phd cv example uk

Schools & departments

Write an academic CV

This section outlines key points to remember when preparing a CV and covering letter and highlights how to present your education and experience for academic jobs in teaching and research.

When you write your CV and cover letter you will face lots of choices about what material to include and how to present it. You need to use your judgement to make decisions which will demonstrate your experience most effectively.

Academic CVs

An academic CV can be longer than the two pages which is standard in other sectors but it should still contain the most important information at the start.

If the application is for a research only position then you should emphasise your research experience, publications, contributions at conferences, research funding you have won and any relevant technical skills.

If it is for a research and teaching position (lectureship) then you should also give details of any teaching and tutoring experience.

Example CV for academic role (CAHSS) (UoE login required)

Example CV for academic role (CSE) (UoE login required)

The headings below describe the typical content of an academic CV.

Education

your PhD, first degree and Masters, if you have one

probably no need to list school qualifications, but if you do, put those that counted for entry to higher education only

for your PhD you should summarise your research to date, include the names of your supervisor(s) and details of any funding obtained. If you have a viva date or target submission date note that

title, grade achieved, and dissertation title is usually enough for Masters and first degrees

give more detail about courses you have taken if they demonstrate a wider subject knowledge that could be of use if applying for a teaching post

Experience (Research)

if you are including this section you can choose to give full details of your PhD research here, and only dates, title and supervisors under the education section

include any research experience in addition to your PhD, such as research assistant or technician roles

give details of the subject area if relevant, and your methodology and technical skills

mention any funding obtained, and your supervisor or research leader

Experience (Teaching)

provide details of any tutoring, demonstrating or lecturing

mention courses taught and level, e.g. Sociology 1 or Cell Biology 2

show involvement with developing courses, marking and assessment

for a teaching application, you could include your teaching methods and philosophy, and any feedback received

invited or guest lectures could be included

Additional experience

The focus should be on your research and / or teaching experience but you can also include briefly other work that can:

demonstrate the skills being sought for the job

show you can successfully manage work and study

fill any chronological gaps in your history

Experience (administration)

demonstrate that you will be a supportive colleague, willing to make a contribution to the administrative work of the department

list any administrative experience you have such as helping to organise a seminar programme or conference or committee membership

Publications and presentations

Published, peer-reviewed publications or monographs will often hold the most weight but early on in your career you will mention other things to illustrate your research activity and impact.

peer-reviewed publications

contributions to books

book reviews

can include those accepted for publication but not yet published

if this section is a bit slim you could include submitted articles to show your intention to publish

inclusion in conference proceedings

presentations or posters at conferences -mention if these have been invited presentations

Interests / other activities

This section is not essential in an academic CV but could be used to include:

positions of responsibility that demonstrate some of the skills the employer is looking for that have not been covered elsewhere

hobbies and interests that say a bit about you, but only very brief details

References

when applying for advertised jobs, you will usually be expected to provide full contact details (name, relationship to you, address, e-mail and telephone) for 2 - 3 referees at least one of whom will be your PhD supervisor

think carefully about who you ask to act as a referee. It can be useful to have someone who is well-known in your academic field but only if they know you well and can comment positively on your abilities

make sure you brief your referees well on what you are applying for and give them an up-to-date copy of your CV to ensure they are aware of all the contributions you have made to your department / research area

Watch our Quick Guide to academic CVs which covers the basics of what to include in an academic CV:

Narrative CVs

In recent years, some research-funding applications have required submission of a CV in the narrative format. Read more in the Narrative CVs for research and innovation blog from our Research Office, which includes a link to the Resume for Researchers template developed by the Royal Society. Also, the Institute for Academic Development offers helpful information on narrative CVs and what steps to take to create your own.

Narrative CVs for research and innovation

Narrative CVs - Institute of Academic Development

The covering or supporting letter

This is your opportunity to show your motivation for the position and demonstrate that you meet the person specification for the job. For academic jobs a covering letter may be longer than one page and should if at all possible be addressed to a named person rather than ‘Dear sir or madam’. You should use your covering letter to address:

why you are interested in this institution and department or research group - they want to know that you are genuinely interested in working for them and are knowledgeable about the teaching (if relevant) and research interests of staff within the department

why you are interested in this position and how it fits in with your career plans

what you have to offer in terms of research and / or teaching experience, qualifications and skills - use good examples to back this up

your ideas for the future in terms of research direction, and your potential to attract funding and publish - particularly important for research-only jobs or teaching jobs at research-intensive universities

You don’t need to repeat your CV, but you should draw attention to key points to encourage the employer to read it.

