About this course

Sociology is the study of society and how it influences us to become the people we are. For sociologists, human behaviour is too complex and diverse to be explained in simple biological or genetic terms, and sociology as a subject sees our actions as the result of our social and cultural environment. We learn to think and act in certain ways and it is our culture which teaches us how we should think and act. It is this understanding of the connection between culture and human behaviour that lays at the heart of sociology. Based at our City Centre campus in Cardiff, the Sociology AS programme is a one-year course of study and should be taken in conjunction with two or three other subjects and the Welsh Baccalaureate. Learners may also be able to take this qualification as a part-time student.

What you will study

During the course the following areas will be covered:

AS Unit 1: Acquiring Culture

Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks - 15% of A level qualification (37.5% of AS qualification).

This unit focuses on the theme of socialisation, identity and culture and is divided into two sections:

Section A of the unit is the compulsory section and examines the main concepts and processes of cultural transmission, including socialisation and the acquiring of identity. In the examination, Section A is worth 15 marks and consists of one structured question on the key concepts and processes of cultural transmission, socialisation and acquisition of identity.

Section B of the unit develops students’ understanding of the key concepts and processes of socialisation and culture through the detailed study of families and households.

Here students develop a depth of knowledge and increased understanding of the subject content and an ability to analyse, apply and evaluate sociological theories and evidence. In the examination, Section B is worth 45 marks and consists of a compulsory question and a choice between two essay questions.

AS Unit 2: Understanding Society and Methods of Sociological Enquiry

Written examination: 2 hours 90 marks - 25% of A level qualification (62.5% of AS qualification).
Unit 2 places a focus on the themes of socialisation, identity and culture and methods of sociological enquiry, and is divided into two sections:

Section A of the unit - Methods of Sociological Enquiry – is compulsory and examines methods of sociological enquiry and is worth 35 marks. Students will have to show a knowledge and understanding of sociological concepts and key methodological issues and use examples from contemporary sociological research with reference to Welsh examples to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding.

Section B of the unit – Understanding Society – develops understanding of the key themes of socialisation, culture and identity. The student is asked to consider the themes of differentiation, power and stratification through the detailed study of education.

Entry requirements

Individual Subject Entry Requirement English Language minimum: B

Teaching and assessment

Two written exams

Important points

The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.

Key information

Start date

4 September 2025

End date

14 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

4.5 hours per week

Location

East Cardiff Campus

Maps & directions

Course code

ASEH3F19

L3

Qualification

Sociology - AS

I came to the College as I wanted to travel and become more independent – it’s so modern and looks amazing. When I saw the library I was sold. Honestly the library was my main pull, there are so many books I loved it.
Someone came in to speak to us about the Sutton Trust, which gives students a taste of life at American universities. I applied - it was really competitive but I got in. We went to a different state every day, and we went to different colleges including Princeton and Harvard. I also had a week at Warwick Uni and a week at Nottingham Uni. It was so good – I just loved it.
You have a lot of support at the College, especially from the Careers and Ideas team. I think there are a lot more opportunities here as it is such a big college with so many resources.

Charlotte Hall

Studying A Levels in English Literature, History, Law, Psychology and Welsh Baccalaureate

500

Fantastic university progression routes! With hundreds of students gaining places at Oxbridge, Russell Group and other leading universities. In fact, this year more than 500 students achieved their firm or insurance choice through UCAS, with nearly 100 being Russell Group universities!

On completion of the A Level programme, the majority of our students progress onto universities across the country and beyond. Based on this course, there are many options but below are just a few examples of degree programmes you could go on to study at University: