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Writing a systematic review dissertation can feel overwhelming when you're unsure where to begin. Many students reach this point in their degree and feel uncertain about how to search the literature properly, how to screen studies without bias, or how to bring everything together in a clear and balanced way.
If you are looking for a systematic review dissertation example, including a full PDF sample and the chapter structure UK universities expect, you’re in the right place. This page guides you through the process in a calm, practical manner.
Here you’ll find a complete Systematic Review Dissertation Example (PDF), real postgraduate samples, and a clear explanation of how to move from your research question to your final chapters. We walk through PRISMA, study selection, data extraction, quality appraisal, narrative synthesis and meta analysis so you can see how each stage works in practice.
Whether you are completing an Undergraduate, Masters or PhD dissertation, the aim is to help you understand what a strong systematic review looks like and make the work feel more manageable. You can read the full guide or use the quick navigation below to jump directly to the examples, structure or step-by-step support you need.
If you would like a custom systematic review example in your subject area, or free research topic suggestions to refine your question, you can request them using the form at the end of the page.
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Jump straight to the systematic review examples and guidance you need:
- What Is a Systematic Review?
- Systematic Review Dissertation Structure (UK)
- PRISMA Flow and Study Selection
- Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Systematic Review
- Systematic Review Dissertation Examples (with PDFs)
- Systematic Review Proposal Example
- Systematic Review vs Literature Review
- Related Academic Support & Study Tools
- Student Reviews & Results
- Request Free Topics, Samples or Draft Review
- Academic Integrity Notice
- FAQs: Systematic Review Dissertations
Need tailored support? Explore our Dissertation Examples Library, visit the Dissertation Topics hub, or request a custom systematic review sample.
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What Is a Systematic Review?
A systematic review is a structured, transparent way of finding and examining all the research that already exists on a focused question. Unlike a traditional literature review, which offers more freedom in how studies are chosen and discussed, a systematic review follows a clear plan from the start so the process is consistent and as free from bias as possible.
How a systematic review usually works
- Start with a precise research question that your review will answer.
- Write a simple protocol explaining your databases, keywords and inclusion / exclusion criteria.
- Search the literature thoroughly, remove duplicates and screen titles, abstracts and full texts.
- Record each decision, often using a PRISMA flow diagram so readers can see how the final set of studies was reached.
- Extract key data (aims, methods, sample, outcomes, strengths and limitations) from the included studies.
- Appraise study quality using appropriate tools for qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods research.
- Synthesise the evidence through a narrative synthesis or meta analysis, depending on the data available.
For example, if your question asks whether mindfulness-based programmes reduce anxiety and depression in adults, a systematic review would search all major databases, select only studies that meet clear criteria, assess their quality and then bring the findings together. The result is a balanced answer based on all the relevant evidence, not just a handful of papers you happened to find first.
When carried out carefully, a systematic review gives examiners exactly what they look for: a clear question, a transparent method and conclusions that are firmly rooted in the evidence. It often becomes the strongest part of the dissertation.
Not sure whether you should complete a systematic review or a more traditional literature review? See our comparison: Systematic Review vs Literature Review →
🔍 Still choosing a topic for your systematic review? Our academic team can share free, custom systematic review dissertation topics based on your field — public health, nursing, psychology, education, business, social sciences and more.
These topics are designed with clear research questions and searchable evidence bases, making them suitable for both systematic reviews and structured literature reviews.
Explore popular topic hubs:
Healthcare Management · Mental Health · Psychology · Business ABM topics · Quantitative titles · Correlational topics · STEM topics · GIS ideas
Or browse our full collection of 1,000+ dissertation topics →
Systematic Review Dissertation Structure (UK)
Knowing what each chapter is meant to do makes a systematic review much easier to plan. Most UK universities follow a similar structure, with small variations in labels. You can use the outline below as a guide while you read the PDF example and plan your own dissertation.
1. Title Page
Presents your review title, name, programme, institution and date. The title should be focused and reflect the research question clearly.
2. Abstract
A short summary of the whole review: question, methods, number of included studies, key findings and main conclusions. Usually written last.
3. Introduction
Sets the background, explains why the topic matters, identifies the gap in the literature and states the research question and aims of the review.
4. Methods
Describes your protocol, databases, search terms, date limits and inclusion/exclusion criteria. This is where you explain exactly how you searched for and selected studies.
5. PRISMA, Quality Appraisal & Data Extraction
Presents the PRISMA flow chart, shows how many studies were found and excluded, and explains how you assessed study quality and extracted key information.
6. Results
Describes the studies you included and summarises their main findings. If you conduct a meta analysis, the statistical outputs are reported here.
7. Discussion
Interprets the results in relation to your question and the wider literature. Highlights strengths, limitations and implications for practice or further research.
8. Conclusion
Brings the review to a close. Restates the question, summarises the key insights and offers a clear final statement based on the evidence you have reviewed.
9. References
Lists every source you have cited, formatted according to your university’s required style (for example, Harvard, APA or OSCOLA).
