Literature reviews

Whether you are writing a stand-alone literature review, or as part of a larger dissertation or final-year project, these resources will support the process of planning, searching for sources, and critically writing your literature review.

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How to write a literature review

Bring together research perspectives, including strengths, limitations and significance.

How to write a literature review

Student in library

How to plan an effective information search

Develop a search strategy and select your search tools to quickly find the most relevant results.

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How to search for wider reading

Use academic databases and specialist discovery tools for a research project or assessment.

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How to read for understanding

Read actively to understand and retain key points.

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How to question information

Apply critical thinking to analyse, evaluate and interpret information.

Bookshelves in the Information Commons

How to synthesise information

Integrate different sources to show understanding and your own perspective.

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How to write critically

Evidence your critical analysis, unpack sources and justify their relevance to the reader.

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How to paraphrase and quote

Incorporate others’ work into your own and avoid plagiarism.

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How to reference

Include accurate citations, format reference lists and bibliographies in the appropriate style to avoid plagiarism.

Further resources related to literature reviews

Student in library

Academic writing

Plan and structure your writing and develop your writing style.

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Referencing, proofreading and formatting

Acknowledge the work of others, edit and format your work in an appropriate style.

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Critical approaches to information

Improve your critical thinking by questioning and synthesising sources of information.

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