How do you write a literature based dissertation? What structure should you follow? What exactly is a literature based dissertation anyway?
A literature based dissertation, also known as a library based dissertation, is a different kind of thesis to a standard research based dissertation.
When you do a literature based dissertation, your entire thesis is essentially a literature review. You develop a research title, and a series of questions - like you would do for a research based dissertation – but rather than conducting your own study to find answers to your questions, you critically examine the existing literature instead.
There are various advantages to a literature based methodology, which I outline in this video: https://youtu.be/-vvuq4Yr-Z0.
This type of dissertation is becoming increasing popular, especially among undergraduates and masters’ students. However, there is not a lot of helpful guidance out there. Until now!
In this video, I’ll walk you through the principles and structure of a literature based dissertation, and provide you with a framework chapter structure – including examples – to help you get started with your own literature based dissertation.
Chapters
0:00 - 0:51 Introduction and overview
0:52 - 2:29 What a literature-based dissertation is
2:30 - 3:27 How to structure a literature-based dissertation
3:28 - 6:12 The introduction section
6:13 - 8:46 Approach / Methodology
8:47 - 10:32 Theories / Theoretical Frameworks
10:33 - 11:01 Themed chapters
11:02 - 12:00 Historical developments
12:01 - 13:03 Contemporary debates and controversies
13:04 - 13:55 Policy and practice
13:56 - 15:01 Cross cultural / comparative
15:02 - 15:46 Case studies
15:47 - 16:11 Discussion and conclusions sections
16:12 - 17:40 Discussion
17:41 - 18:18 Conclusion
18:19 - 18:52 Discussion and conclusion comparison
18:53 - 19:08 Summary
// Other videos you will find helpful //
What are the three types of social science dissertation? https://youtu.be/AwfzseUWWwI
How to beat dissertation writer's block https://youtu.be/zqa6S9hK7_4
How to beat imposter syndrome and master academic writing https://youtu.be/BNrLXFoY0kE
The only PhD study plan you need, one goal - be consistent! https://youtu.be/00Cv1K_xefg
How to write a dissertation introduction chapter https://youtu.be/nSEUXbBPzk0
ChatGPT ethics - four integrity principles for dissertation students https://youtu.be/0WJ_mu7CDME
// See my videos BEFORE anyone else does! //
For early access to my videos and whole load of other cool things, become a Degree Doctor channel member! https://www.youtube.com/@DegreeDoctor/join
// I sell lots of great stuff! Take a look at what you can buy! //
Want to see some of the resources and courses you can buy to help you on your dissertation journey? Here are a couple you might like if you enjoyed this video:
Need some quick wins? Try my Cheat Sheet Library https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/cheat-sheet-library
Want me to walk you through each of your PhD chapters, step-by-step? Check out my PhD Survival Guides https://www.thedegreedoctor.com/phd-survival-guides