How to Write a Literature Review — UK Dissertation Guide
UK Academic Writing Guide | Reviewed by the Projectsdeal Editorial Team | Updated June 2026
Quick AnswerA literature review critically synthesises existing research on your topic — it is not a list of summaries. To write one: (1) define your scope, (2) search systematically, (3) evaluate each source, (4) group sources into themes, (5) synthesise and compare them, and (6) identify the gap your research fills. Structure it thematically, not source-by-source.
Overview
The literature review is where you show you understand the field and where your research fits. The single biggest mistake students make is writing it as a series of summaries (‘Author A said… Author B said…’). A strong review synthesises — it compares, contrasts and groups studies to build an argument that leads to your research gap.
How to Write a Literature Review: Step by Step
Define your scope and questions
Decide what the review must cover to support your research aim. Set boundaries (dates, methods, populations) so the review stays focused.
Search systematically
Use academic databases (Google Scholar, library databases) with planned keywords and Boolean terms. Record your search strategy — many UK markers expect this.
Evaluate each source
For each study note the aim, method, findings, strengths and limitations. Prioritise peer-reviewed, recent and seminal work.
Group sources into themes
Organise the literature by theme, theory or debate — not by author. Each theme becomes a section of the review.
Synthesise and critique
Within each theme, compare studies: where do they agree, disagree, or leave questions? Analyse rather than describe.
Identify the gap
Conclude by showing what is missing or unresolved in the literature — the gap your study addresses. This justifies your research.
Thematic vs Chronological Structure
Most strong reviews are organised thematically: each section addresses a key theme or debate and draws on multiple sources. A chronological structure (how thinking developed over time) can work for some topics, but thematic is usually more analytical and is what most UK supervisors prefer.
How Long Should a Literature Review Be?
As a rough guide, the literature review is often 20–30% of a dissertation — e.g. around 2,000–3,000 words in a 10,000-word Master's dissertation. Always follow your handbook; quality of synthesis matters far more than length.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Summarising source by sourceA list of summaries is descriptive. Synthesise across sources by theme to be analytical.
No critical evaluationAccepting findings at face value loses marks. Weigh each study's methods and limitations.
Ignoring the gapIf the review does not lead to a clear research gap, it fails to justify your study.
Out-of-date or weak sourcesRelying on websites or old studies weakens authority. Prioritise recent peer-reviewed work.
No search strategyMany markers expect a described, repeatable search method. Record databases and keywords.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a literature review just a summary of sources?
No. It critically synthesises the literature — comparing, grouping and evaluating studies by theme to build an argument and identify a gap, rather than summarising each source in turn.
How should I structure a literature review?
Thematically in most cases: organise it around key themes, theories or debates, with each section drawing on several sources. End by identifying the research gap your study addresses.
How many sources should a literature review include?
It depends on level and length, but a Master's review often cites 40–60+ sources. Focus on relevance and quality (peer-reviewed, recent, seminal) rather than a fixed number.
What is a research gap?
A research gap is something unresolved, under-studied or contradictory in the existing literature. Identifying it justifies why your research is needed.
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