10. Appendices
Holds any supporting material that is too detailed for the main chapters, such as full search strings, screening forms, appraisal tools or data extraction tables.
You can compare this structure with the full systematic review PDF and other examples linked below. Most programmes will follow this pattern, even if chapter titles are slightly different.
PRISMA Flow and Study Selection
One of the questions students ask most often is how to show the study selection process clearly. The PRISMA flow diagram helps with this. It gives a simple visual record of how you moved from your initial search results to the final group of studies included in your systematic review.
PRISMA in simple terms: it records how many studies you found, how many were removed as duplicates, how many were screened, how many full texts you assessed and how many finally met your inclusion criteria. It also notes the main reasons for exclusion at each stage.
The aim is not to achieve a “perfect” shape, but to be honest and consistent about how you selected the evidence.
In practice, your study selection usually follows a series of calm, steady steps:
- Run your searches in the chosen databases and export the results.
- Remove duplicate records so each study only appears once.
- Screen titles and abstracts to remove clearly irrelevant papers.
- Read the full texts of the remaining studies and apply your inclusion and exclusion criteria.
- Record how many studies are included at each stage and why others were excluded.
These numbers then feed into your PRISMA diagram, which you place in the Methods chapter of your dissertation. When a supervisor or examiner looks at the flow chart, they can immediately see how carefully you have approached the review and how the final evidence base was formed.
As you work, keep simple notes of the figures at each step. This not only makes the PRISMA diagram easy to complete, it also helps you feel more organised and confident about the quality of your review. The full PDF example shared later on this page shows how a completed PRISMA flow fits into a finished systematic review dissertation.
Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a Systematic Review
A systematic review feels much more manageable when you break the work into small, clear steps. You can use the roadmap below as a checklist while you move from your first idea to the final written dissertation.
Read around your topic and decide exactly what you want the review to answer. A focused, realistic question makes every later step easier.
Note your databases, keywords, date limits and inclusion criteria. This short plan keeps you consistent once you begin searching.
Run your searches in the chosen databases and keep a record of each search string. A careful search is the foundation of a strong review.
Remove duplicates, then screen titles and abstracts. Read the remaining full texts and apply your inclusion and exclusion criteria calmly and consistently.
For each included study, record the aims, methods, participants, outcomes and main findings. A simple spreadsheet often works well.
Use appropriate appraisal tools for qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods studies. Note strengths and limitations for each paper.
Bring the studies together through a narrative synthesis or a meta analysis, depending on your data. Focus on answering the research question fairly.
Follow the structure outlined above: methods, results, discussion and conclusion. Write clearly and let the evidence guide your claims.
Re-read each chapter, check that your conclusions match the evidence and ensure your references and appendices are complete and consistent.
You can refer back to these steps while reading the full systematic review PDF and the proposal and literature review examples later on this page. Many students find that following this simple roadmap removes a lot of the stress from the process.
Systematic Review Dissertation Examples (with PDFs)
Seeing how a real systematic review is written can make the whole process feel more manageable. The examples below show how students present the PRISMA flow, justify their screening decisions, extract data, appraise quality and bring the final evidence together. These samples are useful whether you are preparing an Undergraduate, Masters or PhD-level review.
1. Full Systematic Review Dissertation (PDF)
A complete postgraduate systematic review including a PRISMA flowchart, search strategy, screening log, data extraction table, quality appraisal and narrative synthesis. This example is ideal if you want to see how a full review reads from start to finish.
2. Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Anxiety & Depression (Systematic Review + Meta Analysis)
A structured systematic review exploring whether mindfulness programmes reduce anxiety and depression in adults. The sample demonstrates a clear search strategy, consistent screening process and a well-presented synthesis.
Key takeaway: The review reports meaningful reductions in symptoms across multiple high-quality studies.
3. Physical Activity Interventions and Cardiovascular Health in Older Adults
A systematic review assessing the effect of exercise-based interventions on blood pressure, lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk in older adults.
Key takeaway: Regular physical activity showed clear improvements in multiple cardiovascular markers.
Additional Systematic Review Materials (Published on Premier Dissertations)
- Systematic Review on Arsenic in the Food Chain (Proposal Chapters) · Request full review sample →
- Cyberbullying & Adolescent Mental Health – Systematic Literature Review (with matrix) · PDF download
Need a sample that matches your subject exactly? Request a custom systematic review example →
Systematic Review Proposal Example
Before starting the full review, many students prepare a short proposal that sets out the background, research question and planned methods. A clear proposal makes it easier for supervisors to give focused feedback and helps you move into the main dissertation with confidence.
Example: Systematic Review on Arsenic in the Food Chain (Proposal Chapters)
This example shows how a student introduced a systematic review on factors influencing arsenic uptake in rice. It includes early chapters outlining the background to the topic, the research aims and questions, and the initial plan for searching and screening the literature.
It is useful if you want to see how a systematic review is framed at the proposal stage, before the full PRISMA flow and data extraction tables have been completed.
