Inclusion of supplementary data/material within a thesis submission for examination
Guidance on what to do if you are including supplementary data/material within a thesis submission.
Advice to candidates
Any material that is considered essential reading for the examiner for them to reach a considered evaluation of the work should be included in the thesis. This is the examined content and is the body of work evidencing the quality and quantity of original research results, independent critical ability and matter suitable for publication that must read and assessed by the examiners.
Supplementary content is defined as additional data and materials which it may be useful for examiners to have access to but there is no requirement for the examiners to refer to the supplementary data/material in order to examine the work. The thesis must stand alone and be understandable without the supplementary data/material.
The examiners may access the supplementary material if they wish but may choose not to do so. This should be used in exceptional circumstances only, where it is considered that it may be important for examiners to have access to supporting material.
Where it is necessary to include supplementary data/information you will need to complete and upload the inclusion of supplementary data/material with a thesis submission form (Word doc) to GRAD when you submit your thesis for examination. You may upload supporting supplementary material/data to GRAD alongside your thesis submission for examination.
Deposit of supplementary data/material after the viva
Postgraduate researchers (PGRs) and supervisors should also consider and agree what other research data/materials generated during the candidature should be kept, and the arrangements for deposit of such material. This will normally be covered by your data management plan.
Where applicable, be aware of any data sharing expectations from your research funder. You should agree arrangements with your supervisor before you leave the University.
Information on research data management is available on the Research Data Leeds website and the data management plans page.
Advice and support are available from the Library's Research Data team. Contact them well before you submit your thesis. Email the Library's Research Data team: researchdataenquiries@leeds.ac.uk.