Which universities accept work references instead of academic references?

**maybe** · 01-10-2009, 06:03 PM

Hi

Can anyone let me know from experience who accepts work rather than academic references?

M

spruce* · 01-10-2009, 09:49 PM

I'm at Glasgow and I applied with a work reference. Aberdeen also accepted that, they asked me at interview if I'd be able to provide a back up ref from my old uni if necessary but I got an unconditional and they never asked for it in the end up.

**zhangyuzhi** · 01-10-2009, 11:35 PM

I think Imperial does, and according to the admission officer, they actually prefer someone to write the reference if he/she was the former employer of the applicant.

coz they worked with the applicant (for a reasonably period of time preferably) and knew the personality things better.

**maybe** · 02-10-2009, 02:55 AM

Thanks very much.

**dotvicky** · 03-10-2009, 04:32 PM

I'm hoping all my universities accept work references because that's what they're getting. I'm hoping my grades, both long ago and recently, will count for enough on that front. After all, surely a reference talking about how well I work now is far more relevant than one from a teacher I haven't spoken to in 15 years?! (I'm doing self-study for my recent A levels.)

Cheers
Vicky

**Medicine Woman:)** · 03-10-2009, 04:55 PM

I've been working for 4 years but applying as a graduate entry even though I'. 26. I'm submitting a work reference, it's more relevant I think

**persianmd** · 18-08-2010, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by dotvicky

(I'm doing self-study for my recent A levels.)

Hi DotVicky,

Did you self study A Levels in Chemistry by any chance? it seems to be very difficult finding somewhere that does it... and is cheap!

**dotvicky** · 18-08-2010, 07:10 PM

Yes, I did the AS with NEC (don't know if they do it anymore) and then the A2 completely home-study with some revision books and websites. Definitely the cheapest way to do it!

I did a practical revision course for the AS Level at Campbell Harris in London as I hadn't handled a test tube since I was 16 and then all the exams (including the practicals) with them as well. The exams are expensive - there's no way around it.

I know the syllabus has changed since I did it so I don't know what is available now but I'd definitely give Campbell Harris a call about what options they have because they seem pretty good at making it work.

I'm proof that you can do home study and get the A grade (I would have just missed the A* grade if I'd got the marks I got on the new syllabus) but I know several intelligent and motivated people who didn't do so well so you really need to have good quality learning and revision technique and a lot of discipline.

Cheers
Vicky

**persianmd** · 18-08-2010, 07:21 PM

Thanks DotVicky. I have looked at both the NEC and Campbell Harris. Unfortunately Campbell Harris have run out of lab spaces for next year and NEC dont offer chemistry any longer so I will have to continue looking! Congratulations on getting into Bristol!!

**DPSM** · 18-08-2010, 07:55 PM

Have you studied A Level Chemistry before and are retaking it? If so, the examination boards allow you to carry practicals forward and simply re-take the examination elements.