Undergraduate applicants are required to submit one reference letter through UCAS.

Postgraduate applicants are not required to submit a reference letter with UCAS, but it may be required if the chosen school asks for one. It is highly recommended to include a reference letter anyways, since it can significantly improve your application, especially if you are applying to highly competitive programs such as med schools in the UK. If you are applying to med school in the UK through UCAS, it can be a good idea to read UK medicine personal statement examples, too, as your reference letter and personal statement will be key and complementary parts of your application.Ī UCAS reference letter is not the same as a letter of recommendation written to schools in the US. A reference letter is usually the reference from an applicant’s high school or secondary school to the universities in the UK they’re applying to.Ī reference letter is a complement to an applicant’s personal statement or statement, but does not repeat the information. The reference letter is also the part of the UCAS application you won’t have any control over, and you likely won’t even be able to read it. You won’t be able to write your own reference letter, and you’ll be required to submit one as part of your UCAS app. Still unsure how the UK med school application process works? You'll want to check out this video: If you’re wondering how to find referees to ask for your reference letter, it’s recommended to choose the person most closely related to the subject you plan to study in university.

For students applying to study sciences for their undergraduate degree, it’s best to ask their science subject teachers or research advisors. If you’re looking at getting a degree in history, ask your history teacher for a reference. Usually, UCAS reference letters are written by subject teachers, department head, head of sixth form, tutors or school counsellors.

Ucas reference example