Literature Review Template for Canadian Graduate Programs

A graduate-level literature review for a Canadian thesis runs 8000-15000 words and follows a thematic structure: introduction to the field, theoretical framework, thematic sections grouped by argument (not author), critical synthesis, identification of the research gap, and conclusion connecting to your research question. Length scales with degree: master's reviews run 6000-10000 words; PhD reviews 12000-20000.

Introduction (1-2 pages): scope, search strategy, inclusion/exclusion criteria, organisation of the review. Include databases searched (PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar) and date range.

Theoretical framework (3-5 pages): the theories that organise your interpretation. Justify why these theories and not alternatives.

Thematic sections (60-70% of total length): 4-7 themes, each opening with a topic sentence that makes an argument, then synthesising evidence from multiple sources, then ending with a transition to the next theme. Avoid 'Smith (2024) found... Jones (2024) found...' paragraphs.

Critical synthesis (10-15%): contradictions, methodological weaknesses, areas of consensus. This is what distinguishes a graduate literature review from an annotated bibliography.

Research gap (1-2 pages): explicit statement of what is missing, contested, or untested. Connect each gap to your research question.

Conclusion (1-2 pages): summarise the state of the field and the contribution your study will make.