When applying for postgraduate study, you may be asked for an academic reference. This is a reference written by an academic member of staff who can comment on things like:
- the quality of your academic work
- whether you have submitted work on time
- your attendance at lectures and tutorials
- how you performed within tutorials.
Before naming someone as a referee, it's important to ask them for permission first.
Choosing whom to ask
Your referee should be familiar with your work. This will usually be an adviser of studies, a module coordinator, a lecturer, or a supervisor. Generally, you should not ask a postgraduate tutor for a reference, though your referee may ask them to help write the reference.
References should support your application, so choose a referee who can comment most positively on your academic performance. If you are unsure whether someone can, they are probably the wrong person to ask.
When to ask
You should ask your referee for a reference as soon as possible, but usually at least two weeks before the application deadline.
If you need a reference at shorter notice, you should apologise to your referee for this and explain why you could not ask sooner. Note that in these circ*mstances it may not be possible for them to provide a reference.
How to ask
Whether you ask for a reference in person or by email, there's some key information you should give your referee. These include:
- your full name and student number
- details of the position you are applying for and the employer, organisation or institution offering the position
- anything you will submit as part of your application (for example, a cover letter, application form, or personal statement)
- how they should complete and submit the reference (for example, by an online portal, email, or letter)
- the application deadline.
Your referee may also find it helpful to have a copy of your CV.
If you don't receive a response
If your referee has not acknowledged your request in one week, you can follow up with a polite reminder.
If that does not work, you should consider contacting another potential referee, the professional services staff within your School or your Head of School, who may be able to help you.
