Sociology (0495)
Through the Cambridge IGCSE Sociology syllabus, learners explore aspects of social relationships, processes and structures; as a result, they develop a greater understanding of human societies and the role of continuity and change in social life. Learners are encouraged to evaluate critically a variety of different social, economic and political structures, thereby learning more about the sociological method, and developing an ability to assess different forms of information and evidence.
Link to full syllabus: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/414234-2020-2022-syllabus.pdf
Key Benefits
Cambridge IGCSE Sociology is accepted by schools, universities and employers as proof of knowledge and understanding. Successful Cambridge IGCSE Sociology candidates gain lifelong skills, including:
- a better understanding of how we become who we are
- the ability to analyse human behaviour within their own society, between different cultures and across different periods of time
- an appreciation of the effects that choice of methodology can have on social science investigations
- the ability to use sociological evidence and ideas to challenge their own beliefs and the beliefs of other people about issues such as equality, education, the family and crime.
Recognition and progression
Cambridge IGCSE Certificates are general qualifications that enable candidates to progress either directly to employment, or to proceed to further qualifications.
Candidates who are awarded grades C to A* in Cambridge IGCSE Sociology are well prepared to follow courses leading to Cambridge International AS and A Level Sociology, or the equivalent.
Cambridge IGCSEs are accepted and valued by leading universities and employers around the world as evidence of academic achievement. Many universities require a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Levels and Cambridge IGCSEs or equivalent to meet their entry requirements.
UK NARIC, the national agency in the UK for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills, has carried out an independent benchmarking study of Cambridge IGCSE and found it to be comparable to the standard of GCSE in the UK. This means students can be confident that their Cambridge IGCSE qualifications are accepted as equivalent to UK GCSEs by leading universities worldwide.
Resources
The following are the preferred resources at Istanbul International School:
- Cambridge IGCSE Sociology 0495 Coursebook
Cambridge International Examinations
Paper 1
Written paper – 54% (2 hours)
Candidates answer one compulsory data response question and one optional structured question from a choice of two.
Externally assessed
Paper 2
Written paper – 46% (1 hour 45 minutes)
Candidates answer two optional structured questions from a choice of four.
Externally assessed