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Postgraduate

Submitting References

  • What information needs to be included in the reference?

    Your reference should include an opinion (in English) on your academic and personal suitability for the proposed programme of study.

    If you are applying for any MSc Economics programme it is particularly important for the referee to comment on your grasp of basic mathematical and statistical concepts, and microeconomic and macroeconomic concepts.

    Furthermore it would be helpful if the reference could discuss:

    • ability to pursue your own initiatives
    • ability to work alone for short periods
    • ability to synthesise material from different sources
    • originality in interpretation
    • fluency in articulating an argument
    • discipline in submitting written work on time
    • ability to co-operate in the life and work of the academic community.

    Additionally, if you are applying for a Research degree (MPhil or PhD) rather than an MA or MSc, the referee must  give an assessment of your sense of enquiry and ability to generate research hypotheses.

    If there is a first degree examination outstanding, some indication of the class of degree you expect  to obtain.

  • How can I submit my references?

    There are several ways in which to submit a reference.

    • If you are applying for a degree programme via our online system, you can enter your referee's email address in the relevant section of the application form.  Your referee will be automatically contacted and will be invited to submit the recommendation online.  
    • If you submit a paper application , you can print off the SOAS Reference Form (page 8 & 9) and provide each of your named referees with a copy. References are confidential.  Your referees can send their recommendation directly to us at the address below. If the reference is returned to you, it must be in a sealed envelope signed across the seal and you should add it unopened to the application form.
    • If your referees don’t have a SOAS reference form, they can write their recommendation on letter headed paper and send it directly to us by post at the address below in a sealed envelope signed across the seal.
    • Referees can also email their reference directly to SOAS, clearly stating your name, the programme applied for and their full contact details. 

    The reference should be sent from the referee's university/ work email as references sent from a Hotmail/Gmail/Yahoo or similar accounts are not acceptable.

    If you are applying for a Taught Masters programme, please ask your reference to be sent to Mastersadmissions@soas.ac.uk
    If you are applying for a Research programme, please ask your reference to be sent to  Researchadmissions@soas.ac.uk

    Postal Address:

    For Masters Admissions SOAS, Student Admissions and Recruitment, Room G1, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H OXG

    For Research Admissions: School of Oriental and African Studies, Postgraduate Research Section, Registry, Vernon Square, Penton Rise, London WC1X 9EW

  • - I have graduated more than 3 years ago. Can I submit one academic reference and once professional?

    If you have graduated more than 3 years ago you can submit one academic reference and one professional. If you have graduated more than 5 years ago, we can consider two professional references as long as they are relevant to the course you are applying for.

  • I am applying online. Do I have to send the hard copy of the reference letters as well as the transcript?

    When applying online, you can enter the names and email addresses of your referees in the appropriate section of the online application form. An automatic request to submit references will be sent to the selected referees.

    References can also be emailed directly to us by your referees at mastersadmissions@soas.ac.uk. Emailed references must clearly state your name, the programme you have applied for and the referees contact details.

    References sent from a Hotmail, Gmail or Yahoo account will not be acceptable.

    References must be sent from the referee's work / University email address and preferably written on letter headed paper.

    You will not need to submit hard copies of the reference letters unless requested by Admissions.