This text is a collaborative production, based on the experiences of the co-authors in presenting a course over many years in Qualitative Methods to MSc students. The authors have drafted particular chapters, but the team has collectively discussed, reworked and rewritten the text to produce a coherent review and guide to the area. This research guide is designed to be an introductory text to qualitative methods, intended for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students. As well as furnishing an understanding of the assumptions underlying such reseach methods, the book is intended to present a practical guide as to how to carry out qualitative investigations and, in addition, to provide the basis for a critical evaluation of these methods.