Key Information
Tutor: Dr Elena Forasacco
Duration: 2 hour live session (with 1.5 hours preparatory work)
Delivery: Live (Online, MS Teams) and Live (In-Person, South Kensington)
Course Credit (PGR only): 1 credit
Audience: Research Degree Students
Dates
- Thurs 23 October 2025
09:30-11:30, South Kensington - Tues 18 November 2025
13:30-15:30, South Kensington - Weds 10 December 2025
14:00-16:00, MS Teams - Tues 13 January 2026
09:30-11:30, MS Teams - Tues 28 April 2026
13:30-15:30, South Kensington - Mon 01 June 2026
09:30-11:30, South Kensington
A literature review gives the background needed to understanding research projects. In this blended course we will analyse some strategies to enhance your expertise in writing a literature review.
This blended course has pre-course activities to complete in your own time and course activities to engage with during the live session: you will receive the credit by completing all pre-course activities and participating in all live-session activities.
Pre-course activities (duration about 1h30) will prepare you for the live session: you will have short videos to watch, which will provide you with information, advice and strategies to prepare an effective literature review. You will need to complete some tasks that will help you to practice strategies and advice from videos, as well as to start structuring your literature review. You can also benefit from these simple activities for the writing of your ESA.
The live session will support you in verifying the learning from the videos, clarifying doubts and working in small groups to receive/give peer-feedback on the tasks you completed. Live sessions are available on different dates as online interaction or as in-person workshop. Please check details when booking.
This course is suggested to 1st year doctoral students, but it is open to all research degree students.
Notes:
- This course does not cover systematic reviews, grammar, as well as the use of databases, software and AI.
- In the 'Publishing your Research' courses you will discuss how to prepare the literature review for your articles.
- The deadline for registration is 2 weeks before the live session to allow the completion of pre-course activities.
- You will need to complete and share your pre-course activities by 14.00 the day before the live session (you will receive details from the tutor by email).
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this blended course you will be better able to:
- Identify helpful techniques to define the topic of your literature review
- Recognise keywords useful to your literature search
- Employ effective techniques for searching for and reading your material
- Develop your strategy for writing effectively
- Assess how your literature review benefits your research
How to Book
Book via Inkpath using your Imperial Single-Sign-On. Bookings will close two weeks before each live session.
Please ensure you have read and understood ECRI’s cancellation policy before booking.