Why study Sociology?

Sociology is the study of the development, structure and functioning of human society. This course aims to develop knowledge and understanding of sociological concepts, theories and methods and the ways in which they are used to analyse and explain areas of society. You will get the opportunity to develop the ability to interpret, analyse and evaluate sociological arguments, evidence and research methods in a critical way.

Sociology makes a useful contribution to your general education and personal development, as well as providing a basis for further study at a more advanced level. The skills you learn on this course are useful in career areas such as social work, advisory services, teaching or social research.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

Arts, Social Sciences and Languages

Law

Social, Caring and Advisory Services

Uniformed and Security Services

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved one of the following:

• National 4 Modern Studies
• National 4 People and Society

What will I study?

Sociology is a research based subject that develops your investigative and analytical skills. You will learn about research methods and the use of evidence in sociology. You will explore aspects of social, cultural, political and economic life. You will also find out how sociological perspectives, theories and concepts are used to investigate and explain aspects of the social world.

The course comprises three areas of study.

Human Society

You will:

• develop your understanding of the sociological approach to studying human societies
• investigate the research methods used in this approach
• learn about relationships among individuals, groups and institutions from different sociological perspectives.

Culture and Identity

You will:

• learn how to use sociological concepts to explain culture and identity
• investigate and explain the relationship between socialisation and identity by collecting, using and communicating information from a range of sources
• develop your awareness of diversity.

Social Issues

You will:

• develop your sociological understanding of contemporary social issues
• investigate sociological theories and the terminology used to explain social issues
• develop skills in using a range of sources, including research evidence, to justify points of view. 

How will I be assessed?

Course Assessment

The course assessment has two components totalling 100 marks 

• Component 1: question paper – worth 70 marks 
• Component 2: assignment – worth 30 marks.

For the assignment component, you will produce a report based on an investigation into a sociological topic. This will be set and marked externally by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

The question paper will be set and externally marked by SQA.

The grade awarded is based on the total marks achieved across all course assessment components.

The course assessment is graded A-D.

Study Materials

• SQA Past Papers Sociology National 5
• SQA Specimen Paper Sociology National 5
• SQA Understanding Standards Sociology
• UShare Study Resources

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

• Higher Sociology

Further study, training or employment in:

• Arts, Social Sciences and Languages
• Law
• Social, Caring and Advisory Services
• Uniformed and Security Services

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Sociology - Related Careers