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.