FAQ - second-cycle (graduate) studies

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:

  • A description of the content of projects and the form of participation by the candidate;

  • Details concerning the supervisor and his/her the role in each project;

  • 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):

  • the merits of the candidate's performance (10 points);

  • the relevance of the projects to the field of study for which the candidate is applying (10 points);

  • the link between the person writing the referral and the candidate's educational and professional career (10 points).

Examples of activities:

  • 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;

  • A project carried out during the candidate's studies, also as part of a course;

  • A thesis project (bachelor's/master's thesis) which converges with the field of study at FES UW;

  • Activity in a scientific association and implemented projects which converge with the field of study;

  • Participation in the organisation of a scientific event;

  • Presentation of a publication at a conference;

  • Publication in a trade journal;

  • Participation in a competition related to the field of study;

  • Professional experience.

Sample Research Experience Letter form 


How can I submit documents within the deadline being outside the Poland?

The confirmation of submitting documents within the deadlines is the date on a post stamp which should be one of the dates mentioned at the admission schedule for submitting documents. Even if the documents will rich our office later, but the date on a post stamp will be correct, the documents will be accept and will be process further.