Humanities and Social Science Subjects

Criminology

The study of criminology brings together a range of different disciplines to explain, prevent, manage and control offending behaviour. You will learn about psychological theories of why people commit crimes and sociological theories of why some groups of people are more likely to commit crimes than others. You will also learn about media representations of criminality and their consequences. You will consider models of punishment and prevention, including the organisation of the legal system, and assess how effectively the law enforcement agencies have been with different crime prevention and reduction strategies. Throughout the course you will study and use real life cases of crimes from UK society as evidence for your assignments.

Entry Requirements: At least a Grade 4 in English Language. (You will also need to meet the general requirements for sixth form entry).

Qualities and skills required: You will need to build a comprehensive awareness of the legal system, of crime and society so a keen interests in these aspects of the current affairs is vital.
Because of the cross over in material between psychology, sociology and criminology, it will be expected that you will only study a maximum of two of these subjects.

English Language and Literature

A Level English Language and Literature combines a literary and linguistic study of the variation and richness in the English language. If you’re interested in studying a wide range of non-fiction texts and speech transcripts as well as a modern range of literature, and you’re keen on doing some creative writing, this would be a good choice for you. During the course there will be opportunities to produce original work and develop your own writing, as well as study the use of language by others. At the end of the course, you will have mastered not only critical writing but also creative.

Entry requirements: At least a Grade 6 in English Language and a Grade 5 in English Literature.

Qualities and skills required: Having an interest in how language is used and the extraordinary power of language to change the way we think and behave is one of the key requirements for success on this course. You should enjoy reading non-fiction texts as well as fiction, and be prepared to explore and examine the way the English language works in many different contexts.

English Literature

English Literature offers the opportunity to experience a wide range of different literary texts that will develop your aesthetic sensibilities and communication skills as well as your cultural and critical awareness.
English Literature is a popular course for those thinking of a career in law, politics, journalism, publishing or the creative arts. It is also highly valued by universities and is considered a “gateway” subject to many degrees especially for students wishing to pursue courses in the arts or humanities.

The department runs trips to the theatre and to literary seminars to enhance students’ experience of the subject.

Entry requirements: At least a Grade 6 in English Language and in English Literature. Qualities and skills required? Students of English Literature must enjoy reading for pleasure, and should cheerfully read literary texts that are outside the scope of the course and the exam. You will be expected to make connections between different literary genres, styles and forms and the wider your experience of the written word, the more successful you are likely to be.

Qualities and skills required: Students of English Literature must enjoy reading for pleasure, and should cheerfully read literary texts that are outside the scope of the course and the exam. You will be expected to make connections between different literary genres, styles and forms and the wider your experience of the written word, the more successful you are likely to be.

Geography

Geography is the study of our planet; the interaction of the natural and the human world. If you are interested in the great issues of the day from globalisation and human rights to changing geopolitical power and the influence it has on climate and the environment, then you will enjoy this course. The A Level course is varied and wide ranging – taking students through studies of environmental science, sociology, politics, geology, economics and much more.

Geography A Level will involve at least two field trips, one residential, to allow you to apply your theoretical understanding to real-life situations. You will also devise, run and complete a research project of your choice, linked to your own interests and the specification, worth 20% of your final A Level.

Entry requirements: Grade 6 in Geography and 5 in English Language.

Qualities and skills required: Good geographers are able to develop a whole range of different talents – working as a team, working individually, being analytic, solving problems, understanding graphs, interpreting data, writing reports, delivering presentations. You therefore need to be adaptable and resourceful. Successful Geographers also have an interest in the wider world around them, and a desire to explore the reasons why things are the way they are.

History

The study of history provides the opportunity to investigate the dramatic political, social and cultural changes that have made the modern world. It provides an insight into the past, but also helps develop an understanding of the present. Moreover, the study of history equips students with a broad general knowledge background that stands them in good stead for the future.
You will enjoy History if you:

• have an interest in the world around you and how society has developed over time
• like learning about people and different countries, societies and cultures
• enjoy discussion, debate and argument
• like to think for yourself and enjoy developing your own opinions
• enjoy reading and writing

Entry requirements: At least a Grade 6 in History and Grade 5 in English Language.

