When applying for a doctoral programme, your PhD CV is often the first piece of evidence that supervisors and admission panels see about your academic potential and your research capability. And the usefulness of that CV doesn’t end once you’ve secured your place; it becomes the foundation for your academic CV, in case you want to pursue a career in academia, or for a standard professional CV or résumé if you’re looking to apply for industry roles.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to write an effective CV for your PhD application, how to format it properly, and how to adapt it after your doctorate — whether you’re pursuing an academic post or moving into a different sector.
What Does a PhD CV Look Like?
A PhD Curriculum Vitae is an academic-style document that details your education, research experience, publications, and skills. It differs from a standard CV in both purpose and length. While a professional CV focuses on achievements and responsibilities, a PhD application CV focuses on academic preparation, critical thinking, and research potential.
In the UK, universities expect a full academic CV for your PhD application rather than a short résumé, often used in the States, and it should reflect your intellectual journey.
Why a CV is Important for PhD Applications
Admissions panels use your CV to assess whether your background aligns with the department’s and chosen supervisor’s research priorities. It demonstrates not only what you’ve studied but also how you’ve engaged with your field — through projects, bursaries, independent research, or work experience.
For example, if you’re applying for a PhD in environmental science, you should include undergraduate dissertation work analysing climate data or mention your role in a research assistantship.
A good CV for your doctoral application also helps supervisors determine if your methodological and theoretical knowledge aligns with the proposed project. Alongside your statement and proposal, it shows your academic maturity and motivation to pursue research.
Don’t forget that our CV typically works in tandem with your cover letter — you can read more about this in our guide on how to write a PhD cover letter.
How to Write an Effective CV for PhD Application
Structure and CV Format for PhD Application
A clear and well-organised CV format for PhD application makes an immediate impression. Most are between two and three pages long. Avoid excessive design features — focus on structure, spacing, and readability.
Here’s a simple CV template for PhD application structure:
- Contact information (name, email, phone)
- Education and qualifications
- Research / Professional experience
- Publications and presentations
- Academic awards and grants
- Skills
- References (Optional)
Key Sections to Include in Your PhD CV
Admissions tutors skim CVs quickly. Use concise bullet points to highlight relevant achievements. For example:
- Conducted archival research using 18th-century manuscripts to support a dissertation on early modern Italian art
- Presented findings at the British Society for Aesthetics Annual Conference (2024)
- Designed and implemented a mixed-methods survey on digital learning in higher education, analysed using SPSS
Education
List your degrees in reverse chronological order. Include dissertation titles and, if relevant, supervisors:
MA History of Art, University College London (Distinction)
Dissertation: “Renaissance Iconography and the Politics of Patronage” – supervised by Dr Maria Rossi
BA (Hons) History of Art, University of Manchester (First Class)
Dissertation: “Gender and Representation in Italian Baroque Painting” – supervised by Prof James Turner
This structure clearly shows your academic progression and areas of research interest.
Research Experience / Professional Experience
This is one of the most important sections in a PhD application CV. Describe research assistant roles, summer projects, or independent studies, but also professional experiences, preferably related to your research proposal.
Graduate Summer Intern, Manchester Museum (2024)
– Assisted with curatorial research on early modern art collections.
– Contributed catalogue entries for the upcoming exhibition “Faith and Form: Art in Renaissance Europe.
Publications and Presentations
Even if you have limited publications, include conference posters, blogs, or departmental talks. Example:
‘Digital Archiving and Cultural Memory’, paper presented at the Digital Humanities Symposium, 2023.
Skills
Divide this into academic, technical, and transferable skills. Examples:
- Academic: textual analysis, data visualisation, qualitative interviewing.
- Technical: R, Python, SPSS, NVivo.
- Transferable: project management, communication, leadership.
References
Most PhD applicants are asked to provide at least two academic referees, and you’ll usually need to include their details in the university’s application form. Because of this, you can decide whether or not to list them directly on your PhD CV. Some applicants prefer to write “References available upon request” to save space, while others include them at the end of the document for clarity.
In most cases, universities contact referees directly once you’ve submitted your application, so it’s crucial to provide accurate and up-to-date contact information in your online application form.
Before you list anyone, always ask for permission and let them know about your proposed PhD topic or the department you’re applying to — this helps them write a more tailored, supportive reference.
For more guidance on who to choose and how to approach them, see our detailed post on choosing the right PhD referees for your application.
