What is a Cambridge CV?

A Cambridge CV is a formal, text-first curriculum vitae style associated with the University of Cambridge. It prioritises clarity, evidence and credibility, typically placing Education and Research near the top, followed by Experience, Publications and other scholarly outputs. 

It is a strong fit for academic, research and analytically focused careers, Oxbridge applications and UK roles where a concise, evidence-led profile is expected. It also works for international applications where a clean, professional format is preferred.

With myPerfectCV you can start from an expertly designed Cambridge CV templates and customise every section to reflect your strengths and ambitions, supported by content from certified CV writers

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Cambridge University CV example

Get started with your Cambridge CV today. Whether you are applying for your first academic post or updating your CV for new research opportunities, this clear, professional format helps you highlight your academic achievements, skills and experience effectively. Use our free CV templates for both academic applications and professional roles.

Dylan Cooke
Cambridge, CH2 6ST 
+44 7890 123456 
dylan.cook@example.com

Profile

Early-career researcher specialising in public policy evaluation and quantitative methods. Experienced in designing mixed-method studies, publishing peer-reviewed work and presenting findings to academic and non-academic audiences. Keen to contribute rigorous analysis and clear communication to research projects with social impact.

Education

PhD, Social and Political Sciences
University of Cambridge
(Oct 2021 – Jul 2025)

Thesis: “Measuring Policy Uptake in Local Government” (Supervisor: Prof A. Chen)

  • Developed an original difference-in-differences framework; validated on a dataset of 120 councils.
  • Publications from thesis: 2 peer-reviewed journal articles; 1 revise-and-resubmit.
  • Awarded Faculty Studentship (full funding) and Best Paper Prize (2024).

MPhil, Public Policy
University of Cambridge
(Oct 2020 – Sep 2021)

  • Distinction; dissertation on behavioural nudges in council tax compliance.
  • Methods: R, Stata, survey design, causal inference.

BA (Hons), Politics and Economics
University of Warwick
(Sep 2017 – Jun 2020)

  • First Class; top 5% of cohort.

Research Experience

Graduate Researcher, Centre for Local Policy Studies,
Cambridge
(Jan 2022 – Jul 2025)

  • Led quantitative workstream on service delivery outcomes across 87 authorities, improving model accuracy by 14% vs baseline.
  • Co-authored policy brief adopted by two county councils.

Research Assistant, Behavioural Insights Lab,
Warwick
(Jul 2019 – Jun 2020)

  • Ran field experiment (n=3,400) on message framing; increased response rates by 9.8%.
  • Cleaned and documented datasets to UK Data Service standards.

Publications (selected)

  • Wright, E. & Chen, A. (2024). Policy Uptake and Administrative Capacity. Journal of Public Policy.
  • Wright, E. (2023). Targeting Effects in Local Tax Compliance. Policy Studies Review.
  • Conference papers: APSA 2024; PSA 2023 (best postgraduate paper shortlist).

Grants, Awards & Scholarships

  • Faculty Studentship (2021–2025) — full fees + stipend.
  • Best Paper Prize, SPS Graduate Conference (2024).
  • Small Research Grant (£2,000) for primary data collection (2023).

Teaching & Supervision

College Supervisor, Introduction to Quantitative Methods
(2022 – 2025)

  • Supervised 24 undergraduates per year; average teaching evaluation 4.8/5.

Guest Lecturer, Policy Evaluation (MPhil)
(Lent 2024)

  • Designed and delivered a session on causal inference with an applied lab.

Work Experience 

Policy Analyst (Intern), Department for Levelling Up,
Housing and Communities
(Jun 2021 – Sep 2021)

  • Built dashboards in R/Shiny used by a 12-person team to track grant allocations.
  • Drafted briefing notes for senior officials; two recommendations adopted.

Student Services Assistant,
University of Warwick
(Sep 2018 – May 2019)

  • Streamlined enquiry triage, cutting response time from 3 days to 24 hours.

Skills

  • Methods: Causal inference, survey design, experimental design, data visualisation.
  • Tools: R, Stata, Python, SQL, LaTeX, Git.
  • Communication: Academic writing, policy briefs, public presentations.
  • Languages: English (native), French (intermediate).

Professional Memberships

Political Studies Association (PSA), UK Data Service Users’ Group.

References

Available on request.

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Explore our Cambridge CV templates

Browse expertly designed, text-first templates for academic and professional applications. Every layout is fully customisable and supported by content from certified CV writers, so you can present your achievements clearly and stand out. Click a design to preview and start editing.

Check our CV format guide if you’re unsure on how to structure an academic CV.

How to write a Cambridge CV (8 steps)

cambridge cv template

STEP 1

Pick a formal, text-first Cambridge CV template

Choose a clean layout with clear headings, ample white space and no graphics or photos. Start from an expertly designed template and customise the sections to suit your goal. This keeps the focus on credibility and evidence.

