Social Sciences incorporating ICS
Sociology Higher
Campus Sighthill Campus
Qualification SCQF Level 6
Study mode Evening
Start date
Aug 2025
Course enquiry form
Course overview
Sociology Higher is designed to develop your understanding of yourself as part of society. This course will use sociological approaches and encourage you to ask questions about the social world in which we live.
During this course, you will explore human social behaviour and discover evidence to explain it. You will gain a sociological perspective and study theories and concepts used to investigate and explain aspects of the social world. You will study human society, culture and social issues. You will develop a sociological understanding, question commonly held societal assumptions, and consider explanations. This course is academically challenging and requires the ability to study independently.
National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications, accredited by the SQA, are typically studied at high school and college. These qualifications act as pathways to further study including university entry. Edinburgh College offers a selection of subjects at National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher levels part-time. You may choose to study up to two subjects.
Course Fees: £400 per subject. Fees will be confirmed when an application has been processed.
What you will learn
- Human Society: Develop your understanding of the sociological approach to studying human societies using analytical skills and social research methods. Look at the relationships that exist amongst individual groups and institutions as viewed from different sociological perspectives and theories
- Culture and Identity: Use sociological concept theories and research to investigate culture and identity in a changing social world. You will consider your own and others’ cultural experiences to develop an understanding of cultural identity and diversity
- Social Issues: Develop your sociological understanding of contemporary social issues by acquiring skills in evaluating and applying sociological theories and research evidence. You will use a range of sources including research evidence to justify a variety of points of view
How the course is assessed
- You will be assessed by an examination and an assignment
- The examination paper will sample your sociological knowledge and understanding from the units and your ability to apply knowledge and understanding to explain social behaviour
- The assignment will require you to use sociological skills, knowledge and understanding to carry out and report on your own secondary research into a topic of choice
Number of days per week
- Tuition will take place (3 hours per week) every Monday from 5pm-8pm
- You will attend Sighthill campus every week
Entry requirements
- 2 A/B passes at National 5 level
- These passes should include English and a social subject (e.g. Sociology, History, Psychology).
- You should identify the reason for choosing to study Sociology in your course application.
English Proficiency Requirements
IELTS 6.0Progression and Articulation Routes
- Progress onto a variety of HNC/D courses
- University courses that require a suite of qualifications
Study Options
| Campus | Study mode | Start date |
|---|---|---|
| Sighthill Campus | Evening | 27/08/25 |
