Guidance Notes for Referees –
AHRC Professional Preparation Masters Studentships

As a referee, you should be able to comment in detail on the applicant's recent work and his/her preparedness for postgraduate study. Please provide evidence both of the skills that the applicant possesses and, importantly, how they relate to the proposed study (as described in the applicant's ‘case for support’).

Academic referees are asked to draw on their experience of the applicant's work as a whole. Where the degree has not already been awarded, please indicate what the likely degree result will be. It should be clear from the information provided in the rest of your report why you are predicting this grade.

Professional referees should state how long the applicant has worked with them and in what capacity. You should detail the type and range of duties that were performed, and how this may have prepared the applicant for the proposed study.

References that do not provide a detailed appraisal of the applicant's academic development and suitability for his/her proposed study, but are simply a general statement of support, may disadvantage even the strongest applicant. Please do not make inappropriate comments such as personal remarks.

Please comment under the headings indicated below.
The Professional Preparation scheme aims to provide support for students undertaking Master's or Postgraduate Diploma courses that focus on developing high-level skills and competencies for professional practice in a field relevant to the content of the course. We ask you to bear this aim in mind when providing your reference.

(a) Previous performance
For academic referees, please provide a realistic appraisal of the applicant's abilities, based on the quality of his/her academic performance to date. Include comments on the applicant's overall performance in his/her degree and his/her performance on individual modules or courses. Please give examples to illustrate your comments. If the student is currently undertaking his/her undergraduate degree, and if you are permitted to do so, please include details of his/her marks. For professional referees, please draw on your experience of the applicant's work to give an appraisal of his/her professional performance to date. Please highlight the applicant's strengths (and any weaknesses) that are relevant to the area in which he/she plans to study and work.

(b) Potential for postgraduate study
Please provide an assessment of the applicant's aptitude, ability and preparedness for the proposed course, their potential to complete the course successfully, his/her motivation and commitment, any relevant intellectual and practical skills the applicant possesses, and the potential to continue in professional practice. You should say how the proposed course relates to the applicant's academic and professional experience to date, and to his/her future plans. You might wish to comment on factors such as the applicant's professional, practical or technical ability, conceptual ability, problem -solving skills, capacity for independent thought, potential for innovation, organisational skills, communication skills, and the applicant's ability compared to other relevant groups or individuals of which you have experience. Professional referees should also comment on the applicant's professional commitment, motivation and potential, and how undertaking the course will help the applicant to meet his/her long-term career aims.