WJEC AS Sociology specification (2200)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your WJEC AS Sociology exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official WJEC AS Sociology specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official WJEC AS Sociology (2200) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official WJEC specification PDF.
Specification overview
The WJEC AS Level in Sociology introduces learners to the study of contemporary society with a strong emphasis on Wales where applicable. It fosters critical, reflective thinking and sociological awareness through engagement with themes of culture, identity, power and social differentiation. Students develop analytical and evaluative skills through the exploration of theoretical perspectives, sociological research methods, and real-world social issues. The course supports learners in understanding their personal roles and responsibilities while encouraging informed sociological inquiry and debate.Subject content breakdown
AS Unit 1: Acquiring Culture
- Section A: Key concepts and processes in cultural transmission, socialisation, and identity
- Culture: norms, values, roles, diversity, social construction
- Socialisation: primary and secondary, agencies, sanctions, control
- Identity: personal/social, gender, class, ethnicity, nationality
- Section B: Choose one option:
- Families and Households: family forms, demographic changes, roles, theoretical views
- Youth Cultures: formation and influences, deviance, subcultures, theory perspectives
AS Unit 2: Understanding Society and Methods of Sociological Enquiry
- Section A: Methods of sociological enquiry
- Key concepts: validity, reliability, ethics, objectivity
- Research methods: questionnaires, interviews, observation, focus groups
- Approaches: positivist, interpretivist, realism
- Practical and ethical issues, sampling techniques
- Section B: Choose one option:
- Education: roles, differential attainment, policies, theories
- Media: audience effects, ownership/control, representation, theory
- Religion: functions, trends, structures, secularisation, theory
Assessment structure
AS Unit 1: Acquiring Culture
- Written exam: 1 hour 15 minutes
- 60 marks
- 37.5% of AS qualification
- Section A: One structured question
- Section B: Choice of two options with compulsory and essay questions
AS Unit 2: Understanding Society and Methods of Sociological Enquiry
- Written exam: 2 hours
- 90 marks
- 62.5% of AS qualification
- Section A: One compulsory question on research methods (stimulus-based)
- Section B: Choose one of three topics with compulsory and essay questions
Key tips for success
Doing well in your WJEC AS Sociology isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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