Images and copyright

Whenever we use images in learning materials, whether that’s in PowerPoint or on Learn, we always need to bear in mind the rights of the original creator.

Images found online are generally not free to use. Websites which provide free stock photos generally have restrictions (such as what they can be used for or in what manner), and may require attribution in a specific format even if they are free to use. You must comply with all requirements if you use them and keep a record, in case you are ever challenged.

We do not recommend sharing these images with others, as it is easy to lose track of how attribution needs to be given, or it may change. Always keep a screenshot of the terms of use in the same folder as the images, correctly labelled – and change the filename to encourage people to check this before use.

Creative Commons licences

What is a Creative Commons licence?

Creative Commons licences are granted by creators so that their work is available for re-use, subject to certain conditions.

Open.Ed: Understanding open licences (Opens in new tab)

How to find images with a Creative Commons licence

On Google Images and Flickr, you can search using ‘usage rights’ or ‘license’ filters so that your results only include images that are licensed for re-use.

Some online collections of royalty-free stock photos include:

The University’s Open.Ed website has advice on how to find and use Open Educational Resources (OERs), such as images and videos, and guides on licensing models and how to keep track of resources you use. They also have guides on how to create your own OERs.

Open.Ed How to guides (Opens in new tab)

How to attribute images with with a Creative Commons licence

Open.Ed: How to attribute images with a Creative Commons licence (Opens in new tab)

Commissioned images

If work such as photographs or video has been commissioned from freelancers, then they retain the copyright to that work, unless we have specifically purchased it. That means that we may only have the right to use it for the purpose we originally agreed and may not be able to alter it or use it for other purposes without the agreement of the freelancer. Keep a record of all agreements made when commissioning work.

Please do not assume that because a photo/video/other material has been used elsewhere in the School or University, that it is fine to use for other purposes; always check.