Using generative AI to create your CV or cover letter

Technologies such as ChatGPT can provide a reasonable basic structure for you to build upon, but what they give you is unlikely to be tailored convincingly and will be bland and generic, and unlikely to impress employers. Use them as a support and starting point if you like - but edit their product to make the end result your own.

Remember these points:

adapt the content generated, to make it more closely related to you -otherwise it will lack impact
be cautious about submitting any personal data, as whatever you put in could be in the public domain
you may be risking plagiarism, as these systems incorporate, in their output, content produced by other people without acknowledging or referencing them

The Bayes Centre at the University has produced general guidance on the use of AI .

AI guidance for staff and students - Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh

This article was published on 2024-05-14

CV for PhD application example

Build your CV on this template

You’ve wrapped up your degree and are keen to embark on your PhD journey.

But before you can get stuck in, you’ll need to secure your place by putting forward a compelling PhD application and CV.

If you’ve never written an academic-style CV before, the process can be daunting. That’s why I’ve created this step-by-step guide to writing a CV for a PhD application.

I’ve also included a PhD CV example, to give you a better idea of what you need to include. Here’s what I’ll cover in the guide:

Guide contents

PhD application CV example

Structuring and formatting your CV
Writing your CV profile
Detailing your education
Detailing your relevant experience

CV templates

As you can see from the CV example above, a PhD CV is structured differently to a traditional CV. Instead of focusing on work experience, academic experience and accomplishments are prioritised.

However, the fundamental CV writing rules stay the same. Therefore, the candidate has put forward their information in a way which is clear, concise and formatted for easy reading.

Build your CV now

PhD application CV structure & format

PhD programmes receive thousands of applications, meaning the university admissions teams are generally very time-strapped.

As such, you need to structure and format your CV to make it as easy as possible for them to review.

First impressions count and a cluttered or disorganised application won’t do you any favours.

Instead, you should aim for a clean, well-organised and professional appearance throughout.

Formatting Tips

Length: While academic CVs are generally longer than standard CVs, it’s still best to aim for a short, relevant and concise document. For PhD applications, a length of one or two A4 pages is ideal. This is more than enough space to highlight your suitability without overwhelming the reader with irrelevant information or excessive detail.
Readability: The information on your CV should be laid out logically, with clear section headings for easy navigation. Break up large chunks of text into small, snappy paragraphs and include bullet points where appropriate.
Design: Opt for a clear, legible font and stick to it throughout – consistency is important. Ensure your headings are formatted for attention by using bold text or a slightly larger font size.
Things to avoid: Steer clear of elaborate designs, fancy fonts, images or logos – they’re simply not needed and might distract from the all-important written content.
Things to consider: CVs ‘rules’ differ from country to country, so if you’re applying to an international university, take some time to research what’s expected of you.

Structuring your CV

Organise your content into the following sections for ease-of-reading:

Contact details – These should always be at the very top of your CV.
Personal statement – A brief introductory summary of your qualifications, skills and experience in relation to the PhD.
Core skills – A short and snappy list of your most relevant skills, tailored to the PhD.
Education – A detailed breakdown of your relevant qualifications, especially your undergraduate and postgraduate degree(s).
Career summary/research experience – An overview of any relevant work or research experience, angled towards your chosen field of study.
Additional information – A space to detail any other relevant information which may boost your application.

Quick tip: While the simple CV format above is usually ideal, academic institutions often have their own preferred structure. Double-check their guidelines before you start writing – their preferences should be prioritised – and use a CV template if you want to speed things up without sacrificing quality.

CV Contact Details

Commence your CV by sharing your basic contact details

Phone number
Email address
Location – Rather than listing your full address, your town or city, such as ‘Manchester’ or ‘Exeter’, is enough.
If you have one, add a link to your LinkedIn profile or a portfolio of work.

CV for PhD Personal Statement

Your profile / personal statement is essentially your first impression on the reader and is a great way to hook their attention.

It should provide a snappy summary of who you are and why your qualifications, skills and ambitions make you a perfect candidate for the PhD.