STEP 2

Add a concise header

Start your CV with your full name, location, email, phone and one professional link such as LinkedIn.

Eleanor Wright
Cambridge, UK
eleanor.wright@example.com
07123 456789
linkedin.com/in/eleanorwright 

STEP 3

Write a focused CV profile (3-4 sentences max)

State your specialism, your strongest evidence of impact and what you aim to contribute next. Keep it specific and use British English.

Mechanical engineering postgraduate focused on low-energy design and CFD modelling. Co-authored a conference paper and delivered a prototype that cut thermal losses by 18 per cent in testing. Experienced with Python, MATLAB and SolidWorks, with strong collaboration across lab and industry partners. Looking to apply rigorous analysis to sustainable engineering projects.

STEP 4

List your education

Start with your most recent qualification and work backwards. Include thesis title, supervisor, notable results, key methods and awards. For taught degrees, add classification and relevant modules if they strengthen your case.

PhD, Social and Political Sciences
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
(Oct 2021 – Jul 2025)

Thesis: Measuring Policy Uptake in Local Government (Supervisor: Prof A. Chen)

  • Developed a difference-in-differences framework validated on a dataset of 120 councils.
  • Publications from thesis: two peer-reviewed articles, one revised and resubmitted.
  • Awards: Faculty Studentship and Best Paper Prize (2024).
  • Methods: R, Stata, survey design, causal inference.

MPhil, Public Policy (Distinction)
University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
(Oct 2020 – Sep 2021)

  • Dissertation on behavioural nudges in council tax compliance.
  • Selected modules: Econometrics, Policy Evaluation, Experimental Design.
  • Project: prototyped a dashboard to track local authority outcomes.
STEP 5

Add research outputs and teaching

Create short, scannable entries for publications, working papers, conferences and grants. Use a consistent citation style. Add teaching with course title, level and outcomes. Prioritise quality over volume.

STEP 6

Present your work experience with evidence

Under Work Experience, include internships, analyst roles or professional posts. Use achievement bullets that quantify results. Use this formula when describing your experience.

Formula: action verb + task + method + measurable outcome.

Student Services Assistant, University of Warwick
(Sep 2018 – May 2019)

  • Streamlined enquiry triage with a revised ticketing flow in Excel, reducing average response time from 3 days to 24 hours.
  • Coordinated induction communications using segmented email lists, increasing attendance at welcome sessions by 18 per cent.
  • Standardised data entry with a short style guide and checks, improving record accuracy by 15 per cent.
STEP 7

Showcase your key skills

Include both hard skills (methods, tools, subject expertise) and soft skills (communication, leadership, organisation). Align each skill with the role at Cambridge you are targeting and only list skills you can evidence elsewhere in your CV. Aim for 6–8 concise bullet points in a single list for easy scanning, using clear British English.

Format: Use a straightforward bullet list under a “Skills” heading. Keep items short (one to three words) and prioritise what the role emphasises. This maintains the section’s professional and high-quality standards.

Example: Postdoctoral Researcher 

  • Causal inference
  • Survey design
  • R, Stata
  • Academic writing
  • Teaching and supervision
  • Policy analysis
  • Conference presenting
STEP 8

Proofread and edit

Before finalising your Cambridge CV, carefully proofread it to catch any spelling, grammar or formatting errors. Correct British English and consistent styling signal professionalism and attention to detail, while mistakes can undermine confidence in your application.

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Cambridge CV format and templates

Are you looking to create your Cambridge CV? Explore our professionally designed Cambridge CV templates and CV examples, tailored for roles across the University of Cambridge. Use these templates as inspiration to build a clear, credible application that stands out to hiring panels in the UK.

Postdoctoral Researcher: Cambridge CV format

Cambridge University Cv

This Cambridge CV template puts education and research first, highlighting publications, methods, grants and teaching. It uses a clean, text-led layout to foreground evidence of impact, followed by concise Experience and Skills tailored to the department.

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Research Administrator / Grants Officer: Cambridge CV format

Cambridge Cv Example

Designed for professional services roles, this template emphasises grant management, finance, compliance and stakeholder communication. The structure showcases measurable improvements, tools proficiency and relevant certifications in a professional, easy-to-scan format.

Related:

Student Services Officer

Cambridge Cv Template Example

This example highlights student-facing service, process optimisation and data accuracy. It presents clear achievements, concise responsibilities and communication strengths, helping you demonstrate fit for a collegiate environment.

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What makes our CV builder your top option?

