Is a Research Experience Letter a letter of recommendation?
No, a Research Experience Letter is not the same as a letter of recommendation. Although it contains an acknowledgement of skills and/or experience written by a supervisor/lecturer (as in a letter of recommendation), it should also include a description of experience related to the subject area of the studies to which the candidate is applying.
The letter may be a description of a project, a subject carried out in a previous study programme, research carried out for a thesis with a description of the methods applied, as well as other activities carried out, including professional work.
What should a Research Experience Letter look like?
A Research Experience Letter provides a description of the candidate's experience related to the field of study for which he/she is applying, confirmed by project supervisors.
Projects undertaken as part of one's studies, student activities, research work, and professional experience will be considered.
The Research Experience Letter should include a minimum of two projects and should be written in English.
Essential points in the Research Experience Letter:
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A description of the content of projects and the form of participation by the candidate;
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Details concerning the supervisor and his/her the role in each project;
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Confirmation by the project supervisor(s) with a signature/stamp on the data provided.
Scored elements of the Research Experience Letter (30 points in total):
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the merits of the candidate's performance (10 points);
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the relevance of the projects to the field of study for which the candidate is applying (10 points);
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the link between the person writing the referral and the candidate's educational and professional career (10 points).
Examples of activities:
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A subject completed during the candidate's previous studies, which is substantively related to the field of study which the candidate is applying for, and a description of the scientific methods and tools used in the course;
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A project carried out during the candidate's studies, also as part of a course;
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A thesis project (bachelor's/master's thesis) which converges with the field of study at FES UW;
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Activity in a scientific association and implemented projects which converge with the field of study;
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Participation in the organisation of a scientific event;
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Presentation of a publication at a conference;
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Publication in a trade journal;
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Participation in a competition related to the field of study;
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Professional experience.
Sample Research Experience Letter form