Tips to consider when creating your personal statement:

Tailor to the PhD: Every PhD programme should have a description available, which you can use to tailor your personal statement ( and your CV as a whole). Focus on proving you have the appropriate educational background, skillset and knowledge to carry out the project.
Prove your enthusiasm: It’s important to put forward your drive and motivation for your field and explain why the specific PhD is so well-matched to your wider interests and ambitions.
Avoid clichés: Clichés and generic phrases like “I’m a motivated team player” and “gives 110%” won’t impress the admissions team.
Keep it short: A paragraph length of around 8-15 lines is perfect. This is only an introduction – the detail can come later on in your CV.

What to include in your CV for PhD personal statement?

Your academic background – Give a brief overview of your undergraduate degree and/or masters and how they’ve brought you towards this PhD.
Impressive results – PhD students are normally academically extraordinary, so make sure to point out any impressive results or feedback – whether that’s your degree as a whole or a particularly relevant assignment/project grade.
Relevant skills – Use the PhD project description to find out what the university is looking for in candidates. Then, try to incorporate the core skills into your profile.
Relevant experience – Not everyone will have any relevant research or work experience to their name at this stage, but if you do, make sure to briefly highlight it here.
Interests, goals & motivations – Give a brief insight into your motivation for taking on a PhD, why you’re so committed to your specific research topics(s) and what you think you can add. It’s also helpful to summarise how the course will fit into your wider career ambitions/goals.

Core skills section

Next, create a punchy list of core skills, organised into 2 or 3 columns of bullet points.

Use the project description to identify the required skills and knowledge, then use your findings to inform your list.

This will help the busy admissions team to see that the PhD is right for you at a glance.

Education & Qualifications

A PhD CV is all about academic achievements and qualifications, so this section should make up the bulk of your CV.

Working in reverse chronological order, provide a detailed breakdown of your undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.

If you have any GCSEs, A-Levels or other academic qualifications that are particularly relevant to the PhD subject, they might be worth listing, too.

Structuring your education

By working to a considered structure, you can ensure your education is easy to navigate and that your key achievements stand out.

For each of your relevant qualifications, break up information into the following sections.

Start by detailing the type of qualification, the title, the achieved grade, the academic institution at which you studied and the year you graduated.

MSc – Environmental Engineering (Distinction)

Middlesex University (2018)

Course content

Next, discuss your thesis or dissertation title (if applicable), the modules you studied and any relevant projects you were involved in.

What you choose to write here should be tailored to the PhD you’re applying for – focus the detail on the most relevant aspects of the qualification.

Thesis: “Identification of the Bacterial Profusion and Variety in Nuclear Waste Disposal”.

Modules: System Analysis in Urban Water Management; Process Engineering in Urban Water Management; Air Quality Control; Waste Management; Ecological Systems Design, and Remote Sensing and Earth Observation.

Project: “Research Study for Anaerobic Wastewater Treatment”

Key achievements (optional)

Finish up with a snappy list of key results, accomplishments or learning outcomes you achieved.

This might be an impressive grade for a highly relevant assignment, an award you won or a quote of exemplary feedback from a tutor.

Career & Research Experience

Next up is your career & research summary, which should be tailored to the PhD in question.

You could include relevant research experience here, as well as any related employment (even if temporary or voluntary).

Make sure to be selective with the type of employment you list, though. For example, a part-time waiting on job isn’t worth including, but a laboratory or tutoring job might be. Ultimately, it should be related to your field or have helped you develop relevant skills or knowledge.

When discussing your research roles, make sure to detail the techniques you used, the skills developed and any interesting findings.

Structuring your experience section

Ensure your career & research section is clear, scannable and easy to read by working to the following structure:

Outline the dates of employment/contract, the role title and the organisation or institution you worked for.

Aug 2018 – Sep 2019 Research Intern Hydro Continental, London

Give a brief overview of the position or research project as a whole, discussing the team you worked with (or lead), who you reported to and what the goal of the project was.

“Undertook a short-term assignment pertaining to the Economics of climate change in order to research and drive improvements in energy consumption and emissions; reported to the Executive Engineer.”

Key responsibilities

Then use bullet points to pinpoint your duties and responsibilities within the role, making sure to mention any relevant techniques or skills used that could benefit your candidacy. E.g.

Employed the Marginal Abatement Cost (MAC) curve tool to present carbon emissions abatement options.
Built partnerships and participated in open discussions with other country modellers and research associates.
Amassed and processed varied data from multiple sources.

Writing your CV for PhD

Applying for a PhD is a daunting yet exciting time, but a flawless CV can help you achieve your goals.

Remember to tailor your CV to the specific PhD you’re applying for and aim to make a compelling case for your suitability and aligned goals.

