This module falls into two complementary parts. The first part (semester 1) deals with approaches to comparative social policy analysis and is assessed by means of a book review and a prospective research proposal. The second part (semester 2) departs from the research proposal and involves each student in carrying out their own mini-piece of comparative cross-national research, presenting preliminary findings at an end-of-term (late March) 'Day Conference' and submitting a final Project Report at the start of the summer term (late April).