Course at a glance
Introduction
This Level 3 Course in Sociology is designed to provide an introduction to those students who are interested in understanding more about the society in which they live and are considering studying the subject at a higher level in the future. Sociology is the ‘systematic study of humans’ and attempts to explain behaviour in terms of scientific thinking and theoretical explanation. You may wish to study Sociology because you wish have a greater understanding of the world in which you live or you wish to consider a career such as Social Work as an area for further study for the future. Sociology is a diverse topic and covers many aspects of human society and the impact they make on social groups and indeed individuals themselves such as socio-economic status and gender.
The following unit descriptors are brief content guides to the course components and should provide a holistic overview of structure and format.
Assessment Objectives (AO)
AO: 1
Students must select and demonstrate clearly relevant knowledge and understanding through the use of evidence, examples and correct language and terminology appropriate to the course of study. This assessment, involves two written assignments: one halfway through the course and following the final unit. Both are assessed and graded by the assigned tutor, according to college procedures. The grading procedure if Pass or Fail. If you Fail an assessment you have the opportunity to amend where your tutor has highlighted and resubmit.
AO: 2
Students must critically evaluate and justify a point of view through the use of evidence and reasoned argument. Students can include evidence in different formats to support their written work such as documentation or images to support their course remembering Confidentiality and Data Protection.
Quality of Written Communication (QWC)
In addition, COLC require students’ to produce written material in English, candidates must: ensure that text is legible and that spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPG) are accurate so that meaning is clear; select and use a form and style of writing appropriate to studying a complex subject matter; organise information clearly and coherently, using specialist vocabulary when appropriate and Harvard referencing of citation and sources. In this Specification, SPG will be assessed in all tutor marked assignments (TMAs)
To ensure that we maintain quality standards; all our students written assignments are subject to our plagiarism policy and procedure.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Entry Requirement
Entry to this Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma requires that potential students have gained GCSE/IGCSE or equivalent qualifications and have, good English oral, reading and writing skills.
Advice on enrolment and guidance of prior learning (APL) can be obtained through out contact centre. The course is a rolling programme and can be started at any point in the year. Successful students can go on to Higher Education, including remaining as students at COLC to complete courses in our portfolio of higher awards.
All students must be aged 16 or over.
Assessment
The coursework is assessed through continuous assessment with no formal exit examinations.
Study Hours
Approximately: 200 hours of personal study time for the entire course is recommended. All of which is supported by the COLC Course Tutor, who we greatly encourage students to access support from throughout their course.
Quality Assurance
This course has been developed by the College’s professional team of tutors to meet the needs of sector based employers and employees.
Further details of our accreditations are provided on our website.
Course Length
1 Year.
Awarding Body
Course Content
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 1: Introduction to Sociology and Education
Introduction to Sociology: A Foundational Exploration
The study of sociology offers a profound lens through which to examine the intricate tapestry of human society. At its core, the introductory unit in sociology illuminates the pivotal role of education in shaping individuals and communities. From the process of socialisation that imbues us with cultural norms and values, to the complex relationships that define the educational experience, this discipline unveils the underlying theoretical frameworks that govern the purpose and function of education in the modern world. Through this multifaceted exploration, students gain a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of knowledge and its capacity to cultivate engaged, informed citizens.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 2: Sociology and Education
Exploring Differential Achievement and Education Policies
Within the realm of education, the study of differential achievement delves into the nuanced factors influencing academic success among diverse student populations. This unit not only scrutinises the impact of educational policies on narrowing achievement gaps but also equips students with the tools to critically analyse and contribute to the evolving landscape of educational research. By engaging with methodologies for researching education, students are empowered to interrogate prevailing paradigms, propose innovative solutions, and advocate for equitable educational practices. This unit serves as a crucible for cultivating informed perspectives, fostering social change, and advancing educational equity.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 3: Research methods and theory in context
Sociological Research Methods: A Rigorous Exploration
The study of sociological research methods offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of the tools and techniques employed in the pursuit of empirical knowledge. From the careful selection of research topics to the practical considerations that shape the research process, this unit equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the methodological landscape. Students delve into the formulation of hypotheses, the diverse types of data, and the critical evaluation of research findings, all while navigating the complex interplay of bias, ethics, and data-gathering strategies. Through an in-depth examination of social surveys, participant observation, experiments, and official statistics, students develop a nuanced appreciation for the rigorous and dynamic nature of sociological inquiry.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 4: Culture and Identity
Cultural Perspectives and the Socialisation of Identity