Before you send off your CV, try to get a second opinion from a current or previous tutor, trusted family member or friend.

It’s also worth checking the finished document with our quick-and-easy CV Builder , to eliminate the risk of overlooking mistakes.

Best of luck with your PhD application!

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Academic CV example

If you're applying for an academic job, then this is the CV template for you. Academic CVs focus on scholarly achievements, research interests and specialist skills

Mariana Greenway Flat 2, Hillview Court, Hillview Road, Hilltown, HZ4 8CV [email protected] 07877009008

A registered nutrition professional with a solid research background, industry experience and a teaching portfolio. I am interested in developing a career which combines teaching and research, while maintaining my interest in public engagement with nutrition and the wider STEM field.

Liverpool John Moores University (2020-2023)

NHS/LJMU funded research titled 'The role of parents and schools in the nutritional choices made by children aged 10-14' (Abstract in Appendix 1). Joint supervisors: Professor Alison LaMotte, Department of Nutrition and Food, LJMU and Dr Henling Strauss, Professor of Paediatrics, Chester University Hospital.

University of Nottingham (2017-2020)

BSc Nutrition and Food Science

Modules included nutrition and the health of populations, trends in food research and nutrition, metabolism and disease. Final-year project on 'Food flavourings - physical and psychological effects on children' based on research carried out through a Nutrition Society Summer Studentship.

Notts County High School (2010-2017)

A-levels: chemistry, biology, geography. AS-level maths.

8 GCSEs including English language and English literature.

Teaching/supervising experience

Teaching assistant, Liverpool John Moores University (2021-present)

Supervising undergraduate dissertations
Assisting with programme development and student assessment
Delivering teaching sessions on BSc Nutrition and Nutrition and Public Health
Student assessment

Guest lecturer, BSc Nutrition and Food Science, University of Nottingham (2020)

Delivered five lectures by invitation
Supervised and assessed student presentations

Summer school lecturer, Liverpool John Moores University (2020-2021)

Coordinating summer school programme
Devising and delivering interactive teaching sessions

Publications

Greenway M, Neill L, Smith J 'Apple or Biscuit: Children’s food choices' (2022) Journal of Child Nutrition 20:934-939
Greenway M, Neill L, Smith J 'Mum, can I have something to eat: parents' role in children’s eating patterns' Journal of Child Nutrition (2021) 16:723-728
Partrillo, V, Greenway M, 'How can schools help children with their food choices?' Primary Education (2020) 25:1029-1032

Research skills

Taking and interpreting food diaries
Qualitative interviewing
Analysis using XJP and PSS 2.0 industry standard systems
Mathematical modelling
Application of scientific theory to qualitative data

Conferences and presentations

British Nutrition Foundation Child Health Conference 2023 Workshop on 'The influence of parents in children's food choices'
Big Bang 2022 Professional Strand presentation on STEM Ambassadors
Association for Nutrition NW Branch Conference 2022 Paper on 'Working with parents'
Chester University Hospital Child Nutrition Symposium 2021 'How and why do children choose what they eat?'
Association for Nutrition Annual Student Conference 2020 Workshop on 'Creating a farmers market'
Association for Nutrition Annual Student Conference 2019 Poster session on child nutrition group work
Association for Nutrition Annual Student Conference 2018 presentation on 'Parents' role in children's food choices: initial research findings'
Association for Nutrition NW Branch Conference 2017 Workshop on 'Do farmers markets and food banks share common ground?'
Nutrition Society Student Award 2020 for BSc final-year dissertation
Nutrition Society Summer Studentship 2019

Professional associations

Registered Associate Nutritionist (ANutr), working towards Registered Nutritionist (RNutr)
Nutrition Society Student Member and member of Student Council

Other qualifications

Levels 3 Award in PTLLS - Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training

Project assistant, The Food Project, Liverpool (2021-present)

Devising workshops for parents and young people
Delivering workshops in schools, Children's Centres, NHS clinics, etc.
Research to support projects and funding bids
Supervising placement students

Nutrition adviser, Food Company Ltd, Merseyside (2020-2021)

Advising product developers on nutritional content of new products
Quality control of food labelling
Research to support product development
Supervising lab staff

Founder member, Dock Street Farmers Market (2017-2020)

Collaborating with others to create monthly market events
Coordinating market days
Negotiating with venues and traders
Bidding for funding

Trustee, Dock Street Farmers Market (2017-present)

