University of Sussex Business School

Request an academic reference

Academic Success Advisors can provide a reference for undergraduates applying for a Masters degree, and studying abroad. For workplace, placement or post-Masters study references, please ask an academic who has taught you. Follow the steps below according to the type of reference you are seeking.

Undergraduates applying for a Masters degree

We recommend that you apply for a reference for a maximum of three Universities. Please see reference guidance here.

  • Your Academic Success Advisor can provide a reference. Find your Success Advisor on Sussex Direct and contact them to discuss your reference.
  • If you need two references, ask an academic who has taught you to provide the second reference – you must book an appointment with them to receive a reference.
  • For each referee please fill out the Microsoft Form
  • Apply to the University for your Masters course, including the names of your referee(s).
  • If your chosen University wants to offer you a place, they will ask your referee(s) to send a reference. You do not get a copy of the reference.

Study abroad reference

  • Your Academic Success Advisor can provide a reference. Find your Success Advisor on Sussex Direct and contact them to discuss your reference.
  • Fill out the Microsoft Form
  • List your academic advisor as your Study Abroad referee.
  • If your chosen University wants to offer you a place, your academic advisor will write your reference and send it to the Study Abroad team. You do not get a copy of the reference.

Masters students applying for further study

  • Ask an academic who has taught you to write you a reference - you must book an appointment with them to receive a reference.
  • Fill out the Microsoft Form
  • Apply to the University for your PhD course, including the name of your referee.
  • If your chosen University wants to offer you a place, they will ask your referee to send a reference. You do not get a copy of the reference.

Careers reference (professional placements, internships, graduate jobs, voluntary work, other)

  • Ask an academic who has taught you to write you a reference – you must book an appointment with them to receive a reference.
  • Fill out the Microsoft Form
  • Apply for the job/placement, including the name of your referee.
  • If your chosen employer wants to offer you a job, they will ask your referee to send a reference. You do not get a copy of the reference.