Reference Requests
We’re committed to supporting our students and graduates in their next steps, whether that’s employment or further study.
Personal or Academic Character References
If you require a personal reference, for example, a character or academic reference, you should contact the academic member of staff directly to seek their permission before providing their details to a third party (e.g. employer or university). With your consent, references must be sent directly from the staff member to the third party. Academic staff are not permitted to share a reference directly with you.
If the academic member of staff you are requesting a reference from no longer works at the University and there is no alternative academic you would like to ask, a verification letter may be the most appropriate option—see the section below.
Verification Letters (Confirmation of Study and Award)
If you need a reference confirming your study and award, a verification letter is often the most appropriate option. This includes everything contained in a transcript, plus your official start and end dates, mode of study, language of delivery and assessment, and confirmation that you studied a validated and fully recognised UK degree programme. Please be aware that this template cannot be deviated from.
You can purchase a verification letter here: DC Web Account Login.
For Awards Conferred Before 2004
If your award was conferred before 2004 your documents will not appear in the above portal. Please contact registrydigitaldocs@sunderland.ac.uk to discuss your requirements; however, do note that it may not be possible for us to issue a verification letter in all cases for graduates prior to 2004.