This module provides students with an introduction to the politics and practice of social research. It does so by exploring the following aspects of the research process: the context of the modern university; the role of the social scientist; power, critique and reflexivity in the social sciences; the constraints, benefits and limitations of social science. Those are explored in relation to practical dilemmas and cases studies in social science research. During the course of examining these issues research methods such as interviewing, focus groups, observation, and key issues such as ethical research and researching sensitive subjects are covered.