Tailoring Your PhD Application CV
It’s a good idea to start with a solid master version of your CV, but remember that each PhD CV should then be tailored to the specific programme and supervisor you’re applying to. This is especially important for pre-defined PhD projects, which are common in STEM fields, where the focus and methodology are already outlined by the department.
Use the project description and departmental webpages to identify key themes, research methods, and subject areas. Then, echo those naturally in your own CV — particularly in your research experience, skills, and academic background sections. This shows that you’ve read the project details carefully and can contribute to the ongoing work in that area.
For example, if your proposed project involves comparative literature or digital archives, make sure your education, dissertation topics, or previous research experience reflect these interests clearly.
For more on the broader application process, see our guide to how to apply for a PhD in the UK.
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PhD CV Example: How to Showcase Your Strengths
To help you see how these principles work in practice, here’s a short PhD CV example designed specifically for a PhD application. It illustrates how to present your academic background, research experience, and skills clearly and concisely. In reality, your full CV will likely be longer — usually two to three pages — but this sample gives a sense of the format and tone expected. Notice how the focus is on academic preparation and research experience — key elements that admissions panels look for in a strong Curriculum Vitae for PhD candidates.
CV Template for Your PhD Application
Anna Roberts
Email: [email protected]
Education
MA English Literature, University College London (Distinction)
Dissertation: “Narratives of Memory and Modernity in Virginia Woolf’s Later Works” – supervised by Dr Jane Smith
BA (Hons) English Literature, University of Leeds (First Class)
Dissertation: “Urban Space and Gender in Nineteenth-Century British Fiction” – supervised by Prof Alan Green
Research and Professional Experience
Graduate Intern, British Library (2024)
– Assisted in cataloguing and annotating early twentieth-century literary manuscripts.
– Conducted independent research on Woolf’s correspondence archives for forthcoming exhibition Modernist Voices.
Teaching Assistant, Department of English, University of Leeds (2023–2024)
– Led undergraduate seminars on Modernist literature and critical theory.
– Marked essays and provided detailed feedback on argument structure and use of sources.
Publications and Presentations
Roberts, A. (2024). “The Ethics of Perception: Reading Woolf Through Levinas.” Paper presented at the Modernist Studies Association Conference, Glasgow.
Skills
– Archival research and textual analysis
– Academic writing and editing
– Project management and independent research
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a CV for a PhD Application
Even strong candidates sometimes make small but costly mistakes when preparing their PhD application CV. Admissions panels review hundreds of applications each year, and clarity, focus, and relevance make all the difference. Avoiding the following pitfalls will help your PhD CV stand out for the right reasons.
1. Being too generic
A one-size-fits-all CV rarely impresses academic selectors. Many applicants reuse the same document for multiple universities or disciplines, but this approach can make your CV feel unfocused. Tailor every section to the specific programme or supervisor — highlight relevant courses, research experience, or dissertation topics that align with the advertised project or department’s strengths.
Tip: Mention methodologies or keywords drawn from the PhD description (e.g. “digital archives,” “comparative analysis,” or “qualitative research”) to show your fit.
2. Listing everything you’ve ever done
It can be tempting to include every job, conference, or essay you’ve written, but in a CV for a PhD application, relevance matters more than quantity. Admissions tutors want to see evidence of research ability and academic promise — not a long list of unrelated experiences.
Prioritise experiences that demonstrate your critical thinking, analytical skills, or familiarity with your proposed research topic. For example, a museum internship may be relevant for an art history PhD, but casual retail work probably isn’t (unless it clearly illustrates transferable skills like organisation or communication).
3. Ignoring structure and readability
A dense wall of text is difficult to read — especially when your CV will be reviewed quickly. Avoid long paragraphs and use bullet points to make achievements stand out. Headings such as Education, Research Experience, and Publications should be clearly defined and consistent in style.
Tip: Keep formatting professional and simple. Admissions staff are looking for substance, not style — so stick to a clean, academic layout rather than overly designed templates.
4. Overlooking transferable skills
Even in research-focused applications, selectors look for evidence of broader skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and time management. These abilities show that you can handle the independence of PhD study and contribute positively to an academic community.
Highlighting transferable skills on your PhD CV not only adds balance but also prepares you for future applications, whether academic or professional.
5. Forgetting to proofread and seek feedback
A CV filled with small grammatical errors or inconsistent formatting can give the impression of carelessness — something every admissions panel notices. Always proofread carefully and, if possible, ask someone to review your CV before submission.
