Your References, Transcripts and English Qualification
What documents do I need to send you?
As well as your application form we also need the following:
- A copy of your current or final academic transcripts and their official translations
- A copy of your degree certificates and their official translations
- Two academic references on headed paper. We will not accept references if they are not on headed paper
- any additional documents specifically listed on the Taught degree programmes A-Z
- IELTS score if English is not your first language
- Copy of your passport (photo page) - non-EU applicants only
Do I need to send you my original references?
No. Clear scanned copies of your references on headed paper are acceptable. If your referees prefer to send original letters to our office, they can do so. Simply ask them to state your name, your reference number and the course you are applying for on the reference letter.
Are my reference letters absolutely confidential?
Ask your referees to provide open reference letters that you can simply scan and upload with the rest of your documents. If, however, your referees prefer to send sealed references, please post the sealed letters to the Postgraduate Admissions team at the Recruitment & International Office.
Can you contact my referees yourself to ask for references?
No, that is not possible. It is your responsibility to request the references in the first instance and make sure they understand what we require from them. We will occasionally contact your referees to obtain further information on your performance.
Can my referees email their references?
Yes. Your referees can email a scanned copy of their letter to us, provided it is on headed paper. If your referees are from a UK higher institution, we will accept a reference by email provided the email is from their professional email account and contains their full employee name and address. They should send it to the Admissions Team. The decision committee has the right not to accept an emailed reference.
Do I need to send you my original IELTS/TOEFL certificate?
No. We can verify your IELTS or TOEFL results online so you may send us a scanned copy or clear photocopy of your official certificate.
Do you accept TOEFL?
TOEFL certificates are accepted for most courses, but IELTS is required for some of them. Please check that TOEFL is suitable for your course before arranging to sit a TOEFL exam – if the course conveners ask for IELTS they will not accept TOEFL instead. If in doubt, check with our English as a Foreign Language unit.
Can I just print my last degree module results from my University online results system?
No. We do not accept this as proof of your results. We need an official transcript from your University, which you should be able to get from your Registry department. If it is your final transcript, it needs to state what your final overall result is. Please include the transcript of your full degree, not just the last year.
My degree transcripts/references are in a language that is not English, is this ok?
No. We need an official translation of your documents into English if they are not printed in English in the first place. We will not be able to process your application until we have received a copy of your original documents and their official translation
The official translation must contain confirmation from the translator/translation company that it is an accurate translation of the original document, the date of the translation, the translator/an authorised official of the translation company’s full name and signature, and the translator/translation company’s contact details. The translation is a document that can be independently verified. The original translation will be required when you apply for your Tier 4 visa.
Where a translation of an overseas qualification or award certificate is submitted, we will not take it as a direct translation of the academic level of that award. We will always use UK NARIC to assess the equivalency of overseas qualifications.
I have not finished my first degree - can I still apply?
Yes, but you will not receive an unconditional offer until we have received your final results. You may be made a conditional offer on finishing your degree at the required grade.
I have just sent you all my original documents - can I get them back?
Yes, but you need to request them back as we do not return them automatically due to the high number of applications we receive. You can request any original certificates, i.e. your degree transcripts and your IELTS or TOEFL score. We cannot return your references, as these are confidential. This request can be made at any time during the application process, by emailing the Admissions Team stating your current postal address.
If you are not offered a place at the University of Glasgow and wish to get your original documents back, you must request them within 30 days, after which your application and documents will be destroyed.
Do you need to see my CV or personal statement?
These documents are generally not required. See the entry requirements for your course.
I have received an email requesting supporting documents. What does it mean?
The email will list the documents that we need to make a decision on your application. Follow the directions given in the email, access your online application and upload your supporting documents. Entry requirements and required documents are listed on the Taught Degree programmes A-Z.
It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete and that all required documents are submitted on time. Failure to do so may mean that your application will not be considered.
I have received an email telling me that my application will be withdrawn because my documents have not been submitted. I do not have the documents you require. What do I do?
Please contact the Admissions team and let us know. We will allow you more time to submit the required information.