Strategic direction for the organisation
Nutritional adviser to the Board
Coordinating funding bids

STEM ambassador (2016-2017)

Speaking at STEM events in schools and colleges to engage young people

Volunteer nutrition assistant, NHS Nottingham (2015-2017)

Working under the direction of a community dietitian to help parents of young children create nutritious meals
Leading cookery sessions for parents and children
Professor Alison LaMotte - Liverpool John Moores University, 0151 9009000, [email protected]
Dr Henling Strauss - Chester University Hospital, 01244 012400, [email protected]
Damian Pandar - The Food Project Liverpool, L6 5PQ, 0151 2962960, [email protected]

Please be aware that this is an example. Use it as a template to help generate ideas and structure your own CV but avoid copying and pasting. Your own CV needs to be original and tailored to the job you're applying for.

Begin your academic CV with a concise introductory personal statement, giving a summary of your skills, experience and career ambitions.

List your achievements in reverse chronological order, starting with your qualifications. Give details of your degrees and your research, but don't take up too much space. Unlike other CVs, academic CVs are often several pages long, but still need to be concise and to the point. To save space list key subjects rather than all of your GCSEs. Try to keep the document to three pages if possible.

Don't leave out any teaching experience and be sure to list your published work. Conferences, awards and professional memberships should all be shown, where relevant.

While academic successes take precedence, you'll still need to include your employment history - even temporary or part-time work is worth listing. This experience shows another side of you and of your experience outside the world of academia.

Finish your CV by giving details of your referees. Try to include a non-academic one if possible.

Find out more

View all example CVs .
Discover how to write a CV .
Learn how to avoid the top 7 CV mistakes .
Read up on getting an academic job .
Find out how to write a personal statement for your CV .

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CV examples

Neah Kapoor, an aspiring PhD candidate, has opted for a simple Otago template. She seeks to drive her career in sustainable development and environmental planning. With a passion for creating positive change and academic excellence, she makes an invaluable asset for shaping a sustainable world.

"Passionate and driven final-year masters student with a solid academic foundation, eager to embark on a PhD journey in sustainable development. Equipped with exceptional research skills and determined to advance knowledge in this field."

Table of contents

How to Write a CV for a PhD Application (Examples, Tips, and Writing Guide)

Embarking on the path to advanced research and academic excellence through a PhD is an exciting journey, demanding not just passion and dedication but also a well-crafted CV that highlights your potential as an aspiring scholar. In the highly competitive landscape of higher education, your CV is vital in determining whether you will stand out as an exceptional candidate.

Whether you are a student , a graduate, or a seasoned professional seeking to elevate your academic pursuits, this article is for you. It details the essential elements of composing a CV that captures your academic journey, research experience, and future career aspirations. From understanding the unique expectations of a PhD application to incorporating relevant experiences and honing an impactful writing style, we delve into the steps to create a good CV .

The CV writing process: Where to start?

A CV tailored explicitly for a PhD application demands a strategic approach highlighting your education, academic accomplishments, and research experience that sets you apart. This document serves as your initial introduction to prospective educational institutions and faculty members, making it imperative to leave a lasting impression that sparks curiosity and interest. Here are two essential pointers to consider:

A fundamental starting point is the creation of a comprehensive master CV, serving as the foundation to build upon as your academic journey progresses. Update it regularly, capturing personal details, educational achievements, work experience, skills, and notable accomplishments.

After that, tailor each iteration by emphasising relevant experiences and qualifications, moulding the personal profile to reflect your academic trajectory and strategically showcasing pertinent skills that set you apart in the fiercely competitive job market.

Tips on how to write a PhD CV

Gain insight into the industry and the specific requirements of your desired PhD programme.

Organise your CV thoughtfully into sections, such as personal details, personal profile, work experience, education, and skills.

Showcase concrete achievements or projects that align with your career goals. Emphasise quantifiable results to demonstrate the impact of your scholarly endeavours.

Integrate relevant keywords to optimise your CV for applicant tracking systems (ATS). This can increase your chances of passing the initial screening process.

Customise each CV to suit the specific application, showcasing how your unique set of skills and experiences perfectly align with the requirements of the programme.

Error-free and engaging writing is paramount. Thoroughly proofread your CV to ensure clarity, coherence, and an overall captivating presentation that will captivate the attention of hiring managers.

Looking to create a CV for a PhD application?

Phd cv example.

Download this PhD CV sample in PDF.

