Course overview
As well as providing an excellent knowledge base in Sociology, this GCSE course is ideal for students who are planning to study Sociology at A-Level or for those aspiring to achieve a career involving sociology such as a social worker, family support worker and social researcher.
Please note, you can take this course without completing exams, but you will not receive the GCSE accreditation.
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
Duration study load
You will have up to 1 year to complete the full GCSE Sociology course from the date you receive your materials. You will be able to study at your own pace and in your own time without the pressure of tight deadlines.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements for this course.
Pathways
- A-Level Sociology
Course features
- Dedicated personal tutor support
- Dedicated student support
- Accreditation
- Assignment marking and feedback
- Free XO Student Discounts card
- Free CV critique service
- Free employability guide to help you impress future employers
- Comprehensive study guide*
- Open Study College pen and Highlighter*
- Student study planner*
- Student notebook*
- Document wallet*
* Not included with the online study option
Assessment
To achieve a GCSE in Sociology you will be assessed across all the above units. All units will be assessed by 2 paper-based examinations. Exams can be included in the price of this course. If you add on your exams, you will need to take these in either our Birmingham, Bolton, Doncaster, London or Macclesfield centres.
A more detailed breakdown of the assessment details is provided below.
Course outcome
Upon successful completion of the exams, you will receive a GCSE in Sociology. The awarding body is AQA.
It serves as ideal preparation for follow-up courses, such as A-Level.
Exam details
Paper 1: The sociology of families and education
What’s assessed:
The sociology of families
The sociology of education
Relevant areas of social theory and methodology
Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.
How it’s assessed:
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
100 marks
50% of GCSE
Questions:
Section A has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses
Section B has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses
Paper 2: The sociology of crime and deviance and social stratification
What’s assessed:
The sociology of crime and deviance
The sociology of social stratification
Relevant areas of social theory and methodology
Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.
How it’s assessed:
Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
100 marks
50% of GCSE
Questions:
Section A has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses
Section B has two multiple choice questions followed by a range of short and extended responses
Delivery
This course enables you to study for a GCSE Sociology by distance learning at home or at work. Your course materials will be sent online or by post, so receiving your materials is easy and hassle-free. Full tutor support will be available via email, so help is only a click away!
Subjects
- Functions of families
- Family forms
- Conjugal role relationships
- Changing relationships within families
- Criticisms of families
- Divorce
- Roles and functions on education
- The relationship between education and capitalism
- Educational achievement
- Processes within schools
- The social construction of crime and deviance
- Social Control
- Criminal and deviant behaviour
- Data on crime
- Functionalist theory of stratification
- Socio-economic class
- Life chances
- Poverty as a social issue
- Power and authority
- Power relationships
About Open Study College
At Open Study College we have helped more than 90,000 students over the last 13 years to enrol on courses that have helped them to achieve their goals.
Offering over 650 courses ranging from childcare to beauty therapy, we have something for everybody. All of our qualifications are independently accredited by established awarding organisations to provide courses such as A-Levels, GCSEs, and CACHE.
We have a fantastic team of expert tutors, knowledgeable and friendly student advisors and a caring student support team. We’re dedicated to supporting our students and pride ourselves on our service and care. We’re also proud to be rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot from over 1,500 reviews.
Family, respect and compassion are just some of the core values our company is built upon. Everyone’s lives are different and we want to ensure that no matter what your situation is, you’re able to get to where you need to. Whether that’s developing your current job, embarking on a brand new career, or fuelling a hobby, we have the course for you.
