Yes and no! As long as you retain the pre-formatted bookend slides (= the title and references) you are free to add your own content – this can be in the form of images, video and/or audio, and does not have to be just text.
No. You are welcome to create content outside of PowerPoint, then embed it into the template (retaining the title and reference slides). If you create content in third-party applications (such as animation tools) make sure that you have the appropriate permissions or licences to include the content in your entry, and note these on your reference slide. Many tools offer a free account, but make sure to check the Terms of Use.
There is a 60 second time limit for entries; however, you can include as few or as many slides as you wish, keeping in mind that:
Most VYT videos end up being around 70-75 seconds. Remember, your title slide needs to be 5 seconds and your content needs to be no longer than 60 seconds.
Yes, you are welcome to include audio, be that music, sound effects, or spoken word. If you are using music or sound effects that you have not created or if you have used a software to edit make sure they do not breach copyright or creative commons.
Yes, you can include spoken audio in your entry, although you do not have to. If you do, you will need to include subtitles or provide a transcript upon submission
Yes, you can include GAI tools and software in your entry. Just as with other tools and software you may be using, these need to be fully referenced in your citation slides.
No, it does not. You are welcome to use still images, video footage, or a different visual. Part of VYT is presenting your research in a visual format so it does need to be visually engaging.
Got a question that is not included here? Please contact the Library's research services team and we'll get in touch.
The Visualise Your Thesis programme is open to currently-enrolled graduate researchers (i.e. students enrolled in M.Phil., Masters by Research, Ph.D. or Professional Doctorate programmes) at any stage of their candidature who are active and attending of registered VYT 2023 institutions.
Not eligible to enter VYT are
Many students complete the VYT programme in their 2nd or 3rd year, however you are welcome to participate in VYT at any stage in your candidature. You can also enter more than once throughout your candidature- but make sure your entries are significantly different!
Currently-enrolled graduate researchers who are employed by their university who may have, or may be perceived to have, influence over the outcome, research funding or related resourcing, or an otherwise unfair advantage over the other entrants from their university, may be deemed ineligible to participate. Entrants who are currently employed by their university are encouraged to disclose their employment status and provide information about whether their employment status may provide them with an unfair advantage over other entrants from their university.
No. Only currently-enrolled graduate researchers who are active and attending are eligible to participate in VYT. If you are on a leave of absence unfortunately you are not eligible to enter. If your candidature has lapsed you are also ineligible to participate in VYT.
No. You can only enter once, so you will have to decide whether you’d like to represent your university or research institute.
Entries should be unique and original. The resubmission of previous entries is only permitted where substantial revision has occurred. And no doubt your research has progressed significantly, and you’d like your entry to reflect this!
Got a question that is not included here? Please contact the Library's research services team and we'll get in touch.
You can, provided that the material is copyright compliant and/or you have the appropriate licences and permissions to reproduce it. Remember- just because something is on the internet does not mean you are free to use it, or to use it without correct referencing.
For more information refer to the resources on the RMIT Library’s Copyright Guide.
Make sure that all materials used in your entry are cited, regardless of source.
There are numerous websites which provide access to images – Pixabay, Unsplash, and Snappy Goat are a few examples. Many archives and libraries (including the British Library) make their digitised collections available via Flickr Commons – Flickr being another popular image hosting website.
For music, sites like Incompetech, MuseOpen and ccMixter offer Creative Commons-licenced content. CC Search links to media, image and music platforms with content you can use and remix. See the RMIT Library's Copyright guide for advice on sourcing Creative Commons-licenced content.
Again, make sure to check the individual creative commons licence of any object you include and have appropriate citations in the reference slide of your entry.
Got a question that is not included here? Please contact the Library's research services team and we'll get in touch.