Where to start?
A Data Management Plan (DMP) is a short document (usually between 1-3 A4 pages) which outlines how data will be managed throughout your research project, including creation, organisation, storage, security, and sharing of data. Planning for this at the outset will enable you to conduct your research more effectively. A DMP’s complexity can vary depending on the research project.
If your research will generate empirical or statistical datasets or other digital objects you will need to write a Data Management Plan (DMP). All applications to the University Research Ethics Sub-Committee must be accompanied by a DMP reviewed by the Library, Archives and Learning Services.
UEL DMP Template
Our current UEL DMP Template is available from the below link:
Projects that began before September 2019:
If you began your project before September 2019 please use our Lite Template. Note, that this template will not be accepted for any new projects. If you require our DMP Lite Template or are unsure of which one to use, please contact us at researchdata@uel.ac.uk
Writing a DMP is an opportunity for you to consider at an early stage potential issues you will encounter during your research and how you will mitigate these.
Your DMP:
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Should be a concise, example-driven account of how you will manage your data
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We recommend that your DMP does not exceed 3 pages in length
For further infomation on what is expected in each section of the UEL DMP Template please click on our DMP review rubric below:
UEL-Data-Management-Plan-Review-Rubric
On average, you'll need around 2 weeks to get your DMP ready for submission as part of your ethics application
If your project is to be submitted to the Ethics and Integrity Sub-Committee; please submit your first draft DMP to the library team at least 2 weeks before the deadline for Ethics applications.
The Ethics and Integrity Sub-Committee (EISC) does not accept late applications for ethical approval
The deadline dates for the submission of applications for ethical approval are listed below, with the corresponding Committee meeting dates.
The table also shows the latest recommended dates to submit your initial draft DMP for each corresponding committee meeting date:
| Semester A | |
| Latest Recommended Start Date | Deadline for Applications |
| Tuesday 26th August 2025 | Tuesday 9th September 2025 |
| Tuesday 23rd September 2025 | Tuesday 7th October 2025 |
| Tuesday 28th October 2025 | Tuesday 11th November 2025 |
| Tuesday 18th November 2025 | Tuesday 2nd December 2025 |
| Semester B | |
| Latest Recommended Start Date | Deadline for Applications |
| TBC December 2025 | TBC January 2026 |
| Tuesday 27th January 2026 | Tuesday 10th February 2026 |
| Semester C | |
| Latest Recommended Start Date | Deadline for Applications |
| Tuesday 24th February 2026 | Tuesday 10th March 2025 |
| Tuesday 31st March 2026 | Tuesday 14th April 2026 |
| Tuesday 21st April 2026 | Tuesday 5th May 2026 |
| Tuesday 19th May 2026 | Tuesday 2rd June 2026 |
| Tuesday 23rd June 2026 | Tuesday 7th July 2026 |
The library provides support for writing DMPs and a review service: contact researchdata@uel.ac.uk for us to review your plan and provide feedback or if you'd like to meet to discuss your plan.
All applications to the University Ethics and Integrity Sub-Committee must be accompanied by a DMP reviewed by the library.
