References, like personal statements, will vary significantly depending on the degree programme you are applying to and your educational background. We will not consider applications received without a valid reference. Admissions Officers will use the reference to help distinguish between applicants. It should support the information provided in the personal statement. The reference is intended to help the University assess your suitability for university study generally and the specific degree that you have applied for. If your reference will not fit into the box, you must obtain a shorter version from your referee - do not edit it yourself. There is space for 4,000 characters (this includes spaces) or 47 lines of text (this includes blank lines). Guidance is available from UCAS on what to include and how to complete the reference. If you are applying as an individual then you will have to input the reference on their behalf - in other words you will paste in a document they have written. If you are applying via your school they will be able to add your reference automatically. The reference should be written in English. Your reference should not be completed by: If you are currently studying, or have recently left school or college, you should ask your head teacher, principal or an appropriate teacher or tutor to provide a reference. Your referee should know you well enough to write about you and to comment on your suitability for higher education. The reference is an essential part of your UCAS application, where someone writes an account of your suitability for study on your behalf.

How to provide a ucas reference example