If you need a proposal sample closer to your own subject area, you can request it through the form in the free help section. Briefly describe your topic and level of study, and we can share a short proposal-style sample or outline that fits your field.
Systematic Review vs Literature Review
Students often ask what the difference is between a systematic review and a traditional literature review. Both explore existing research, but they do so in different ways and are used for slightly different purposes. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the right approach for your dissertation.
Traditional Literature Review
- Gives an overview of key themes, debates and theories.
- More flexible in how studies are selected and organised.
- Often used to set the background and context for your own research.
- Allows you to shape the discussion around your argument or focus.
Systematic Review
- Follows a pre-defined protocol and documented search strategy.
- Uses clear inclusion and exclusion criteria for study selection.
- Records each screening step, often with a PRISMA flow diagram.
- Aims to answer a focused question using all relevant evidence.
Both approaches are useful. If your project evaluates interventions or outcomes, a systematic review is often preferred. If you are exploring theories, concepts or debates, a traditional literature review may be more suitable. Some dissertations include a structured literature review in one chapter and a full systematic review as the core of the project.
If you would like to see a sample that focuses more on a traditional literature review, or a mixed approach that includes a literature matrix, you can request a full example PDF through the form in the free help section. Briefly note whether you are interested in a systematic review, a literature review or a combination of both.
Related Academic Support & Study Tools
As you move through your systematic review, you may find that certain parts of the process need extra support. The resources below are commonly used by students who are planning, writing or refining their dissertations.
Find or Refine Your Topic
Explore structured topic lists if you are still shaping your research question.
Dissertation Topics Hub →
Request Free Dissertation Topics →
View More Dissertation Examples
Compare systematic reviews with other dissertation formats and subjects.
Dissertation Examples Library →
Masters Dissertation Examples →
PhD Dissertation Examples →
Literature Review & Proposal Help
Useful if you are preparing the early chapters of your systematic review.
Dissertation Proposal Examples →
Nursing Dissertation Examples →
Methodology, Data Collection & Statistics
Helpful if your review involves complex methods, data extraction or statistical analysis.
Methodology & Data Analysis Guide →
Dissertation Data Collection Help →
Statistical Analysis Services →
Check Originality & Strengthen Your Draft
Use these tools when you are close to submission and want extra reassurance.
Plagiarism Checker →
Free Turnitin Plagiarism Checker (UK) →
You can visit these pages at any stage of your project. Most students return to them several times while refining their topics, reviewing examples and preparing their final drafts.
Student Reviews (Systematic Reviews & Dissertations)
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Request a Systematic Review Example, Free Topics or Draft Review
Need a full systematic review dissertation PDF, help refining your research question, or feedback on your current draft? Submit your details below and a UK-qualified academic editor will respond, normally within 24 hours.
You can use this form to:
- Request a systematic review dissertation example (PDF) in your subject area.
- Ask for 3–5 free dissertation topics suitable for a systematic review.
- Upload your systematic review draft for a brief academic review.
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Academic Integrity Notice
The systematic review examples, topic suggestions and guidance on this page are provided to help you understand how a strong dissertation is planned and written. They are intended for study and reference while you develop your own work.
We follow UK academic support standards, which means we assist with topic refinement, proposal planning, structure, clarity, data analysis guidance and academic feedback. You remain responsible for writing your own original dissertation and ensuring that your final submission complies with your university’s academic integrity policies.
Use the examples as learning tools, not as material to copy into your own assignment.
FAQs: Systematic Review Dissertations
A few common questions students ask when working on systematic review dissertations, based on real concerns raised in tutorials and online forums.
1. What does a systematic review dissertation look like in practice?
It usually follows a clear structure: introduction, methods, PRISMA and screening, quality appraisal, results, discussion and conclusion. The full PDF example linked above shows how these chapters read when they are brought together in a complete dissertation.
2. How long does a systematic review dissertation take?
It varies by student and programme. Many spend several weeks on searching and screening, followed by a similar period for data extraction and writing. Working in small, steady stages tends to be more effective than trying to do everything at once.
3. My PRISMA numbers don’t look “perfect”. Is that a problem?
No. PRISMA reflects what you actually found, not an ideal pattern. Some topics generate many studies, others only a few. What matters is that your search, screening and exclusion reasons are clear and consistent, not that the numbers match anyone else’s flow chart.
4. Why are there so few eligible studies for my question?
This is common and does not mean you have done anything wrong. Some areas simply have limited published research. A smaller set of studies can still support a strong dissertation, especially if you discuss gaps in the evidence clearly in your discussion chapter.
5. Do I need a meta analysis for my systematic review?
Not always. A meta analysis is only suitable when the studies are similar enough to combine statistically. If the designs, measures or outcomes differ, a narrative or thematic synthesis is more appropriate. Examiners look for honest, well-justified methods, not a meta analysis at any cost.
6. Can I request a sample that matches my topic?
Yes. Use the form in the free help section to request a full example PDF or short sample in your subject area (for example, nursing, psychology, public health, business or education). Briefly describe your topic so we can share the most relevant material.
