Sociology

Sociology is the systematic and scientific study of society and its constituent parts (including the family, the education system, the workplace, mass media and its various religious, political and legal institutions). It focuses on how society operates and how individuals and groups act and interact within it.

You will examine society’s key institutions and the ways in which they affect and are affected by different groups of people. This course also explores and explains the huge and decisive impact social class, gender, ethnicity and various other group memberships have upon every aspect of our everyday lives. Importantly, Sociology differs from other forms of comment on society, such as those expressed in journalism, literature or common sense, as it is more methodical, evidential and critical.

Before You Start

You may be required to complete an activity before you start in order to help introduce you to the subject. Check back in the summer term for more details.

Year 1

In the first year you will examine ‘Families and Households’ in contemporary British society, and ‘Education’ focusing on sociological explanations for academic outcomes.

Year 2

Areas of study in year two include ‘Crime and Deviance’, and ‘Mass Media’. Socialisation, culture and identity; social differentiation, power and stratification; sociological theory; and research methodology, run throughout both years and all topics.

You are also encouraged to supplement your programme with the Extended Project.

Find Out More About The Extended Project

Life After Henley

Whilst the course provides an excellent preparation for the study of subjects such as politics, international relations, law, economics and business at university, it also offers a strong academic grounding for those wishing to pursue many other subject areas at degree level.

Last year students went on to various destinations including university places at Newcastle, Falmouth College, Portsmouth, York, The Arts, Oxford Brookes, Buckinghamshire New, Cardiff, Westminster, Kent, Warwick, Northampton, Keele, Bournemouth, Birmingham City and Southampton Solent.

Alternatively, the course equips students with a very good educational experience if they want direct entry into employment or further training.

Careers

The course equips students with very good educational experience if they want direct entry into employment or further training. Career options may include teahcing/lecturing, social research, management, police and social work.

Higher Education

Whilst many students continue on to study subjects including philosophy, teaching, English literature, media, social studies, law and sociology, this course provides a strong grounding for those wishing to pursue many other subject areas at degree level.

Last year students went on to various destinations including university places at Newcastle, Falmouth College, Portsmouth, York, The Arts, Oxford Brookes, Buckinghamshire New, Cardiff, Westminster, Kent, Warwick, Northampton, Keele, Bournemouth, Birmingham City and Southampton Solent.

Students are required to complete at least 30 hours of enrichement per academic year whilst studying at The Henley College, learn more about Enrichment here.

Learn more about our application process here.