How to Revise A-Level Sociology

Revise A-Level Sociology with practice on education, families, crime, beliefs, stratification, and sociological theory.

Revision Strategy

Revising Sociology means understanding concepts and theories well enough to apply them to real-world examples and scenarios. Start by making sure you can define and explain the key terms and theories for each topic, then practise applying them to case studies and exam-style questions. The ability to connect theory to evidence is what earns the highest marks.

Essay structure is critical in Sociology. Most extended answers require you to present arguments and counter-arguments before reaching a supported conclusion. Practise writing structured responses that clearly state a point, support it with evidence or theory, and then evaluate it before moving on. This disciplined approach prevents waffling and keeps your answers focused.

Research methods and evaluation skills are tested across many Sociology papers. Make sure you understand the strengths and weaknesses of different research approaches, can identify bias, and can evaluate the reliability and validity of evidence. These analytical skills are transferable across topics and often provide straightforward marks in the exam.

Study Tips for A-Level Sociology

✓ For every topic, learn the position of each major sociological perspective (functionalist, Marxist, feminist, interactionist, New Right, postmodernist) and prepare evaluation points that compare them. Synoptic links between perspectives are essential for top grades.
✓ Learn key studies with specific details — researcher name, date, method, key findings, and at least one evaluation point. For example, Bowles and Gintis (1976) used questionnaire data to argue that education corresponds to capitalist workplace values, but their Marxist framework can be criticised for being overly deterministic.
✓ Master the research methods vocabulary and be prepared to apply it to unfamiliar scenarios. Know the difference between reliability and validity, and between positivist and interpretivist approaches, and be able to evaluate any research method in context.
✓ Use point-evidence-analysis-evaluation paragraphs in all your written work. Every argument you make should include a sociological concept, supporting evidence from a named study or statistic, analysis of its significance, and a critical evaluation.

Exam Tips for A-Level Sociology

✓ In 10-mark outline and explain questions, develop two or three points in depth with sociological concepts and evidence rather than listing many undeveloped points. Quality matters more than quantity.
✓ For 30-mark essay questions, address the specific question asked — do not simply write everything you know about a topic. Structure your essay around the question, with each paragraph directly addressing the claim or statement you have been given.
✓ Apply relevant contemporary examples alongside classic sociological studies. Referencing current statistics on educational achievement gaps or recent changes in family structures demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and impresses examiners.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in A-Level Sociology

Education

Families & Households

Crime & Deviance

Beliefs in Society

Social Stratification

Research Methods

Theory & Methods

Global Development

Available Exam Boards

A-Level Sociology specification guides for each exam board

AQA OCR WJEC

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A-Level Sociology hard? +

A-Level Sociology is accessible in terms of content — the topics are relatable and interesting. However, achieving high grades requires strong essay-writing skills, the ability to evaluate competing perspectives, and a detailed knowledge of studies and theories. Students who think critically and enjoy debating social issues tend to do well.

Is A-Level Sociology respected by universities? +

Sociology is accepted by all universities for the vast majority of courses. It is not a facilitating subject listed by the Russell Group, so for very competitive courses you may want to pair it with more traditional subjects. For social science degrees, it is an excellent and relevant choice.

What is the difference between A-Level Sociology and Psychology? +

Psychology focuses on individual behaviour, mental processes, and the biological basis of behaviour, using experimental methods. Sociology focuses on group behaviour, social structures, and how society shapes individual experience, using a wider range of research methods. Psychology is classified as a science, while Sociology sits more within the social sciences and humanities.

What careers does A-Level Sociology lead to? +

Sociology leads to careers in social work, probation services, policy research, charity and NGO work, journalism, teaching, human resources, community development, market research, and the civil service.

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