Academic CV for Postgraduate Research

Unlike a standard professional resume, there is no strict page limit for an academic CV, and it should expand to cover all relevant scholarly achievements. For most postgraduate applicants, a length of two to four pages is standard and expected by admissions committees. Ensure every page contains high-quality, relevant academic information rather than filler.

You should only include non-academic work if it directly demonstrates transferable skills relevant to your research, such as data analysis, project management, or public outreach. If you do include it, place it toward the end of the document under a distinct 'Professional Experience' heading. Keep these descriptions brief to ensure they do not distract from your academic achievements.

List these works under your publications section, but clearly label them as 'Under Review' or 'In Prep' instead of providing a publication year. Include the journal name only if the paper has already been submitted and is actively under review. Never list a paper as 'forthcoming' unless you have received an official acceptance letter from the publisher.

Use a clean, highly readable serif or sans-serif font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Georgia in 11 or 12-point size. Avoid colorful graphics, sidebars, or creative layouts, as academic search committees prefer a traditional, single-column document that is easy to scan. Use bolding and italics consistently to differentiate journal titles, book titles, and your own name in author lists.