UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE
R E F E R E N C E F O R M F O R A P P L I C A N T S
Master of Philosophy programme in Environmental Management
Confidential
SECTION A (To be completed by the applicant)
NAME OF APPLICANT: ______
At least one and preferably both of the referees you approach for a reference should be from a university. If necessary, however, a reference from a manager of your current or recent employer would suffice.
Information on the M Phil programme for the referee
The Master of Philosophy programme in Environmental Management is a two year programme that attracts a broad range of students from different disciplines. The programme integrates the variety of social, economic, legal, and biophysical disciplines that are essential to effective environmental assessment and management, through a combination of course-work and applied research projects. The programme aims to produce environmental professionals, capable of analytical and integrative thinking, who have:
· a broad understanding of, and sensitivity to, major environmental issues as they occur in southern Africa and around the world, and
· the ability to effectively analyse and contribute to the management of environmental problems and resources.
SECTION B (To be completed by the referee)
We would be grateful for your assistance in providing us with a frank assessment of the applicant's potential for postgraduate study, both in terms of academic and personal qualities, to enable us to select our student group. All information will be treated in strict confidence. Please provide succinct answers to questions 1 to 6 below according to your knowledge of the applicant.
1. How long have you known the applicant and in what capacity?
2. In relation to other individuals you have known in comparable circumstances, how would you rate (briefly, in words) the applicant in terms of the following?
a. Intellectual ability to grasp concepts and reason analytically:
b. Creativity and originality of thought:
c. Clarity and conciseness of written submissions:
d. Clarity of oral expression:
e. Capacity for organisation:
f. Capacity to work independently with limited supervision:
g. Motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives:
3. Are the applicant's interests interdisciplinary in nature and is the applicant capable of contributing positively to a team effort?
4. Does the applicant have any weaknesses that would have a significant bearing on her/his suitability for the M Phil programme?
5. Does the applicant display any strengths or other qualities which make him/her particularly suited to the M Phil programme?
6. Is there any other information you feel should be taken into account in evaluating the suitability of the applicant? Please provide below any additional relevant comments.
Title, name, and position of referee:
Postal address:
Telephone number:
E-mail address:
Referee’s signature:
Date:
Please e-mail the completed reference form to:
Tanya Basadien
E-mail:
Department of Environmental and Geographical Science
University of Cape Town
Private Bag X3
Rondebosch
7701
Telephone: +27 (21) 650-2874
Fax: (021) 650-3456