Building an Academic CV and Reference Plan

A CV and references provide context for your application; they do not replace the institution's required forms or academic records. Their purpose is to make relevant evidence easy to understand. Requirements vary, so first check whether a programme requests a CV, which sections it expects and how references must be submitted.

Place your education and the most relevant experience where they are easy to find. Include dates, organisation or institution, your role and concise descriptions of responsibilities or outcomes. Use a consistent format and reverse chronological order unless the application specifies another structure. Keep the document focused; adding unrelated detail can make important evidence harder to see.

Instead of labelling yourself as an excellent researcher or leader, state what you actually did. Name a project, the methods or tools you used, your contribution and any verifiable result. Distinguish individual work from group work. Include relevant employment, volunteering, training, presentations or awards when they support your preparation, and explain unfamiliar terms briefly.

• ✓Check every date, title, qualification and contact detail for accuracy.
• ✓Use clear headings and readable formatting that works as a PDF.
• ✓Explain gaps only where relevant or requested; do not invent activity.
• ✓Follow any page limit, file naming or upload instructions exactly.

Select people who can speak credibly about your academic ability, work or relevant skills and who meet the institution's rules. A senior title alone does not make a reference informative. Ask permission before entering someone's details, explain which courses you are applying to and share the submission method and deadline. Give them adequate notice, especially where an online reference is required.

Provide a concise information pack: your current CV, programme names, relevant work or coursework, the qualities the course expects and the official instructions. This is context, not a script. Never draft a reference for someone to submit as their independent assessment unless the institution explicitly requests a process of that kind. Follow up politely before the deadline and thank referees for their time.

Make sure the dates and descriptions in your CV agree with forms and supporting documents. Save a final copy for each application and note which version was submitted. If a referee becomes unavailable or a document is delayed, contact the admissions team promptly and ask how to proceed rather than substituting information without permission.