Thank you for taking the time to make this helpful video, David. It's really useful as something for aspiring applicants as well as to pass on to referees. I'm wondering whether you have any advice on using a supervisor from a research role as an academic reference (not from the institution studied at)? I worked as a research assistant for three years and my supervisor knows me well and would be able to suitably comment on my research and academic ability. My BSc/MSc academic tutor or research supervisor could comment on my academic ability, but as I graduated many years ago and had less time with them, it feels less suitable. Have you seen applications where research supervisors (from a research assistant role) are used as academic references, and are these viewed at less favorably than a reference from course tutor from institution where the applicant studied? Many thanks in advance.
Hi Gina, I obviously cant give you a definitive answer as different programmes may have specific requirements. However, the Clearing House guidance says "where possible, be from an academic institution where the person applying has studied". I understand your reluctance to use a reference from someone who hasnt known you for some years, however this is the norm and ther reference is about suitability for academic study so it makes sense for it to be from someone who is a) an academic and b) has experience of you in an academic context. However, there are cases where people cannot get a suitable reference from their university. In those cases, my personal advice would be to remember the purpose of the reference so ideally you would get someone who is familiar with the academic demands of a doctoral programme and is also familiar with your work in a similar context, this could be an RA role particularly if, as in your case, it has been over a long period and it has involved independent contribution to the research and academic writing. I hope this is helpful.
Hi David, thank you for this video. My most recent post-graduate academic study was Qualified Teacher Status, so I used my Subject Mentor as my academic reference. They are from Education not a psychology background. Would you recommend against this for my next application? I graduated my Clinical Psych MSc over 10 years ago and can’t even make contact with my tutor… I can’t really think of anyone else who knows me in an academic context.
Thanks David for making such a useful video.
Thank you for taking the time to make this helpful video, David. It's really useful as something for aspiring applicants as well as to pass on to referees. I'm wondering whether you have any advice on using a supervisor from a research role as an academic reference (not from the institution studied at)? I worked as a research assistant for three years and my supervisor knows me well and would be able to suitably comment on my research and academic ability. My BSc/MSc academic tutor or research supervisor could comment on my academic ability, but as I graduated many years ago and had less time with them, it feels less suitable. Have you seen applications where research supervisors (from a research assistant role) are used as academic references, and are these viewed at less favorably than a reference from course tutor from institution where the applicant studied? Many thanks in advance.
Hi Gina, I obviously cant give you a definitive answer as different programmes may have specific requirements. However, the Clearing House guidance says "where possible, be from an academic institution where the person applying has studied". I understand your reluctance to use a reference from someone who hasnt known you for some years, however this is the norm and ther reference is about suitability for academic study so it makes sense for it to be from someone who is a) an academic and b) has experience of you in an academic context. However, there are cases where people cannot get a suitable reference from their university. In those cases, my personal advice would be to remember the purpose of the reference so ideally you would get someone who is familiar with the academic demands of a doctoral programme and is also familiar with your work in a similar context, this could be an RA role particularly if, as in your case, it has been over a long period and it has involved independent contribution to the research and academic writing. I hope this is helpful.
@@DavidMurphyUK Super helpful, David. Thank you so much for your comprehensive response - really appreciated. Take care :)
Hi David, thank you for this video. My most recent post-graduate academic study was Qualified Teacher Status, so I used my Subject Mentor as my academic reference. They are from Education not a psychology background. Would you recommend against this for my next application? I graduated my Clinical Psych MSc over 10 years ago and can’t even make contact with my tutor… I can’t really think of anyone else who knows me in an academic context.