Social Sciences
What are Social Sciences?
You may have heard of Social Sciences before, but you certainly won’t have studied them yet.
Psychology, Criminology and Sociology the choice of these fascinating subjects is yours! It may be that certain careers recommend that you study one of these subjects so remember to do your research carefully.
All subjects are taught by dedicated subject specialists who have a genuine love for their subjects. We all work extremely hard to bring you the best programme of study and in return we ask you put 100% into your studies.
There will be many opportunities to find out more about Social Sciences over the coming year, including at Open Evenings and assemblies, but please feel free to approach members of staff at any reasonable time.
Our course requirements are specified in each subject description and are mainly the normal college entry qualifications, a 5 in English Language or Literature and a 5 in Maths. However your place on the course will also depend on the successful completion of the summer task.
Criminology
What you will study?
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Introduction to Criminological Theories
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Changing Awareness of Crime
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Crime Scene to Courtroom
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Crime and Punishment
Students must complete ALL units.
Criminology is a subject which looks at issues such as:
- Analysing criminal behaviour
- Theories of why people commit crime
- How does a courtroom work?
- Cyber crime
- Hate crimes,
- Honour crimes
- How the media influences which crimes we report.
How you will be assessed?
Exam board – WJEC Entry Level Framework Specifications
This is an applied general qualification. This means it has two internal assessment points and two external exams over two years.
Why should you study criminology?
This Level 3 qualification will appeal to students who are interested in criminal justice and may be considering careers in areas such as the Police, the legal system, teaching, social work, the Prison service and the Probation service. Criminology contains elements of Psychology, Law and Sociology; which will complement subjects such as History and English.
Additional entry requirements: Standard entry
For more information please see:
Miss P Gale – Faculty Leader of Health and Social Sciences
Mrs N Knight – Health and Social Sciences Co-Ordinator
Psychology
What you will study?
- Social influence
- Memory
- Attachment
- Psychopathology
- Approaches in Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Research methods
- Issues and debates in Psychology
- Schizophrenia
- Forensic psychology
- Relationships
How you will be assessed?
Exam board – AQA (7182)
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
- Written exam - 2 hours
- 96 marks in total
- 33.3% of total A-level assessment
Paper 2: Paper 2: Psychology in Context
- Written exam - 2 hours
- 96 marks in total
- 33.3% of total A-level assessment
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
- Written exam - 2 hours
- 96 marks in total
- 33.3% of total A-level assessment
Why should you study psychology?
In Psychology we study a range of subjects such as memory, psychopathology, schizophrenia and attachment. Students who study this subject will gain a knowledge of the world and look differently at mental illness and abnormality. They will gain a knowledge of developmental psychology and topics such as forensic psychology where all aspects will be explored. Discussion is necessary at Exmouth and students will work in small groups often to look at subjects from different angles and maybe present their findings to the rest of the class. Psychology graduates have one of the highest employment rates of any subject! You can use it for social work, the police, education, advertising, counselling, mental health nursing, and many more....
Additional entry requirements: Standard entry + 5 in GCSE maths and English
For more information please see: Miss P Gale – Faculty Leader of Health and Social Sciences
Mrs N Knight – Health and Social Sciences Co-ordinator
Politics
What you will study?
Component 1: UK Politics 33% of final grade
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Political Participation: Democracy and participation, political parties, electoral systems, voting behaviour and the media.
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Core Political Ideas: Conservatism, liberalism, socialism.
Component 2: UK Government 33% of final grade
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UK Government: The constitution, parliament, Prime Minister and executive, relationships between the branches.
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Non-core political ideas: One idea from the following: anarchism, ecologism, feminism, multiculturalism, nationalism.
Component 3: Comparative Politics 33% of final grade
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USA (3A): The US Constitution and federalism, US Congress, US presidency, US Supreme Court and civil rights, democracy and participation, comparative theories.
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Or Global (3B): Sovereignty and globalisation, global governance: political and economic, global governance: human rights and environmental, power and developments, regionalism and the European Union, comparative theories.
How you will be assessed?
Exam board: Edexcel
All written exams, 2 hours long and 84 marks each.
Why should you study politics?
This course enables you to develop knowledge and an informed understanding of contemporary political structures and issues in their historical context, both within the United Kingdom (UK) and globally, develop a critical awareness of the changing nature of politics and the relationships between political ideas, institutions and processes and develop the skills to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate political information to form arguments.
Entry requirements: Standard entry
Miss Gale says: Politics A Level will empower you to better understand, and critically examine, our political systems in the UK and beyond.
Sociology
What you will study?
Sociology is the only subject which explores contemporary society. By studying Sociology, you gain c rucial skills in problem solving and analysis. You will use evidence to formulate solutions for contemporary social problems such as poverty, crime and educational underachievement. The 21st century has proven to be a period of rapid social change, which Sociologists attempt to e xplain. The key transferable skills that Sociology provides prepares students for a diverse range of careers including careers in public services such as the Police; community and youth work; human resources; education; marketing; business; counselling; politics and the charity sector
How you will be assessed?
Exam board – AQA (7192)
Paper 1 – Education with Theory and Methods
- Written exam - 2 hours
- 80 marks in total
- 33.3% of total A-level assessment
Paper 2 –Topics in Sociology
- Written exam - 2 hours
- 80 marks in total
- 33.3% of total A-level assessment
Paper 3 –Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
- Written exam - 2 hours
- 80 marks in total
- 33.3% of total A-level assessment
Why should you study sociology?
Sociology A level is recommended for careers such as Nursing, Teaching, Social Work and Police Work, but it also involves current affairs, political opinions and an element of philosophical speculation about human nature – it is one of the broadest A levels you can do, and it goes well with almost any subject combination.
Additional entry requirements: Standard entry + a grade 5 GCSE English.
For more information please see: Miss P Gale – Faculty Leader of Health and Social Sciences
Mrs N Knight – Health and Social Sciences Co-ordinator