Intuitive

Our CV builder makes it easy to create a professional, detailed CV tailored to your target role. A simple step-by-step editor guides you through Profile, Education, Research, Publications, Experience and Skills, with expert examples to help you write clear, evidence-based achievements. You can generate and personalise content to your job title or discipline in minutes—no design skills needed

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Customisable

Choose from expertly designed CV templates and tailor every detail to your goals. Adjust sections (e.g., Education first, Publications, Teaching), reorder content, and refine wording so your CV reflects your strengths and academic focus. High-quality layouts make it easy to create a personalised, professional document that feels uniquely yours. 

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Start fast with ready-made templates, role-specific examples and clear tips at every step. Guided prompts help you draft your Profile, Education, Research and Experience in minutes—no design skills required—so you can complete a Cambridge CV quickly and confidently.

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What makes a Cambridge CV different from a normal CV

A Cambridge CV follows a formal, text-first style that emphasis education and research evidence. A normal UK CV is typically oriented to professional roles and highlights work experience over education. Both should be clear, tailored and high quality, but the emphasis differs.

Quick comparison

 

Cambridge CV

Normal CV

Primary use

Academic, research and collegiate roles

Industry and professional roles

Layout

Clean, text-led, minimal design

Modern, recruiter-friendly layout with more design flexibility

Section order

Education and Research first; publications, grants, teaching

Professional Profile and Key Skills near top; Work Experience first

Evidence style

Papers, conferences, methods, funding, teaching outcomes

Quantified business impact, KPIs, projects, stakeholder results

Tone

Formal, precise British English

Professional, concise British English

Personalisation

Tailored to the department, lab or college

Tailored to the role, team and industry

Why this matters: presenting information in the format your audience expects improves clarity and response rates. Our guidance keeps copy informative, specific and encouraging in British English.

When to choose a Cambridge CV

  • You are applying for a Cambridge postdoc, research assistantship, college role or academic-adjacent post.
  • Your strongest evidence is scholarly output, methods, grants or teaching.
  • The selection panel prioritises academic rigour and credible documentation.

Dos and don’ts of using a Cambridge CV

DO

  • Do lead with education & research

    For each degree, include thesis title, supervisor and core methods. List up to five selected publications (with status), key grants (name and amount if relevant) and teaching (e.g., supervisions with evaluation scores). This keeps your profile evidence-led and easy to scan.

  • Do use a clean, professional font

    Choose a standard, readable typeface such as Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman or Cambria. Set body text at 10–12 pt and headings at 12–14 pt, and keep to one font across the document, using bold for headings and key stats. Avoid decorative or script fonts and stick to black or dark grey for a formal Cambridge look. This keeps your CV clear, professional and easy to scan.

DON’T

  • Don’t use design-heavy layouts

    Avoid graphics, photos or colourful designs. Keep a clean, text-first template with consistent headings and British English. This signals professionalism and keeps the focus on substance.

  • Don’t skip the cover letter

    Include a concise, tailored cover letter to connect your track record to the department or college and show motivation for the role. Our expert-backed guidance helps you craft a persuasive, professional letter.

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Key takeaways

  • A Cambridge CV is formal and text-first: put Education and Research before Experience, and foreground publications, grants and teaching.
  • Keep copy clear, specific and in British English with a clean, professional layout; proofread for consistency.
  • Tailor to the role: mirror relevant keywords (methods, tools, systems) and quantify achievements so panels and ATS can scan them quickly.
  • Use expertly designed, customisable templates and certified-writer guidance to present a high-quality CV; our approach shows higher job chances and recruiter response rates.
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FAQs about Cambridge CVs

How is a Cambridge CV different from a normal UK CV?

Normal CVs typically lead with Work Experience and a skills snapshot; a Cambridge CV prioritises academic evidence (thesis, methods, outputs) and keeps the layout minimal and text-led.

What CV sections should I include?

Header, Profile, Education (with thesis/supervisor for higher degrees), Research/Publications, Teaching, Work Experience, Skills, plus Grants/Awards and Memberships if relevant. Keep every entry specific and evidence-based.

Should I use a Cambridge CV template for non-academic roles?

Yes, you can use a customisable, professionally designed template and emphasise the sections that match the role (e.g., grants/compliance for professional services). Tailoring keeps quality high and improves relevance.

How many skills should I list and how?

Include 6–8 short bullet points mixing methods/tools with communication or leadership skills, aligned to the person specification. Keep items scannable and only list what you can evidence.

Are your templates ATS-friendly?

They’re clean and text-first, with clear headings and space for relevant keywords—easy for both selection panels and ATS to scan. Content support from certified CV writers helps you phrase evidence clearly.

Create your next CV with myPerfectCV

The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, so a CV for a graduate or anyone seeking to work there must be highly professional and impeccable in every detail. With our CV templates, detailed CV examples and step-by-step guidance, you can build an evidence-led CV that captures attention from selection panels and recruiters.

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