IGCSE Sociology Course

Sociology is the study of people in society. It examines people as social beings on the individual, group and societal level. It can be defined as: ‘the scientific study of human social life, groups and societies.’ Sociology is thus a social science (like psychology or anthropology), rather than a physical one (such as physics, chemistry or biology). It is the task of the sociologist to unravel how ‘nurture’ or ‘social’ factors (rather than ‘nature’ (or genetic, biological or inherited factors, as in the study of biology) influence people at the level of the individual, group or wider society.

Sociologists consider how social and socially-influenced factors, such as family, education, ethnicity, social class and gender can play a part in shaping individual identities. Sociologists also consider group behaviour. For example, a sociologist may study how an office teamwork, or how people’s behaviour is affected by those of their colleagues or work associates. They may also question how factors such as gender or class influence our behaviours as individuals and in group contexts.

Sociologists also study society-at-large and may consider the correlations between factors such as ethnicity or class, for example, and participation in wider structures such as government or education.

• Qualification: IGCSE Sociology
• Accredited: Yes
• QCF Recognised: Yes
• Awarding Body: CIE - Cambridge International Examinations
• Start Date: Anytime - We enrol 365 days a year
• Duration: Flexible - Approx 300 Hours - 12 Months Max Support

Syllabus

Paper 1

• Unit 1: Research Methods
• Unit 2: Culture and Socialisation
• Unit 3: Social stratification and Inequality
• Unit 4: Power and Authority

Paper 2

• Unit 5: Family
• Unit 6: Education
• Unit 7: Crime, deviance and social control
• Unit 8: The Media

Pre-requisites

Students looking to enrol in this course should meet the following criteria:

• Be aged 14 Years or above
• Possess a solid knowledge of the English language
• Have access to a PC and the internet for the duration of the whole course
• Basic computer skills: e.g Word processing, emailing, uploading documents etc
• Have a genuine desire to succeed

To sit CIE examination students must register as a private candidate with an approved examination centre.

Duration

Course duration will vary dependant on student commitment, effort and ability. Overall guided learning hours are approx 300. This should be used as a guideline only and completion times will vary hugely.

We would encourage students to seriously consider how they plan to complete their chosen course prior to enrolment. Students should think about how they are going to study, where they are going to study and how often. Be realistic!

Speak to family members and help them to understand what you are trying to achieve, explain you may require peace and space to study at certain times. The more you involve them the more likely you are to get them on your side.

Students are reminded that the time in which they complete is purely down to them as an individual. Completion can be as quickly or as slowly as you wish within the 12 month tuition period. If you require additional time an extension may be available. Extensions are arranged at an additional cost as and when needed.

Format

Online: Access our premium online cloud-based learning system where you are able to access all of your course lessons, assignments and tutor correspondence in one place. Download the APP and access your course information on any device from anywhere in the world with an internet signal. This course is not available in hard copy/paper format.

We will begin by looking at what the examination board will require of you in the way of examinations. You will be referred to what you need to do in terms of registration and arranging with an external centre for you to take the examinations.

Once the administration matters have been cleared up, we will look at the specification we will be following, namely the IGCSE in Sociology (0495). As part of your course, you will be supplied with the Study Guide for IGCSE and A Levels. Do make use of this as it has been written to help you with your studies and to supplement the specific information and guidance given in the course material itself.

We're focused on offering you the opportunity to study anywhere, anytime whether you want to take the next step in your career or learn new skills. You can study in the comfort of your own home, at an affordable price.

Since its incarnation in 2006, the college has gone from strength to strength. With a slow but sure approach, we have built up a fantastic reputation for value and service without compromising on the quality we offer. We have now firmly established ourselves as one of the most respected home study providers in the UK and abroad. Based in Birmingham in the West Midlands sees us centrally located within the UK to serve students on a national scale.