The module offers a basic training in research methods; it is aimed at students of politics, international relations and media and cultural politics. It has a qualitative and quantitative component and students are expected to complete both parts of the module. Students will be encouraged to reflect not only on the methods they use, but their methodological assumptions, as well as what it means to be part of a research community. Students will learn to evaluate methods from a number of differing philosophical perspectives. Practically they will also be supported in the devising of a research proposal, oral presentations and the analysis of datasets.