Reference letters

Writing academic reference letters is a part of my job. If you have studied with me and are applying for a PhD programme or academic jobs, I am happy to write a letter for you. However, I will only write letters for students for whom I feel equipped to write a strong letter.

Typically this means:

1. You took at least one course with me and/or I was a dissertation supervisor for you.

2. You received a Distinction in the course you took with me, or if a dissertation, received at least a high merit (67+).

To request a reference letter please do the following:

1. Please request a letter as soon as possible, and with at least 3 working week’s notice (please be mindful of a accounting for public holidays and LSE closure days when you make this request). I will not be able to write a letter with less time than this. (If I have already written a letter for you earlier, then I may be able to submit with somewhat shorter notice).

2. In your email request, please include the following information: How we know each other (which year, which course); specifics about the work you completed in the course along with your mark and comments you received (same for dissertation); include your application materials (i.e. personal statement, transcript etc) in your email. This lets me get a better sense of your overall application.

3. Once I confirm that I can write a letter for you, please send clear instructions on the details for submitting the letter.