Writing a reference

Guidance on writing a reference for an applicant

If you have been asked to provide a reference letter in support of someone you know, either in your personal life or professionally, please read the following guidance document on the information you will be required to include. Please note, it is essential that you read the Important Information section below to ensure that the reference letter you provide meets our requirements.

There are two way to submit a reference:

1. Online via the link in the email which has been generated by our application system.

If you choose this method please refer to the information below for guidance on the contact we would like you to provide. (You do not need to provide the declaration form)

2. Emailing us directly to clladmissions@warwick.ac.uk

If you are going to email us directly please refer to the information below for guidance on the contact we would like you to provide. Please ensure you also complete the declaration form and email this alongside your reference.

Important information

Sign and date your reference letter
Provide full contact details (to include full name, address, telephone number, and email) If providing a professional reference please present either on letter-headed paper or via an official company/institution email address
Completion of the enclosed Reference Request Declaration FormLink opens in a new window.
For completion by the person providing the reference only. This declaration form is to be included with the reference either in
1. a sealed envelope or
2. as an attached file (if reference provided via email).

Professional referees

If you are providing a reference for someone you have employed, or line managed this classes as a ‘professional reference.’ Professional references must include:

Dates of the period you employed/managed the individual
How much involvement you had with the individual during that time period
How you would describe the individual’s performance at work
How you would describe the individual’s academic ability
How you would describe the individual’s personal characteristics and general suitability to undertake the proposed course of study

Professional references should be recent (you will need to have managed/employed the individual no more than 2 years ago).

Character referees

If you are providing a reference for someone you know in a personal capacity (i.e., someone you have not taught or employed/line managed), this classes as a ‘character reference.’ Character references must include:

The length of time you have known the individual
How you know the individual (i.e., as a neighbour/friend/colleague)
How you would describe the individual’s attitude to work and other commitments
How you would describe the individual’s personal characteristics and general suitability to undertake the proposed course of study.

Character referees should be recent - you will need to have been in contact with the individual no more than 2 years ago, and have known them for at least 3 years.