References for masters degree

preciousb

I am hoping to do an MSC this September but need references of 2 people

Who would you normally use? Could it be my last employer.

I cant think of a uni tutor that i was close with.

I am also stuck on the personal statement, its sooo hard. Any hints or tips pleaseee?

Oldernotwiser

You don't need to have been "close" to an academic tutor; the reference will be based on your work,not the relationship.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

When I applied to do this a few years back I was told I needed 3 references and that at least two needed to be academic references (ie from your undergrad degree). This is so that they can get an overview of you as a student. Whoever writes this reference for you will look at your academic file, which includes your transcripts with your grades over the undergrad degree, and comment, as well as commenting on you as an individual.

If you don't know any of the turors well enough to ask them to pass comment, go to the course director who will have access to your academic record even if they don't know you as an individual.

The three I ussed were 1) my tutor, 2) course director, and 3) employer

If you did your first degree many years ago and cannot get in touch with any of the relevant people, employer references are likley to be accepted, but definately include copies of your transcripts (grades throughout the undergrad degree).

If your undergrad was rescent, then they will expect to have a reference from someone involved here - and perhapse think it odd if you don't include one!

Hope this helps, and good luck

Pigget

Hi preciousb,

I have just applied to take an MA this September, and the uni I applied to had guidance notes which specified that of the two referees required one had to be academic and the other was up to the candidate. Do the unis that you are applying to specify anything anywhere?

I asked for a reference from my dissertation supervisor and my current employer.

As for the personal statement, usually the unis give some guidance (although not very much) as to how long they would like it to be. Are you doing a taught or a reserach MSc. If it is taught perhaps mention specific modules you would be interested in choosing.

The_One_Who

Did you have a dissertation supervisor or a personal tutor? Ask them. Offer to provide them with samples of your work so they can get a better overview rather than just your transcript. At least one reference should be academic if you are still in or recently left higher education. It's only really if you haven't been there for a few years and your employer is relevant to the degree field will they accept them.

As for the personal statement, it depends on the university, but most want to know why that course/department, what your academic interests are and how these fit in with department staff. They also usually want an overview of what your intended topic of thesis will be.

preciousb

Thanks for the responses ,

I applied at DMU Leicester

I been in touch with my dissertation tutor who is going to write one for me. Also i contacted the department of business for my undergraduate course. Just waiting on them to reply to me.

Out of curiosity does anyone know if the OU procedure is similar for a masters course?

bitsandpieces

Leicester will want references that tell them how good an MSc student you'll be (and to extent how you can contribute more broadly and where this might fit into your stunning career trajectory ). Pick your referees so that they can make a compelling case on this point!

Unless you've got a very strong reason not to, I'd plan for at least one reference to be academic. Whether an employer's reference is useful depends a bit on the MSc and on the job: if it's an MSc chemistry and the reference can comment on how well you contributed to your employer's lab research, that could be really useful. If the referee can't say much of relevance, though, better to approach academics.

Even if you weren't close to academics where you studied, they should be able to access your records. You should also offer them a copy of your CV/the application form, so that they can be more detailed. You'll likely find people happy to help - both from goodwill, and because it's seen as a positive thing if students go on to postgrad work.