When planning your dissertation, one of the most common questions is: how long should a literature review be in a 10000 word dissertation? This is important because the literature review sets the stage for your research, showing what’s already known and where your work fits in.

A general guideline is that a literature review should take up about 20–30% of your dissertation, which means for a 10,000-word dissertation, you’re looking at roughly 2,000 to 3,000 words. This gives you enough room to cover key theories, highlight research gaps, and link previous studies to your own research questions.

It’s not just about length—it’s about focus. Only include studies that are directly relevant, critically analyze them, and make sure your review flows logically. A well-crafted literature review in a 10,000-word dissertation can demonstrate your understanding of the field and set up your research perfectly.