If they decide not to give you a reference for whatever reason, UCAS will let you know. You will also need to find their phone and email details so UCAS can contact them to request your reference. If you’re not using a registered centre as your referee, you will need to contact them to make sure they are willing to give you a reference via the UCAS website. They will then write the reference for you and a red tick will appear when the section has been completed. Just go to the 'Options’ section in Apply and click 'Ask a registered school, college or organisation to write your reference only'. If you’re applying independently, you can still ask a registered school, college or other organisation to complete the reference for you. They will then complete the reference section before sending it off to UCAS. Unfortunately UCAS will not allow you to see your reference, as this will be completed on your behalf by the centre you are applying through.Īll you can do is check that each section of your UCAS application is correct, mark them all as complete, pay for your application and send it online to your referee. They may also refer to any learning difficulties or disabilities you may have, but only with your permission! Applying through a school, college or other organisation Whoever is writing it should be able to comment on your chosen career path and your suitability for it how you have performed at school/college, or at work/during training if you have not recently left education any personal circumstances (such as health problems, or family death) that may have affected you in the past or could affect your performance in the future. If UCAS find out this is the case, they will cancel your application - so be careful who you ask! What should be included in the UCAS reference? You're not allowed to ask family, friends or previous/current partners to write your reference for you.

Is there anyone I'm not allowed to ask for a reference? UCAS references are normally written by someone who knows you at school or college, such as one of your A level tutors or your head of sixth form.ĭon't worry if you haven't recently left school or college - there are alternative options!įor example, you can speak to either your current or previous employer, or if you are taking an apprenticeship or some other form of training you can ask your supervisor.Īs long as the person knows you well enough to be able to comment on your academic abilities and your suitability for higher education, then UCAS should happily accept your reference. Part of the UCAS application form involves getting someone to write you a reference.

Ucas tutor reference examples