When applying for a PhD (PGR) programme, your CV should showcase your academic achievements, research experience, and motivation for pursuing doctoral study. It’s different from a professional CV — here, the focus is on your suitability for academic research.

What to include in your academic CV

• Contact information: Include your full name, current city, phone number, and a professional email address.
• Research interests: A brief summary of your research interests, tailored to the specific project you're applying for, demonstrating your motivation for that field.
• Education:  List degrees in reverse chronological order, including:
  • Institution name, degree title, dates of study, and grades achieved (including classifications or GPA).
  • Mention relevant modules, research projects and dissertation titles
  • Supervisor(s), if applicable
  • For international qualifications, briefly explain the grading system.
  • It's generally not necessary to include high school information unless specifically requested.
• Research experience: Detail any research experience you have (e.g. undergraduate and master’s research), lab work or technical experience. Highlight your responsibilities and achievements.
• Publications and conferences: Include any academic publications (even if not peer-reviewed, such as book reviews or articles), poster presentations, or conference talks—formal or informal. Full citations if available.
• Additional experience/positions of responsibility: Include any part-time work, volunteering, internships, or roles where you held significant responsibilities. Focus on transferable skills relevant to a PhD, such as time management, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Mention membership in relevant societies or professional bodies.
• Relevant skills: Briefly list both hard skills (e.g., specific software, lab techniques, languages) and soft skills (e.g., critical thinking, adaptability, initiative) relevant to your research area.
• Awards and funding: Mention any scholarships, grants, prizes, or awards you have received.
• Teaching experience (if applicable): If you have any teaching, tutoring, or mentoring experience, describe your role and responsibilities.
• References: Typically, you'll need to provide the names and contact details of at least two academic referees who know your work well. Always ask for their permission beforehand.

Resources to support your CV writing

• University postgraduate admissions pages – Often provide institution-specific CV or personal statement guidance. E.g., University of Cambridge.
• University careers services – As with CVs, careers services offer advice, workshops, and feedback on personal statements.
• UCAS and postgraduate sites – Provide general examples and structuring advice.
• Academic blogs and PhD forums – Search for real-world tips (e.g. “How to write a PhD CV UK”). – Search for real-world tips (e.g. “How to write a PhD CV UK”).
• Online resources: Such as Prosper, PhD application tips, PhD preparation tips and Vitae for creating effective academic CVs.

Final tips for a standout CV

• Tailor it: Customize your CV for each application, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific research area and institution.
• Be concise: Aim for 1-2 pages. Academic CVs can be slightly longer if you have significant research experience or publications. Use bullet points for readability.
• Focus on achievements: Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and highlight your accomplishments.
• Maintain a professional format: Use a clear, classic font (e.g., Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman) and consistent formatting.
• Proofread carefully: Check spelling and grammar carefully. Ask someone else to review it for clarity and accuracy.