Key points at a glance
- List data types and responsibilities.
- Plan protection before collection.
- Clarify retention and deletion.
Inventory data and risks
List raw files, transcripts, analysis tables, consent forms and code separately. Note whether they contain personal data and who is responsible. Even a small project benefits from a plan because file names and access rights otherwise evolve by accident.
Choose approved storage first
Example: Interview recordings stay encrypted on university storage; a code-to-name key is kept separately with narrower access. Ask your supervisor or privacy office which services are permitted. Personal cloud accounts may be unsuitable.
Record versions and processing
Specify clear file names, a preserved original and a change log. Document cleaning so the analysis remains traceable. Include backups and access permissions in the same plan.
Plan for the project’s end
State what must be archived, shared or deleted after submission. Consent and university rules determine whether sharing is possible. Do not promise complete anonymity if the data are only pseudonymised.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- Data types listed.
- Approved storage checked.
- Versioning agreed.
- Retention and deletion reviewed.
Common mistakes
- Keeping consent forms with raw data.
- Using private tools without approval.
- Planning deletion only after collection.
Prepare the finished thesis for submission
Once the content and university requirements are checked, review your PDF and the available printing and binding options.
Review printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
Does a small thesis need a DMP?
A short plan is useful; local rules and risk determine the format.
May I publish the data?
Only if rights, consent and local rules allow it.
What belongs in the plan?
Data types, access, storage, backups, versions and end-of-project action.