Course Overview
Develop highly valued skills such as critical analysis, evaluation and independent thinking; plus experience of quantitative and qualitative research methods that will enhance your employability and further studies.
Recent news stories have brought gender and societal issues to the forefront. How do we understand these complexities? Our Sociology GCSE online course will develop your ideas on key social issues like this, as you investigate the structures and processes that shape society.
Study GCSE Sociology and you will explore gender roles, social structures and cultural norms. You’ll delve into the study of social behaviour and institutions – from examining family dynamics to exploring social inequality.
Studying our online Sociology GCSE course will allow you to understand the forces that shape human interactions and societal development. You’ll develop critical thinking and analytical skills that enable you to examine the world around you, in order to advocate for social change and make a difference in society.
Blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights GCSE Sociology considers questions such as: Why is the ‘family’ important in society? What can Marxist or feminist theories tell us about society? Which social factors affect crime rates?
Sociologists are essential in understanding and addressing social issues, conducting research and informing public policy. Our GCSE Sociology online course will prepare you for advanced studies and careers in social research, public policy and beyond.
See how sociological concepts apply to everyday life and professional settings as you begin to appreciate the significant role that sociology plays in understanding and improving society.
Start your journey to uncovering the intricacies of human society today with a Sociology GCSE.
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100% pass rate at Grade 4 and above in 2024
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Interactive course
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1:1 tutor support
GCSE Sociology at a glance
Our (I)GCSE courses are offered in conjunction with leading UK examination boards and you’ll have to sit exams to get your qualification. Our Exams and Assessment page provides more information on sitting your exams.
AQA 8192
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
No additional set texts required.
Exams (two)
50% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)
50% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
AQA 8192
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
No additional set texts required.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Exams (two)
50% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)
50% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
AQA 8192
Online learning with support from a personal tutor for up to 24 months from your date of enrolment.
Learn at your own pace.
Approx. 120-150* study hours, plus assignment time.
*The specification suggests that 150 hours is needed. You’ll also need time to complete assignments, complete any reading and prepare yourself for exams.
11 assignments (one introductory) – these do not contribute to your final grade.
No additional set texts required.
Exams (two)
50% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)
50% of marks (1 hour 45 minutes)
There is no non-exam assessment (NEA) for this course.
No formal qualifications
An ability to read and write in English.
Why study GCSE Sociology
Future opportunities
- Studying sociology at A level.
- A range of rewarding careers in fields such as international aid, charity work, probation and social work, HR, market research, public relations, marketing, law and journalism.
GCSE Sociology taster
Studying sociology allows you to understand the forces that shape human interactions and societal development.
This free PDF taster provides an example of a topic from the course.
Download your free taster today, have a look around and contact us if you have any questions about the GCSE Sociology course.
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees for (I)GCSEs offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
| Course fee | £470 |
| Deposit | £47 |
| Amount of credit | £423 |
| Monthly payment | £35.25 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Total repayment | £470 |
| Cost of credit | £0.00 |
| Rate of interest | 0% APR representative |
Enrolling on more than one GCSE or IGCSE? Use voucher code GCSEMB10 to receive 10% off at checkout.
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I have over 20 years experience of teaching both Psychology and Sociology and I have worked as a senior examiner for a major exam board for many years. Sociology is an amazing subject and offers us an insight into the individuals and society around us. The course allows you to learn about various aspects of Sociology from what makes a person turn to crime to the loss of religious beliefs. Having studied Sociology for many years, I am still learning new and exciting aspects to human behaviour. Which aspects of the specification interest you will be a really personal discovery, this will allow you to investigate and learn more as your curiosity is raised. This means that I really enjoy working with students as they will always show me some insight or detail that I have never considered and it makes your studies collaborative.”
Additional support for under 18s
We understand younger students often need an extra helping hand with their studies. NEC’s unique Progress Tracker makes it easy for parents and guardians to follow their child’s progress, access assignment grades and view tutor feedback to ensure effective learning.
Talk to one of our course advisors
Still unsure whether online distance learning is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
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Want to study more than one subject? We offer a 10% multi-buy offer when you enrol on two or more courses together.
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