This unit offers a captivating exploration of the multifaceted nature of identity, examining it through the lens of diverse cultural perspectives. Students delve into the intricate processes of socialisation, uncovering the agencies of social control that shape our sense of self. From the theoretical underpinnings of identity formation to the ways in which leisure and consumption inform our self-conception, this unit presents a holistic understanding of the dynamic interplay between the individual and the social. Through the critical analysis of labelling and the synthesis of theoretical frameworks, students develop a nuanced appreciation for the complexities that underlie the construction and expression of identity.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 5: Families and Households
Exploring the Evolving Landscape of Family and Households
This comprehensive unit delves into the multifaceted nature of family and household structures, offering a profound exploration of the subject. Students engage with diverse definitions and
perspectives on the family, examining the intricate tapestry of familial relationships. From the examination of various family types, ethnic differences, and regional variations to the concept of “families of choice,” this unit illuminates the rich diversity that characterises modern family configurations. Additionally, the unit explores the demographic shifts, such as the decline in death and infant mortality rates, the aging population, and the impact of emigration and immigration on family dynamics. Students also investigate historical changes in childhood, inequalities in domestic labour, power distribution within couples, and cross-cultural views on family and social policy. This holistic approach empowers students to develop a nuanced understanding of the evolving landscape of family and households.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 6: Health
The Body, Health, and Illness: A Sociological Exploration
This unit delves into the profound sociological perspectives on the human body, health, illness, and disability. Students engage with the social construction of the body, examining how cultural norms, beliefs, and power dynamics shape our understanding of physical and mental well-being. The exploration of various models of health, the role of medicine and healthcare professionals, and historical improvements in medical practices unveils the complex interplay between social forces and the human condition. Discussions on the medicalisation of social problems, inequalities in health outcomes, and contemporary changes in healthcare delivery empower students to critically analyse the societal structures that influence individual and collective experiences of health and illness. Through this multifaceted approach, students develop a nuanced appreciation for the sociological dimensions of the body, health, and disability.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 7: Work, Poverty and Welfare
Poverty, Wealth, and the Sociological Imagination
This unit offers a profound exploration of the complex interplay between poverty, wealth, and income, inviting students to engage with the sociological imagination. Through a rigorous examination of the definitions, measurements, and distribution of resources, students develop a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of economic inequality. The unit delves into various theoretical perspectives on the causes and perpetuation of poverty, juxtaposing them with the theoretical approaches to welfare provision, both public and private, formal and informal. By critically analysing the issues, problems, and societal responses to poverty, students are empowered to cultivate a critical lens through which to examine the structural forces that shape the unequal allocation of economic resources. This holistic approach fosters a deeper appreciation for the sociological complexities that underlie the lived experiences of poverty and wealth.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 8: Crime and Deviance with Theory and Methods
Crime, Social Order, and the Sociological Gaze
This unit offers a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between crime, social order, and systems of control. Students delve into the social distribution of crime, examining how factors such as class, gender, and ethnicity shape patterns of criminal behaviour. The unit also examines the impact of globalization on the evolving landscape of crime, inviting critical analysis of transnational criminal networks and the challenges they pose to traditional notions of social order. Through an in-depth examination of crime control, prevention, and punishment, as well as the experiences of victims and the criminal justice system, students develop a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between individual actions, societal structures, and the mechanisms of social control. This multifaceted approach empowers students to cultivate a sociological gaze, fostering a deeper appreciation for the role of crime and justice in shaping the fabric of society.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 9: The Media
Navigating the Sociological Landscape of New Media
This unit offers a captivating exploration of the evolving role of new media in contemporary society. Students delve into the complex dynamics of media ownership, control, and the impact of globalisation on the production and consumption of popular culture. Through a critical examination of media representations and their influence on audience perceptions, this unit empowers students to develop a nuanced understanding of the sociological implications of the media landscape. By engaging with theories and methodologies that illuminate the interplay between media, culture, and social structures, students cultivate the analytical tools necessary to navigate the ever-changing terrain of new media and its profound influence on individual and collective experiences.
Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma Unit 10: Stratification and Differentiation
Unravelling the Complexities of Social Stratification
This educational unit delves into the intricate web of social stratification, exploring how factors such as social class, gender, ethnicity, and age intersect to shape patterns of inequality in society. Students engage with the multidimensional nature of inequality, examining its various dimensions and the mechanisms through which it manifests. By defining and measuring social class, students gain insight into the structures of inequality and the dynamics of change that influence social mobility. Through a critical analysis of the evolving landscape of stratification, students develop a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between individual attributes and societal structures in shaping opportunities and outcomes in diverse social contexts.
Progression
This Accredited Level 3 Sociology Diploma can be used to gain entry to a Level 4+5 Diploma or higher.
You can view a lit of our Level 4+5 Diplomas here: Accredited level 4+5 Diplomas
