How to write a literature review

How to write a literature review 

The aim of a literature review is to show your reader (your tutor) that you have read, and have a good grasp of, the main published work concerning a particular topic or question in your field. This work may be in any format, including online sources. It may be a separate assignment, or one of the introductory sections of a report, dissertation or thesis. In the latter cases in particular, the review will be guided by your research objective or by the issue or thesis you are arguing and will provide the framework for your further work.

A literature review should demonstrate to your reader that you are able to:

• Understand and critically analyse the background research
• Select and source the information that is necessary to develop a context for your research

It also:

• Shows how your investigation relates to previous research
• Reveals the contribution that your investigation makes to this field (fills a gap, or builds on existing research, for instance)
• Provides evidence that may help explain your findings later.

A literature review is a piece of discursive prose, not a list describing or summarising one piece of literature after another. It’s usually a bad sign to see every paragraph beginning with the name of a researcher. Instead, organise the literature review into sections that present themes or identify trends, including relevant theory. You are not trying to list all the material published, but to synthesize and evaluate it according to the guiding concept of your thesis or research question.

FAQs

Who can help me with my dissertation literature review in the UK?

Your supervisor and university librarian are useful starting points for research scope and searching. For external support, look for someone with relevant subject expertise and clear boundaries for feedback or editing. New Essays UK lists literature review support; confirm the permitted scope and eligibility before requesting it.

How is a literature review different from a list of article summaries?

A literature review connects and evaluates research around a question. It compares findings, methods and disagreements, then explains what they mean for your project. Organise discussion around themes or debates rather than presenting an unrelated summary of each source.

What should I provide when requesting literature review feedback?

Provide your research question, draft, assignment guidance and any supervisor comments. Include your search terms, databases and selection criteria where relevant. Explain whether you need feedback on structure, synthesis or clarity so the support can be limited to the agreed scope.

Is every dissertation literature review a systematic review?

No. The required approach depends on the project and course guidance. A systematic review uses an explicit, reproducible method for identifying and assessing evidence. Confirm your expected review type with your supervisor before choosing methods or requesting outside feedback.

How should I organise a dissertation literature review?

Group sources by themes, debates or methodological approaches linked to your research question. Within each section, compare and evaluate studies rather than describing them one at a time. Finish by explaining the gap or question your project addresses. Check your course guidance for any required structure or word allocation.

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