Hi,

I'm in the process of applying for a PhD next year and at the point where I need to put down referees - very kindly, a couple of my old lecturers offered to do it back when I was in University earlier this year.

It has now been about 6 months or so and I'm wondering whether or not to send them a quick reminder email and a heads up that I'm applying. The format of the application is they'll get an automatic email asking for the reference, but I don't know if it would be in better form to personally contact them first.

Bear in mind these are busy academics :P

Thanks

Yeah I would email to warn them, I think that's what you're meant to do each time you put them down as a reference. For politeness and to remind them who you are etc =)