Qualities and skills required: The ability to seek out information, combine different viewpoints, analyse your findings and present it all in a cogent written argument is the mark of good historian. You will need to have these skills, or have the enthusiasm and capability of acquiring them.

Media Studies

The media industry is hugely influential and incredibly powerful, impacting on almost every aspect of our lives. Studying Media Studies A Level will help you to understand, critique and evaluate the impact and effect of modern media through the detailed analysis and deconstruction of a wide range of different media texts and the examination of workings of popular culture. At the same time you will also create your own media products through an exciting practical element to the course which will stretch your creative and technical talents.

It is an extremely useful qualification if you are aiming to go on to a media related university course or a career in film, television, marketing, journalism.

Entry requirements: Grade 5 in English Language.

Qualities and skills required: As well as having an enthusiasm for the subject, and the desire to develop your understanding of the industry, you will need to develop the practical skills that Media Studies demands: including technical proficiency to produce a professional media product, learning how to work to deadline, collaborate with other people, and appreciate the demands of market and audience.

Philosophy

Philosophy is a highly valued A Level that develops students’ abilities in the use of rational argument and logical thinking.
As well as helping you become a critical thinker and allow you to ponder on life’s big questions, the course provides an excellent grounding for the study of any academic discipline at university.
As an A-Level philosopher, you will be grappling with questions that many people take for granted:

• What is knowledge?
• What is reality?
• What is morality?
• What is beauty?

The skills used in Philosophy (clear thinking and strong ability to read, interpret and argue your case) are very desirable to employers and university admissions tutors in all subjects.

Entry requirements: At least a Grade 5 in English Language.

Qualities and skills required: You will be assessed on your ability to think, to understand, to analyse and, in the final instance, to commit those thoughts to paper and create a cogent and plausible argument. It is therefore important that you enjoy reading, like intelligent discussion and debate, and will be able to develop your mind to think clearly and communicate your ideas effectively.

Politics

If you have an interest in how political decisions are reached and who has the power to influence them, you will enjoy this course. It provides lots of opportunities for discussion and debate, and complements the study of many other A Level subjects, such as History and Philosophy, extremely well. Studying Government and Politics is ideal if you have ambitions to study International Relations, History, Law, Politics or Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at university.

Entry requirements: Grade 5 in English Language.

Qualities and skills required: Politics students need to have an interest in current affairs and the political situation in the UK. The course is a mix of political theory matched to contemporary political events so students must be regular readers of quality newspapers, watch political news programmes and make use of specific political websites to keep up with political events. Students will be expected to read widely around the subject outside of lessons so they are able to make useful and informed contributions in class. The ability to argue, analyse, interpret and discuss are real strengths in this subject, as is the ability to communicate clearly in writing and in speech.

Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of how people think, feel and behave. It provides a fascinating insight into how the mind works, looking at a variety of topics including memory, social conditioning, brain development and general human behaviour. Whilst Psychology is one of the most popular subjects at degree level, the skills you will develop at A level will also be useful in a very wide range of other subjects.

It is excellent preparation for a degree course in psychology and for a wide range of careers, including Educational, Clinical, Occupational and Forensic Psychology, Medicine, Teaching, Counselling, PR, Marketing, Broadcasting and Advertising. Psychology is regarded as a good “gateway” A level to many degree courses.

Entry requirements: At least a Grade 5 in English Language and a Grade 6 in a science.

Qualities and skills required: Psychology students use knowledge of the subject to develop their own skills and ways of building their understanding. You will need to be reflective in your thinking, and open to new ideas. Successful students will also develop effective ways of expressing their knowledge and ideas on paper.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of society. The role of the sociologist is to investigate how our lives are affected by the world around us. What makes us the people we are? Why do we spend so much time worrying about how we present ourselves to the outside world? Why is it that girls perform better in their GCSEs than boys? How does the media influence the way we see our own bodies? Why are there such massive differences between the richest and poorest in society? What are the different explanations for why people commit crime? All of these important, challenging questions are learnt about and discussed in A-Level Sociology.

Entry requirements: At least a Grade 5 in English Language.

Qualities and skills required: Throughout the course, you will develop a Sociological Imagination; you will be able to think critically about some of the most important issues in our society and consider the different ways in which they can influence the way we live.