References

You will usually be asked to provide references in support of your application.

Choosing your referees

Appropriate people to provide your references would include a Personal Tutor (or equivalent) or another academic who has taught you at undergraduate or masters level. They should be able to comment on your potential to undertake postgraduate study.

If it is a while since you graduated you may be able to supply a work-related reference in place of an academic one. This would typically be written by a line manager.

Requesting a reference

Download our reference request template, which will help you prepare a request to send to your referee. 

Reference request template (RTF) (757.83 KB Rich Text Format)

Reference request template (PDF) (140.06 KB PDF)

Providing your references

You can provide your references in one of the following ways:

Online

You can upload your references with your online application.

Alternatively you can provide us with the referees’ email addresses and we will send a request by email. This will provide them with a link to upload a reference direct to your application, or alternatively to send it directly to us. Please note that the system will only send one email, and that it is your responsibility to send reminders if required.

Please ensure that your referees are prepared and able to provide the references within five working days of the submission of your application. More detailed guidance for referees is available.

Detailed guidance for referees

If you have not uploaded your references at the point of submitting your application, you can upload them at a later date through the Applicant Hub.

By post

You can post your references to the relevant College office. Please ensure that your full name and date of birth are clearly indicated on each reference. If you have already applied and received your UUN you should also include this.