specification overview
Cambridge International A Level Sociology (9699) is a two-year linear qualification covering socialisation, culture and identity, sociological theory and methods, plus applied topics. Papers 1 and 2 form the AS Level; Papers 3 and 4 add the A Level, with Paper 3 a compulsory Education topic and Paper 4 answered on two options chosen from three.
subject content
1. Socialisation, Identity and Methods of Research
Paper 1- Culture, socialisation and identity
- Social control, conformity and resistance
- Sociological research methods
2. The Family
Paper 2- Theories of the family
- Diversity, gender roles, changes in family structure
3. Education (A Level, compulsory)
Paper 3- Education and society, role of education
- Education and social mobility
- Education and inequality
4. Globalisation, Media and Religion (A Level, choose two of three)
Paper 4- Globalisation (identity, power/politics, poverty, migration, crime)
- Media (representations, effects)
- Religion (social order, change, post-modernity)
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Socialisation, Identity and Methods of Research) | AS content on socialisation, culture, identity and research methods | 1h 30m | 60 | 50% of AS Level / 25% of A Level | Section A three compulsory questions; Section B one essay (26 marks) from a choice of two |
| Paper 2 (The Family) | The Family (theories, diversity, gender roles, change) | 1h 30m | 60 | 50% of AS Level / 25% of A Level | Section A three compulsory questions; Section B one essay (26 marks) from a choice of two |
| Paper 3 (Education) | Education (compulsory, no options) | 1h 15m | 50 | 21% of A Level | Four compulsory questions; Question 4 is an essay (26 marks) |
| Paper 4 (Globalisation, Media and Religion) | Two of three sections: Globalisation, Media, Religion | 1h 45m | 70 | 29% of A Level | Two essay questions (35 marks each); candidates select one question from two different sections (of the three: Globalisation, Media, Religion) |
Paper 3 Education is compulsory with no options. On Paper 4, candidates study at least two of the three topic areas (Globalisation, Media, Religion) and answer one question from each of two chosen sections.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Knowledge and understanding of sociological concepts, theories, evidence, views, research methods, arguments and debates. | 40% AS / 35% A Level |
| AO2 | Interpretation and application of sociological material to a range of issues. | 30% AS / 30% A Level |
| AO3 | Analysis and evaluation of sociological theories, evidence, views, research methods and arguments. | 30% AS / 35% A Level |
key tips for success
Master the theoretical perspectives
Functionalism, Marxism, feminism, interactionism, postmodernism. Every essay rewards perspective application, know each perspective's key claims about family, education and globalisation.
Practise research methods thoroughly
Paper 1 has a strong methods component alongside socialisation. Learn positivist vs interpretivist approaches, plus questionnaires, interviews, observation, secondary data with practical/ethical/theoretical issues.
Choose your two Paper 4 sections carefully
Paper 4 covers Globalisation, Media and Religion. You must study at least two of the three, then answer one essay from each chosen section. Confirm which two your school teaches.
Build a study bank
Sociology essays reward named studies with dates and findings. Build a bank of ~15-20 key studies across the papers.
AS content is assumed on Papers 3 and 4
A Level papers assume you still know Papers 1 and 2 material. Revise AS content as part of A Level preparation.
Structure essays with clear evaluation
AO3 is 35% at A Level and rewards evaluation. Every essay needs a clear judgement backed by weighed arguments and contradictory perspectives.
Where to next
Start your learning journey today...
Practise with Cognito's free past papers for this spec – or browse grade boundaries and related specifications.