Neah Kapoor, an aspiring and dedicated PhD candidate, has opted for the Otago template to craft her impressive CV. Her passion lies in forging a career in policy analysis, with a special focus on sustainable development and environmental planning. Neah's exceptional academic background and remarkable achievements have been meticulously showcased, underscoring her potential as a valuable contributor to shaping a more sustainable world.

What to include in a PhD CV?

A CV must be comprehensive and well-organised, showcasing your academic qualifications, research experience, and potential as a promising academic researcher or PhD student. See our tips on what to include below (if applicable):

List your degrees chronologically, starting with the most recent. Include the name of the institution, degree obtained, major/specialisation, and graduation date.

Detail your research experience, including internships, projects, or positions held in academic or research settings.

If you have teaching or short-term experience, include the details of the courses you taught, the institution, and the duration of your involvement.

List any academic papers, articles, book chapters, or other scholarly publications you have authored or co-authored. Include the full citation for each publication.

Mention any academic conferences where you presented your findings. Provide details such as the conference name, date, and location.

List the specific research methodologies, techniques, and tools you are proficient in.

Highlight academic achievements, such as winning competitions, scholarships, grants, or fellowships.

If relevant, include extracurricular activities such as hobbies and interests , demonstrating leadership, teamwork, or community engagement.

This is usually on request, but if required, provide the names and contact information of academic or professional references who can vouch for you.

What is a professional summary for a PhD CV?

A professional summary, also known as a personal profile , is a concise and impactful statement that provides a snapshot of your academic background, research expertise, and career aspirations. It serves as an introduction to your CV, capturing the attention of potential employers or educational institutions and enticing them to delve further into your qualifications. Tips on writing a professional summary:

Keep it brief, ideally limited to 4-6 lines.

Mention that you are a PhD candidate or specify the degree you are currently pursuing.

Showcase your enthusiasm for your research area and the academic field in general.

PhD student CV personal profile example

Passionate and driven student in marine biology, dedicated to unravelling the mysteries within this captivating field. Solid foundation in marine biology and an insatiable curiosity for groundbreaking research and innovative discoveries. Aspire to leave a lasting impact on the academic landscape, driving advancements that positively influence society and transform our understanding of marine ecosystems.

Academic CV for PhD application personal profile example

Passionate PhD candidate in forestry with an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and intellectual exploration. Equipped with a strong academic background and dedication to cutting-edge research, committed to making meaningful contributions to forestry. Eager to collaborate with esteemed mentors, embracing interdisciplinary challenges to empower future generations of forestry thinkers.

Refer to our academic CV example for more tips.

What skills should be included in a CV for PhD?

Highlighting skills that demonstrate your potential as a successful researcher and scholar is essential. See our examples below:

Hard skills:

Research Methodologies

Data Analysis

Academic Writing

Literature Review

Computer Programming.

Soft skills:

Critical Thinking

Communication

Time Management

Adaptability

Problem-Solving.

Transferable skills:

Organisational Skills

Teaching and Mentoring

Public Speaking

Project Management

Analytical Skills.

To leave a lasting impact on recruiters, it's essential to distinguish between various types of skills on a CV.

How to write work experience on a CV for PhD application

When writing work experience on a CV, it's essential to present your research-related experiences and accomplishments clearly and concisely. See our tips below:

Start with a clear CV section heading, such as "Work Experience" or "Research Experience."

Include the company/institution name and location.

Specify your job title or position, such as "Research Intern," "Research Assistant," "Laboratory Technician," etc.

Include the period you worked in that position, using years.

Provide a brief overview of your tasks and responsibilities during your work experience. Focus on research-related activities, laboratory work, data analysis, academic projects, or other relevant tasks.

Highlight specific accomplishments or achievements during your work experience.

If applicable, mention any publications, presentations, or academic papers from your work experience. Include the names of supervisors or researchers you worked with and any notable collaborations.

Research Intern, OceanLife Research Institute, Queensland, AU | 2022

Collaborated with a team of marine biologists in conducting field surveys to assess the biodiversity and health of coral reefs. Assisted in collecting and analysing water samples to study the impact of environmental factors on coral bleaching. Maintained and calibrated oceanographic instruments, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection during research expeditions. Attended workshops and seminars by renowned marine scientists, enhancing knowledge of current advancements in marine biology and ecological research

Conducted a comprehensive literature review on marine conservation practices, contributing to the development of a research proposal for a sustainable fishing initiative.

