Academic CVs

Academic CVs, like all others, need to be tailored to the programme apply for. Although longer and
more detailed than other types, they should be concise and focused on relevant experience. CVs
of more than two sides of paper are acceptable.

Academic CVs should only be used for academic applications. The key features are: academic
achievements, publications, descriptions of research and details of funding awarded.

Before you begin, also look at the general advice on CV writing. You could also talk to other
researchers and ask if you can see their CVs. Further tips on making the most of your research
experience can be found in Presenting your research.

Getting started

Analyse the admission requirements and description of the course and then think about
how to present evidence that you meet the requirements

Give prominence to your academic achievements and research interests.

Academic CV structure

The structure could include the following suggested headings that can be arranged in the order
that best suits your experience and the job requirements.

Personal details - your name as the document title with contact details beneath.

Education and prizes - in reverse chronological order. Focus on higher education (high school is
no longer relevant and front-page space is precious). Include awards and scholarships.

Research/jof interests give a brief outline of past, present and future. see the section on
statement of research interest

Research/job experience - also in reverse chronological order. Again, focus on higher education.
Highlight any funding received. For further ideas look at Presenting your research

aims
 achievements

relevant techniques

responsibilities.

Funding - awards for research projects or to attend meetings or conferences, prizes.

Teaching (if applicable) - include student demonstrating, supervision, lecturing, seminar leading,
assessment, (again in reverse chronological order).

Administrative experience - eg course organisation, committee membership, highlighting any

positions of responsibility.

Skills - specialist/technical, IT, languages, plus any skills required for the job.

Professional qualifications - membership of learned societies or professional bodies.

Training and development undertaken - eg teaching and learning qualifications, specialist research
or analytical techniques, skills development (for example, presentations, time management,
academic writing, research supervision).

Publications (if applicable) - listing most recent first. Include journal articles, books or chapters of
books, reports and patents.

Attendance at conferences and seminars - highlighting any invitations to present. Always list the
most recent first.

References - details of two or three referees (usually at least two academic) who have given
permission to be included.

Use of technical language

You can assume that the audience for your academic CV will be familiar with technical language of
your discipline and so it is appropriate to write a description of your research work in academic
language. But be aware that people less specialised may read the CV, so keep jargon to a minimum
and write with clarity.