How to write an academic CV

Updated 1 November 2026

An academic CV is different from a standard CV. It can be longer, it puts education and research first, and it lists publications and teaching in detail. Use it for lectureships, research posts, scholarships and postgraduate applications.

The usual order of sections

Name and contact details, with your institution and, if you have one, your ORCID iD.
Education, with degree, field, institution, year and thesis or dissertation title.
Research interests, in a few lines.
Academic and professional experience, newest first.
Teaching experience, with courses taught and your role.
Publications, listed in a consistent citation style.
Conference presentations, grants, awards and fellowships.
Professional memberships and relevant skills.
Referees, usually two or three academic referees with their contact details.

Length

There is no strict limit. Early-career applicants usually need two or three pages. Longer is normal for senior academics, but every line should still earn its place.

Make publications easy to check

Use one citation style and list the newest first. Mark work that is under review or in progress clearly, so that nothing is mistaken for a published paper. Give the full details that let a reader find the work.

Tailor it to the post or programme

Put the research and teaching most relevant to the position first. For a postgraduate application, show how your previous study prepares you for the programme.

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Common questions

Should an academic CV include referees?

Yes. Most academic applications ask for two or three referees, usually people who have supervised or worked with you.

Does it matter which citation style I use?

Use one style throughout. If the institution names a style, follow it.

Can I use an academic CV for a non-academic job?

Not usually. For jobs outside universities, a shorter professional CV that focuses on skills and results works better.