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Literature Review Template

Our trusted literature review template, four ways to structure it. Free to use. Instant access.

Developed by Grad Coach's Doctoral-Qualified Team15 Million Downloads · Used by 500+ Universities

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What it covers

This literature review template covers everything examiners expect from the chapter, refined across 10,000+ students’ chapters:

Before you start – essential groundwork to ensure you’re ready
The introduction section
The core/body section
The conclusion/summary
Extra free resources

Each section comes with plain-language instructions, a worked example, and links to free videos.

The template can be copied to your Google Drive or downloaded as a fully editable MS Word Document (DOCX format), adaptable to LaTeX.

Frequently asked questions

What format is the template (DOC, PDF, PPT, etc.)?

The literature review chapter template is provided as a Google Doc. You can download it in MS Word format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you, such as LaTeX or PDF.

Which literature reviews can this be used for?

Any formal academic research project, qualitative or quantitative. Check your university’s own requirements before you finalize your structure.

Is this for undergrad, Master or PhD-level work?

Any level of study. A doctoral literature review usually goes deeper on synthesis, but the structure stays the same.

Can I modify the template to suit my topic/area?

Yes. Treat it as a starting structure, not a fixed one — reorder, rename or drop sections to fit your own topic and field.

What structure does this template use?

It doesn’t assume one. The empirical section works through four common structures: by theme or variable, by research aim or question, chronologically, or methodologically. The template asks you to pick whichever fits how your own sources naturally group, rather than baking one in for you.

Does this template include the Excel literature catalog?

No, that is a separate template, which you can download for free here. This template is for the write-up of the actual literature review chapter, whereas the catalog is for use during the literature sourcing and sorting phase.

How long should the literature review chapter be?

This depends on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, literature reviews for Masters-level projects are usually 2,000 – 3,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects can reach multiples of this.

Can I include literature that contradicts my hypothesis?

Yes, it’s important to acknowledge and discuss literature that presents different viewpoints or contradicts your hypothesis. So, don’t shy away from existing research that takes an opposing view to yours.

How do I avoid plagiarism in my literature review?

Always cite your sources correctly, and paraphrase in your own words rather than lightly rewording the original. If you’re unsure whether a passage counts as too close to the source, quote it directly and cite it instead of paraphrasing it.

Do you have an example of a populated template?

We provide a walkthrough of the template and review an example of a high-quality literature review chapter here.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Do you have templates for the other chapters?

Yes, we do. You can find our full collection of templates here.

Can Grad Coach help me with my literature review?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services, where we can help you work through the literature review chapter (and any other chapters).