Academic CV template
Classic serif type, dates in the margin and numbered publications for research and teaching posts. No photo.
Best for experienced candidates. One-column layout, professional and elegant, in blue.
£4.99 one-off · CV + matching cover letter · PDF and Word. Secure checkout by Stripe, instant access, no subscription. Or try it free with your details first.
Colourways of the Academic design: Cloister, Scholar, Laurel.
What's included
- A matching cover letter in the same design
- A4, laid out for UK applications
- Real, selectable text that online application systems can read
- Switch template any time without losing a word
- AI writing help for your profile, achievements and letter (up to 60 AI actions)
- PDF and Word downloads of your CV and letter
- Edit and download again any time, no subscription
What to put on an academic CV
An academic CV is read by a selection panel that wants to see your research, publications and teaching in a clear order. This academic CV template uses classic serif type, puts dates in the margin and numbers your publications, so a long list stays easy to follow. It suits PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, lecturers and research fellows, and it has no photo.
Universities often ask for a CV alongside an online form and a covering letter that addresses the person specification. Fill yours in and preview every page for free, with no account needed. Pay £4.99 once to download it as PDF and Word, with a matching cover letter included. It is A4, and the text is real and selectable, so it copies cleanly into application portals.
Start with your doctorate
Give your PhD title, institution, supervisor and the year it was awarded, or say when you expect to submit. Follow with your master's and first degree. Panels for early career posts read this section first, so keep it near the top.
Number your publications
Group them by type, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books and chapters, conference papers and work under review, and use one citation style throughout. Put your own name in bold in each author list so your contribution is easy to see.
Show grants and funding
List research grants, fellowships, studentships and travel awards with the funder, the year and your role, such as principal investigator or co-investigator. Add the amount if you are happy to share it. Funding shows you can win support for your work.
Describe your teaching
Name the modules you have taught, the level and what you did, such as lectures, seminars, marking or supervising dissertations. Add a teaching qualification, such as Fellowship of Advance HE or a PGCert in higher education, if you hold one.
Include conferences and service
Add invited talks, conference presentations, peer review for journals, committee work and public engagement. An established academic CV can run well past two pages, but cut anything that does not support the post you are applying for.
Questions
How long should an academic CV be?
Longer than a standard CV. Early career researchers often need two to four pages, while established academics may need more because of their publications and grants. Keep each section tidy and relevant, and check the advert, as some universities and funders set their own page limits.
What is the difference between an academic CV and a normal CV?
An academic CV focuses on research, publications, funding, teaching and conference work, and it is usually longer. A normal CV is shorter and built around skills and achievements in each job. If you are leaving academia for industry, a shorter skills-based CV usually works better.
How do I write a CV for a PhD application?
Lead with your degrees and grades, your dissertation or research project and any lab, fieldwork or research assistant experience. Add conference posters, prizes and relevant skills, such as statistics software or languages. One or two pages is usually enough at this stage, with the focus on your research potential.
Should I list publications under review on my CV?
Yes, as long as you label them clearly. Put them in a separate group, such as under review or in preparation, after your published work. Never present a submitted paper as accepted, and update the entry once it is published so the reference stays accurate.
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