Reference request for masters course

Willowx

I am looking to go back to university to get my masters and I have get an academic reference from my undergraduate degree. I know who I am planning on asking, common courtesy dictates that you should ask them before hand. I have been unable to contact him by phone and the department administrator recommended that I email him but how much information do I include and how do I phrase it so it doesn't either sound stilted or abrupt?

I was thinking first sentences:

I am writing to you to determine if you would be willing to provide a reference for my application to (course name at university). I graduated (date) with (degree classification and title).


and include at some point.
Should you be willing to provide a reference this will be done via (university name) website via a link they will e-mail you.

However I am unsure what else to include.

Stubert

How many years ago was your undergraduate? You make it sounds as if they will have no idea who you are. Most of my tutors I would have a completely anonymous relationship with and I only graduated last year but I made sure I got to know one well.

I'd make it a little more personal if you can...

jrrowleyws

Dear Dr X,

I graduated from XX in XX and am currently looking for a masters course. In order to apply I will require two academioc references and was wandering if you would be willing to provide me with a reference?

Regards/Cheers/Brap

XX


To be honest, if they never really knew you then all they will go on is either a generic reference or they may look up your academic history so you get a slightly personalised reference. I'd try and get someone who knew you, final year project supervisor or similar.

pandora205

I think it's fine to email but OP's style is too formal for an email. The post above is much better (but wondering rather than wandering) and you could add some details about yourself too. This could include something that may remind the referee of who you are and also details of what you have been doing since university (if relevant).

Willowx

It was only a few years ago and while it wasn't an anonymous relationship, ie he would stop for a quick chat to see how I was getting on if he saw me around campus and I always got very good marks in his courses I am always conscious of the fact that their is from my point of view a handful of academics to remember whereas they have anywhere between from 50 to 100+ for each of there modules with new students each year. He certainly gave me good reference when I needed them for my job but I was still at the university at the time and went to ask him in person so it was obvious who I was rather than just a name.

The_One_Who

If you send an email asking if he would, you could always attach a transcript and a piece of work (that is related to the course) if you have one. That gives them a bit to go on.

bitsandpieces

I'd also give details of what you're applying for, where to send reference to and when it's needed by - so they have that info to hand if they write the reference. You might also offer to send additional info (e.g. CV) if helpful.

Don't panic about doing this - it's seen as a good thing if students go on to postgrad study. Absolutely, send a correct and well-written letter - but, tbh, unless you insult their mum or something the academic is likely to be happy to hear of your plans

anotherginger

when i asked for an academic reference from an old lecturer he asked for more details so that he could write the reference accordingly. it's probably good to include at least the name of the course you are applying for and why you are interested in doing it. check your application details as well, i had to ensure that they posted the reference directly to the university i was applying to, so in the end i wrote a letter and included a stamp addressed envelope.

orangeslimes

If they don't remember you that well they might ask you for a copy of your CV or application or something to help with writing something more personal.
This is what an old tutor of mine does, I am not sure if she actually remembers me or not.
But I think she is a particularly good person for that sort of thing - I emailed her and asked and she replied in 2 hours. I emailed another tutor and he replied one month later, and didn't ask for my CV or anything so I presume he would have written something generic.

I think you should just explain a little about the course you are intending on doing.
Mention when you graduated and what modules you did with him.

But don't use the word 'determine'.
I would say...
Dear so and so,
I graduated from your university in YEAR with a degree in XYZ. I was in your tutorial group for XYZ (or whatever is applicable).
I am now planning to apply to a Masters Course in Y (perhaps brief explanation of why or maybe what the course is). Would you be willing to supply me with an reference for this?
Thank you for your help.

Then when he says yes - reply and explain about the email link and offer to send a copy of your application to help him.
Or maybe you could put this in the initial email, but I would keep it short and sweet.