Contributed to drafting a research paper that investigated the symbiotic relationship between marine microorganisms and coral reefs, which was subsequently submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

If you have no work experience , refer to our skills-based CV example.

Education CV section for a PhD student or applicant

The education section of a CV for a student or applicant showcases your academic qualifications and sets the foundation for your scholarly pursuits. When including your degree in this section, make sure to provide the following details:

Clearly state your degree, including the exact title or specialisation.

Specify the field of study or research area in which you pursued.

Mention the name of the university or institution where you earned your degree.

Include the year of your graduation or expected date of graduation.

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology Manchester University of Manchester, UK | 2022

If you have additional forms of qualifications, consider adding courses and certificates in a new section.

Key takeaways

Now that you have more insight into what makes a good CV, we encourage you to follow your passion for knowledge and academic excellence when embarking on a PhD journey. Consider these essential tips to enhance your CV for a successful application:

Showcase academic achievements and honours.

Emphasise research skills and methodologies.

Clearly state research interests and goals.

Tailor the CV for each application to align with specific program requirements.

Next steps?

By adhering to a writing process, conducting research, and leveraging relevant skills, you can increase your chances of securing a placement. If you are not a strong writer, consider our CV Writing Services or browse our CV examples , CV templates , or cover letter templates for further insight.

How do you write a PhD academic CV?

As an academic, highlight your research experiences, academic achievements, skills, and relevant publications by tailoring it to the specific programme requirements.

What should a CV for a PhD look like?

A good CV should follow a clear structure and clean format. The chosen template should only include relevant sections such as personal details, education, experience, skills, awards, or publications.

What is the CV of a PhD student?

As a student, you have little experience so consider utilising a skills-based format while focusing on academic background, research experiences, publications, conference presentations, and any relevant achievements or projects.

How long should a PhD CV be?

A CV for a graduate, student, or someone with little experience typically is one page. However, with academic CVs, they tend to be between two and three pages while still focusing on relevant information and avoiding unnecessary details.

Do you need a CV for PhD?

A CV is typically required when applying for a PhD programme, as it highlights your academic achievements and research experiences. Depending on the programme and, possibly, country, make sure to check the requirements and tailor your application accordingly.

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Academic CV Template

An academic CV is based on the Chronological CV format. However, the two-page limit need not apply to academic applications due to the addition of supporting information relating to details of your PhD and other related research. An academic CV can, therefore, be many pages in length, depending on your experience in the workplace – five pages is the rough guideline for average length. For more help on completing an academic CV read our Academic CV Guidelines here. An example of a completed Academic CV Example for PhD Graduate and Academic CV Example for a Senior Post is also available. Use our academic CV template to help create the perfect CV.

Write your contact details across the page (saving space)

Include your mobile, email address, LinkedIn and website/portfolio.

Briefly state exactly what it is you want – what post are you applying for. Don’t waffle.

PERSONAL PROFILE

This is an optional but if used, a key element of your CV. The rest of your CV content will be based on this section. Use words which reflect skills and experiences which match the opportunity you are applying for but keep it short.

Write in reverse chronological order, the institutions where you studied, when you studied and outcomes. If you are applying for your first post after graduating, then this section can highlight aspects of your PhD which are relevant to the post you are applying for. Include an abstract of your PhD. You may choose to write a more detailed synopsis here or you could put this as an Addendum (if relevant to your application). See the Guidelines for more information.

Write in reverse chronological order, job title, organisation and dates (only month and year necessary). Include jobs you did as a student only if they are relevant to your application. Focus bullet points on your transferable skills and achievements in each role.

Use this section to write about your computational skills, administrative skills, teamwork skills, time-management, communication skills and project-management skills giving some evidence of how you acquired them. What IT skills do you have? Rather than write a long list, use sub-headings: you may want to include some skills in your Addendum if you have one. Depending on the topic of your PhD, you might want to have a section for research skills.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Perhaps you held a position of responsibility, play/played a sport, have volunteering experience, or were an active member of a university club. Do you speak any languages, have a driving licence, play an instrument, or hold a non-academic qualification? If so, include them here.

Three referees would be appropriate. Include your PhD supervisor and at least one other academic who knows you. Give as many contact details for each referee as possible, (address, email and telephone number) with title if appropriate.

Academic CV Additions

Now you add the extra information you need to turn the classic cv into one for your application to work in academia.

An academic CV differs from others in that it should include sections which relate directly to your research and other related skills and experiences. You can see a suggested subject heading list below, or refer back to the Academic Guidelines. There is no set Academic CV format: your layout is up to you.

