Applications for the 2025 summer research programme are now open. Learn more about Aspiring Researchers: Arts and Humanities.
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References
A reference helps us to better understand your suitability for the programme.
You will be asked to include contact details of an academic or professional referee in your application. Your referee should be someone you are familiar with, who knows you and your work well.
Your referee will be emailed ahead of the closing date and asked to comment on your:
- academic performance, academic potential and motivation
- potential for originality, creativity and independence of thought
- intellectual characteristics
- suitability for postgraduate study or research
- suitability for the programme
Academic referee
An academic reference is required if you have finished your undergraduate studies within the last 2 years.
Your academic referee could be your:
- personal tutor
- dissertation supervisor
- adviser of studies
- module coordinator
- lecturer
Professional referee
If you left higher education more than 2 years ago, you can nominate someone to comment on your abilities in a professional context.
Your professional referee could be your current or previous:
- line manager
- senior colleague, such as a director, who knows your work well
- project manager for a project you have worked on
They should be someone who had responsibility for your appraisal and delivery of work.
Requesting a reference
We strongly recommend speaking with your potential referee in advance to confirm they are happy to act as your referee. Tell them about the programme and give them plenty of notice before the closing date.
If you do not hear from your referee after asking, do not be afraid to contact them again if it has been over a week.
Once you have your referee’s permission, make sure they have:
- your full name
- details of the research experience programme and the topic you are focusing on
- your future academic plans
- anything you will submit as part of your application, for example your CV and personal statement
- the application closing date
The referee's contact details in your application must be:
- the official university or employer email address of your referee
- up-to-date and correct to avoid delaying the application process
After you submit your application, we will email your referee to ask for a reference to support your application to the programme.
Referees must provide their references by the closing date. Your application will not be considered complete until we have received your reference.
If your referee has not provided a reference by the closing date, your application will be withdrawn.
Selection criteria
To be a successful applicant, you will be selected depending on:
- your proposed research topic – the project must be viable within a 6-week timeframe and well-written
- your academic achievement and potential – this will be evaluated through the application form, university transcript, reference and online interview
- any previous opportunities or educational experiences – preference might be given to students who have not already researched relevant areas
We might also take into account contextual information. This may include your socio-economic information and any ongoing disruption that you have faced to your studies so far.
We will operate a waiting list in case any selected candidates are unable to take up their place. You will be informed if you are on the waiting list.
How to apply
You can apply to our programme through the online form.
Applications submitted by any other means will not be considered.
Before you start your application, make sure you have:
- a research proposal for your topic of interest
- a University transcript
- an up-to-date CV
- contact details of your nominated referee
Applications must be completed by midnight on Friday 7 March 2025.
Online interviews for shortlisted candidates will be in early April 2025 to discuss the application and proposal with possible supervisors.
Contact us
If you have any questions, contact experience@postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk