What is an academic reference?

An academic reference is a type of written reference which focuses on a person’s academic performance for example whilst at school, college or university. They are sometimes referred to as letters of recommendation. 

Academic references are often needed for things such as:

• Applying for postgraduate study 
• Scholarship applications 
• Applying for internships 
• Applying for graduate schemes/full-time employment

An academic reference will focus on areas such as the quality of your academic work and your grades. It will also comment on your academic conduct including your attendance, whether you submitted assessments on time and your participation in classes. 

Who can provide an academic reference?

An academic reference is provided by a member of the academic staff such as a lecturer or tutor. It is best to ask someone who knows you well enough to comment on your academic conduct and is familiar with your work. This could be your personal tutor, programme leader or module/course leader. 

How to ask for an academic reference 

Like with any other reference it is good manners to ask the person’s permission beforehand. In the first instance, you should contact the person by email to ask if they are willing to provide a reference. Try to allow as much time as possible (ideally 2-3 weeks before the deadline) for the person to provide your reference. Remember, university staff are often busy especially in the middle of exam season. 

You should provide as much information as possible to your referee about your application and the position or programme you are applying for. Ideally, you should include:

• Your full name, student number and current programme 
• The position or programme you are applying for
• The name of the organisation 
• What they need to do i.e complete a form or send a written reference 
• The application deadline

If your chosen referee agrees to provide an academic reference, you will need to submit their details as part of your application. Usually, the organisation or institution that requested the reference will contact your referee directly and ask them to respond. This means you may not be able to read the reference yourself unless you request a copy under the Data Protection Act.  

Example academic reference request email 

Dear Professor Thompson,

I am writing to you to ask if you would be willing to provide an academic reference for me. Currently, I am in the process of applying for a postgraduate course in finance at the University of Edinburgh.  I believe studying this course will help me to build my knowledge of finance and prepare me for my future career in the financial sector. 

As my professor, your reference would offer the university an insight into my skills and knowledge of accountancy and finance and the accountancy project our class completed. 

Please find attached a copy of the referee’s instructions and the course listing. The application is due by 15 November and referees will be contacted by the university after this date. 

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request and please feel free to contact me if you require any further information. 

Yours sincerely

Emma Wilson

Student number: EW12345

BSc Accountancy and Finance Year 4

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