Student reference policy

Dear Student,

Thank you for contacting me about writing a reference. Please see below my policy on reference writing. Should this apply to you, please send me the requested information below. I take reference writing very seriously, and my past students have found this beneficial. I wish you the best of luck with your applications.

  1. I am happy to write internship, fellowship or job references for students I have taught in one of my modules. For academic references for future study, I am happy to write for those who have achieved a distinction or very high merit on the module on which I have taught them plus a distinction or very high merit in their overall degree. I am happy to write references for my PhD students. I do not write references for students I have not personally taught. 
  2. Unfortunately I cannot write references with less than 2 weeks’ notice before the deadline. Please bear in mind that students tend to ask for references at the same times of the year, so the more notice you can give the better.
  3. I do not write references when my name has been put on a submitted application prior to you asking my permission. Please ask first as this is an important professional courtesy. If I am contacted but am unable to provide a reference, this may delay your application when you need to find another referee at short notice.
  4. If you are currently or have studied with me as a BA student, I will require the following information:
  • CV
  • Writing sample (a short course essay would be appropriate)
  • KCL transcript
  • A list of the applications, their deadlines (if relevant), and the method for returning my reference. I am afraid I cannot collate this information myself.
  1. If you are currently or have studied with me as an MA student, I will require the following information:
  • CV
  • KCL transcript
  • PhD proposal (if you are applying for a PhD)
  • A list of the applications, their deadlines (if relevant), and the method for returning my reference. I am afraid I cannot collate this information myself.
  1. If you are a PhD student, I will require the following information:
  • CV
  • MA transcript(s) or list of MA marks if this is not available
  • For post-docs and fellowships: a list of the applications, their deadlines, and the method for returning my reference. I am afraid I cannot collate this information myself.
  1. If you are applying to an MA or PhD programme, most of these applications are now online. If you have not received an automated reminder that I have submitted my reference, I would appreciate a gentle reminder the week before the upcoming deadline. I do my best to submit applications 1-2 weeks prior to their deadline, but you are the best-placed to keep track of the deadlines, particularly during term-time.
  2. Please remember that reference-giving is a human process. It helps if we have had some in-person contact so that I can write something more colourful and less boring than a standard reference. Please feel free to visit me in office hours.
  3. Even if I have written you a reference during your time at KCL, if time has passed, please do re-send your materials, so I have the most up-to-date info at my fingertips.