of the distribution of poverty, wealth and income between social groups;
• different explanations of the existence and persistence of poverty;
• different solutions to poverty with particular reference to the role of social policy;
• the nature and role of public, private, voluntary welfare provision.

Sociological Methods:

• the different quantitative and qualitative methods and sources of data, including questionnaires, interviews, observation techniques and experiments, documents and official statistics;
• the distinction between primary and secondary data, and between quantitative and qualitative data;
• the relationship between positivism, interpretivism and sociological methods;
• the theoretical, practical and ethical considerations influencing the choice of topic, choice of method(s) and the conduct of research;
• the nature of social facts and the strengths and limitations of different sources of data and methods of research.

When does the course start?

The course starts in September of each year.

How do I attend?

Normal daytime attendance.
Where applicable this subject may also be taken as a part time evening programme.

Who is the awarding Body?

AQA

How long does the course last?

The course is taught as a one year programme.

What can i do next?

You may progress to A2 level.

AS and A2 levels are recognised qualifications for a wide range of courses in Higher Education.

Are there any entry requirments?

Are there any other requirments?

How is the course assessed?

100% External examination.

Each unit will be assessed by the candidate answering ONE data response question.

All students who are joining a full time course and are under 19 years of age on the 1st September as their course commences, will not be required to pay tuition fees or examination fees.
Otherwise: To be confirmed.

Exam fees are not payable by 16-19 year olds sitting these units for the first time.
Mature students will be advised as to the exam fees when enrolling prior to the start of the course.

Whom should I contact for advice?

Nigel Toombs, Ext: 360 (ToombsN@grimsby.ac.uk)
Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education
Nuns Corner
Laceby Road
Grimsby
N E Lincs
DN34 5BQ

Tel: 01472 311222
Minicom (for hearing impaired/deaf): 01472 315532

Equal opportunities (statement)