You may need to remove some content from your thesis before making it available open access. This process is known as redaction.
On this page:
- Redacting electronic copies vs print copies
- When to redact content
- Planning for redaction from the start
- Redacting content after completion
- When redaction may not be suitable
- Further help and support
Redacting electronic copies vs print copies
If needed, you can redact the electronic version of your thesis before making it open access. You must clearly indicate where you have removed material and explain why.
You cannot redact the printed version of your thesis. It must remain complete and will be kept in the University Library.
When to redact content
Your thesis should be as complete as possible. But if there are parts which you cannot share publicly, you can redact those in the electronic version.
You may need to redact your thesis if it includes:
- third-party copyright material that you cannot clear
- photographs of people and you do not have their permission to share the images online
- confidential or sensitive information that you cannot publish
Only redact content if you need to. Do not remove material unnecessarily.
Redaction can help you make a version of your thesis available open access, even if you cannot share all of the original content.
Planning for redaction from the start
If you expect to include sensitive or unclearable material, plan your thesis to make redaction easier. For example:
- place material like photographs or sensitive data in an appendix or addendum
- keep content that may need to be removed separate from your main text
- use clear labelling so it is easy to identify and redact if needed
This approach means you can remove sections later without disrupting the rest of your thesis.
Redacting content after completion
You can still redact content after you complete your thesis. To do this:
- remove the relevant sections from the electronic version only
- insert a text box to show what you have removed
- give a short reason for each redaction (for example, “Image removed due to copyright restrictions”)
The Office of Scholarly Communication guide to redacting includes more detailed instructions.
When redaction may not be suitable
Redaction may not suitable if your thesis includes sensitive information that must not be shared in any form. While you can redact the electronic version of your thesis, the information will remain available in the printed version.
Further help and support
If you have questions, or need advice on redacting your thesis, please contact the Thesis team.