Write an Academic CV After Completing Your PhD
Once you’ve completed your doctorate, your CV will evolve into a more comprehensive academic CV. This is the version used when applying for postdoctoral positions, fellowships, lectureships, or research grants.
What Is an Academic CV?
An academic CV showcases your entire research trajectory. It’s typically longer — often up to five pages, depending on the number of publications and research projects undertaken — and includes sections on teaching, publications, research funding, and professional service.
Unlike the concise PhD CV you’d use for a doctoral application, this document reflects your growing expertise as an independent researcher.
Academic CV Template and Structure
The overall academic CV format is quite similar to your PhD application CV, but it typically includes a few additional sections that reflect your growing experience as a researcher and teacher. In particular, you’ll expand areas such as publications, teaching, and professional service to show your development since completing your doctorate.
Here are some sample sections you can use as a template for your academic CV:
- Personal details
- Education and qualifications
- Research appointments or postdocs
- Publications (separated into books, articles, and chapters)
- Conference papers and invited talks
- Grants, funding, and awards
- Teaching and supervision
- Professional memberships and service
- References
Turning Your PhD CV into a Professional CV for Industry Positions
Not all PhD graduates stay in academia. Many transition to roles in consulting, policy, data science, or education. In that case, your academic CV should be reworked into a concise, achievement-focused industry CV that highlights impact and transferable skills.
How to Adapt Your Academic CV
A CV for industry typically runs one to a maximum of two pages and focuses on outcomes and competencies rather than detailed research output. Replace long lists of publications with clear evidence of achievement and relevance to the role.
For example:
- Led a cross-institutional project analysing qualitative data from 500 participants, delivering actionable insights on public engagement in science communication.
- Managed collaborative projects with international partners, developing cross-cultural communication and project management skills.
By shifting the emphasis from academic detail to measurable results, you make your PhD CV appealing to employers outside academia.
How to Mention Your PhD and Leverage Transferable Skills
Your PhD is a powerful asset — even for non-academic roles — but it should be framed in a way that highlights the practical skills you developed throughout your research. Instead of describing your doctorate purely as an academic qualification, focus on the analytical, organisational, and leadership abilities it demonstrates.
For instance:
PhD in Environmental Policy, University of Bristol (2025)
– Designed and led a three-year interdisciplinary research project integrating data analysis, stakeholder interviews, and policy evaluation.
– Developed advanced data-handling and presentation skills, including report writing for non-specialist audiences.
– Managed timelines, budgets, and collaboration with external organisations.
This approach makes it clear that your PhD experience goes far beyond a thesis — it shows you can manage complex projects, communicate effectively, and solve problems independently. These transferable skills are valued across sectors, from government and business to non-profits and tech.
CV Format and Focus for Non-Academic Roles
Use a clean, professional structure that prioritises clarity:
- Personal details
- Summary/profile
- Professional experience
- Skills and competencies
- Education
- Additional information
You should still reference your PhD within the Education section, but keep it concise and highlight outcomes, not just research topics. Emphasise transferable abilities such as analytical thinking, independence, adaptability, teamwork, and resilience — qualities that translate effectively into any professional environment.
Conclusion
Treat your PhD CV as a reflection of your academic identity and professional growth. Whether you’re applying for a doctoral position, building your first academic CV, or converting your profile into an academic resume for industry, clarity and relevance are key.
Tailor your CV to the opportunity, demonstrate your research capabilities, and show that you understand the expectations of the field. With a well-crafted document, you’ll position yourself as a strong, motivated researcher ready to contribute meaningfully to your discipline.
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Our expert academics can guide you through every stage of the process — from perfecting your PhD CV and research proposal to refining your personal statement and interview preparation. We’ll help you present a cohesive, competitive application tailored to your chosen university and supervisor.
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FAQs About PhD CVs
How long should my CV be for a PhD application?
Most CVs for PhD applications are two to three pages, depending on your skills and experience. Focus on relevance and depth rather than length — include education, research experience, and publications, but avoid unnecessary details from unrelated jobs.
What’s the difference between a CV and a resume?
A CV is a comprehensive record of your academic achievements, while a résumé is a short, targeted summary of professional experience. In academia and research, a CV is the standard document.
Can I submit a CV instead of a resume?
Yes, for most UK universities and research roles, a CV is preferred over a résumé. Only in some industries or US contexts would a résumé be expected.
How to write a CV as a PhD student?
When you already hold a PhD, your CV should emphasise research outputs, teaching experience, and grants. For non-academic jobs, focus on transferable skills such as data analysis, communication, and leadership.
