References for postgraduate research applications
This information is provided to assist referees in completing a reference for an applicant to postgraduate research.
A reference is an overview of an applicant, provided by someone known to them, in support of their application for postgraduate research.
Types of reference
There are two types of reference:
- An academic reference relates to a period of education and is written by a former/current mentor/supervisor/lecturer/professor.
- A professional reference relates to a period of employment and should be completed by a manager/supervisor (not a colleague).
Both types of reference should address the academic potential of the applicant.
We typically require academic references, but it may be necessary for an applicant to request professional references if they have completed study more than six years before their application for postgraduate research.
The referee must not be related to the applicant.
What to include
The reference should highlight the applicant’s academic history, standard of work, potential for research degree study and any other information in support of their application, including communication skills, their ability to work as part of a team or independently, originality of work and analytical skills.
How to complete the reference
Please complete our reference form with as much information as possible. Please provide examples where possible; this could include marks and ranking (where known) and/or quality of written work.
Download the reference form (Word Doc)
What makes a good reference
The competitive nature of scholarship funding means that applicants normally have a similar level of academic achievement, therefore it is important to demonstrate additional skills attained during study.
Where known, it is also an opportunity to note any additional activities in support of their application, such as conference attendance, papers/journals/articles, academic prizes won, mentoring/teaching, involvement in student government/university community, organisation of conferences and meetings, community involvement or civic engagement.
Reference submission deadline
We require the reference in order to consider the postgraduate research application and, if applicable, the scholarship application. Therefore, it is important to complete a reference as quickly as possible (normally within two working weeks) and with a sufficient level of detail.
Scholarship competitions often have strict deadlines and applicants may have a scholarship application automatically rejected if either reference has not been received. It may therefore sometimes be necessary to request that a reference is returned in less than two weeks.
How to submit your reference
References should be sent as an email attachment from an institutional or professional email account. Please do not send a reference from a personal email address.
Email addresses for each admissions team are listed in the postgraduate research admissions contacts.
Contact us
Any questions relating to references should be directed to the relevant admissions team. Please see the postgraduate research admissions contacts.