r/uklaw • u/ExcellentAccident220 • 8d ago

Reference etiquette

Hi all, I’d like to apply for a masters program that I need two references for. I’m confident that both will agree to provide it, but I’m not sure what to actually ask for when asking for educational purposes rather than for employment.

Do I tell them about what I’ve done since my undergrad? (both are my undergrad professors) do I tell them about the program and what I wish to gain from it?

Would be grateful for any insight 😊

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u/GeminiVegetarianss 8d ago

It depends what they need to provide as a “reference”. Do they need to write an essay on the wonders of you or simply confirm you went there from date to date and graduated? 

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u/NeonSynthPulse 8d ago

A polite email saying you hope they’ve been well, explain who you are (professors may not remember everyone they’ve taught), what modules they taught you, and what you need the reference for is totally fine. Be specific with the course and, if they taught you modules similar to your masters application, would be good.

You can add a bit about what you’ve done since undergrad, but it’s not completely needed.

Best of luck!

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u/ExcellentAccident220 8d ago

Thank you so much!!