An applicant with experience applying for a senior post, may well want to add an Appendix/Addendum in which research information can be written in detail as well as other relevant information. A new graduate may not have the experience to do this and can incorporate all relevant headings into the main body of the CV.

Below are some suggestions of how you can record your skills and experience under different headings, and they are just examples. Remember the three key elements potential employers look for are Research, Teaching and Administration, so these three elements should definitely be prioritised and included in all academic CV’s.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Brief summary of current research + names of supervisors
Emphasise creative and innovative aspects of your research where possible.
Where is your research going? Where would you like it to go?
Your potential employer might well know your supervisor – that will give connections and employer may well know the methodology of supervisor
Incorporate conferences and posters
Collaborations – highlight your name even if it is third or fourth in the list of contributors
How have you disseminated your research to a wider audience?
Conducted archival research
Evaluated and selected the appropriate approach to identify key features of the research
Conceptualised the problem
Planned and managed the research project
Ability to deal with different methodologies and theories
Recorded, analysed and interpreted data

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Teaching/demonstrating experience both paid and unpaid – including anything of relevance.
Training, mentoring, facilitating
Supervision of students – undergraduate? Postgraduate? Year?
What teaching materials have you designed or prepared?
Seminar experience? How many hours and how many students?
Have you organised any fieldwork or trips?
Any involvement in course organisation or preparation
Lab supervision
Any informal mentoring or supporting students
Have you supervised any dissertation work or theses?
Have you been involved with tutorials
What lectures you have delivered
Evaluation techniques

ADMINISTRATION EXPERIENCE

Responsibility for planning conferences
Committees (Board of Studies – even as an undergraduate perhaps?) and student associations
Marking, assessment and related paperwork – did you run a lecture course?
Examinations – perhaps you have helped with invigilation or marking?
Writing up research or checking other research work
Ability to prioritise workload and to meet deadlines
Have you made any changes to procedures which have improved the efficiency of the research project or department?
Administration related to involvement with course work or degree schemes
Have you helped out at Open Days?
Planned or organised conferences?
Involvement in writing research proposals
Excellent verbal and written skills

CURRENT RESEARCH

Write about the aims, responsibilities and successes of your research so far
What techniques and methodologies have you used so far?
Are you using quantitative and/or qualitative methods?
What technical skills are you using/developing?
What other skills are you acquiring? Problem-solving skills? Project Management?

FUTURE RESEARCH INTERESTS

Use this heading to identify where you would like your research interest to go.

QUALIFICATIONS

Teaching qualifications
IT qualifications
Language qualifications such as TEFL
Any professional qualification
You could put any professional courses you have attended

POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Member of curriculum development team
Supervised research students
Setting and marking of examinations
Supporting students in a pastoral/advisory role
Membership of committees/boards
Represented institution at conferences and seminars
Established collaboration outside the institution
Coordinated academic and policy dissemination
Managed and supervised staff
Programme administrator

PUBLICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS

Depending on how many publications you have, you could include a shortlist in the body of your CV or provide a full list in an appendix. Include journal articles, books or chapters of books, reports and patents. If you wrote as part of a team, list all authors and highlight your own name in the sequence.

CONFERENCES and COURSES ATTENDED

Give details of any conferences you have attended, and those at which you have presented delivered poster presentations.
Mention any involvement you may have had – perhaps a Grad School event or a conference at department level
List any posters or exhibitions where you have presented
You could use this section to list any courses you have attended

FUNDING and ACADEMIC AWARDS

List any bursaries, scholarships, travel grants or other sources of funding that you were awarded for research projects or to attend meetings or conferences.
Who made the award and for how much?
Did you win any undergraduate prizes?
Was the award for you alone or was it shared?
What role did you play in securing it?
When was the award made?
Include grants, awards, bursaries and fellowships

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

List any membership you hold of any professional body or learned society relevant t your research or other life activities.

For further help and advice with academic applications please see:

Academic Cover Letter
How to Write a Cover Letter for Academic Jobs
How To Write A Flawless Cover Letter
CV Advice Webinar

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Nadine Lewis

Nadine Lewis is a qualified and experienced careers consultant currently working in higher education. She is passionate about empowering students, graduates and professionals to take control of their careers. Nadine has been published in Prospects and presented at various events. In her spare time, she enjoys attending cultural activities and travelling around Europe. LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nadinermlewis