How to List Education on Your CV: 2025 Expert Guide with Examples

Think your CV’s education section is just a boring list of degrees? Think again! It’s your chance to flex those academic qualifications and make recruiters sit up straight. Whether you’re fresh out of uni or a seasoned pro, this guide from The CV Centre will show you how to make your qualifications pop with practical tips and examples that’ll have you hired faster than you can say “First Class". We know all about CV writing, so read on if you want to get ahead!

Why the Education Section Matters on Your CV
What to Include in the Education Section of Your CV
Where to Place the Education Section on Your CV
How to Format the Education Section for Maximum Impact
How to List Education on Your CV: Step-by-Step Guide
CV Education Section Examples for Every Career Stage
Handling Special Cases in Your CV Education Section
Optimising Your Education Section for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
What To Avoid When Listing Education on Your CV
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why the Education Section Matters on Your CV

Showcases Adaptability: Employers value candidates who highlight not only traditional degrees but also digital credentials, such as online courses and micro-qualifications, to demonstrate they can keep up in a fast-evolving job market.
Reflects Foundational Knowledge: Whether you're a recent graduate or a hardened professional, this section helps employers understand your core expertise and relevance to the role.
Demonstrates Commitment to Growth: Listing continuous learning signals to recruiters that you're dedicated to self-improvement.
Grabs Attention Quickly: Get it right, and you'll stand out in those initial seconds recruiters spend scanning your CV!

What to Include in the Education Section of Your CV

Now you know how important the education section is for hiring managers, let's get down to business!

Essential Details: Degree, Institution, Dates, and More

At its core, this section should include the basics: your degree (e.g., BA in History), the educational institution awarding it (e.g., University of Leeds), and the dates attended (e.g., 2019 to 2022). If you graduated with honours, mention the classification, such as "First-Class Honours." Always list your most recent qualification first to keep things chronological and relevant and write down your honours in full. If you're in doubt about how to do this, ask us for a free CV review.

Optional Additions: Degree Classification, Honours, and Relevant Coursework

For recent graduates, including your degree classification can be a smart move if it's impressive - typically a 2:1 or First-Class Honours in the UK system. Other academic achievements, such as "Dean's List," add credibility and showcase your pedigree. Relevant coursework can also be a game-changer if you're applying for a role that aligns with specific modules, like "Data Analytics" for a tech position. However, skip this if you're more than three years into your career.

Should You Include Secondary Education or GCSEs?

If you're early in your career (0 to 3 years of experience), including A-levels or GCSEs can show a strong academic foundation, especially if you achieved top grades (e.g., 5 grades at 8 or 9 at GCSE). If you're older, I know, it's numbers now?! However, for mid-career professionals, this can clutter your CV. Focus on higher education unless your secondary results are directly relevant to the role, such as in teaching positions.

Balancing Education and Employment History

Where to Place the Education Section on Your CV

So you know what to write, but where do you put it?

For Recent Graduates: Highlighting Education First

If you've graduated within the last three years, your formal education is likely your strongest asset. Place this section right after your personal statement, before work experience. This signals to employers that your academic achievements are your primary selling point, especially if your degree aligns with the role.

For Mid-Career Professionals: Balancing Education with Experience

For those with 3 to 10 years of experience, your professional experience should take centre stage. Position the education section after your employment history to reflect your career progression. This balance ensures recruiters focus on your practical skills while still noting your qualifications.

For Career Changers: Positioning Education Strategically

Career changers should be tactical. If your education directly supports your new field, like a marketing degree for a pivot into digital marketing, place it earlier on the CV. Otherwise, let your transferable skills and experience lead, with education following to provide context.

How to Format the Education Section for Maximum Impact

Follow these steps to make your CV like a strong morning coffee for those yawning recruiters!

Chronological Order: Why It’s the Gold Standard

Always list your qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. This format is ATS-friendly and helps recruiters quickly see your highest level of education, so they don't miss key details in their customary rushed scan.

Using Bullet Points vs. Paragraphs: What Works Best

Bullet points are your best bet, they're clean, scannable, and ATS-compatible. For example:

BA in Economics, University of Manchester, 2018 to 2021, 2:1

Paragraphs can look cluttered and may confuse ATS software, so save them for your personal statement or cover letter.

Styling Tips: Fonts, Spacing, and Consistency

Use the same font as the rest of your CV (e.g., Arial or Calibri, 10 to 12pt) for a polished look. Ensure consistent spacing, single-line spacing within entries and a blank line between entries. Align dates to the right and qualifications to the left for clarity, keeping the section visually cohesive.

How to List Education on Your CV: Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to go? Here are four steps that will help you propel your career to the stratosphere!

Step 1: Start with Your Highest Qualification

Begin with your most advanced degree, such as a Master's or Bachelor's.

Step 2: Add Relevant Details (and Skip the Fluff)

Include the degree, institution, dates, and classification if applicable. Avoid unnecessary details like your dissertation title unless it's directly relevant to the role. For instance, a tech employer might not care about your "History of Renaissance Art" module.

Don't mention Renaissance Art for a tech role

Step 3: Tailor to the Job Description

Review the job advert for keywords. If they're seeking "project management skills" and you took a relevant module, highlight it:

BSc in Business Management, University of Birmingham, 2019 to 2022, 2:1 (Included Project Management Module)

Step 4: Proofread for Accuracy and Clarity

Double-check dates, names (e.g., "University of Sussex," not "Sussex University"), and classifications. A typo here can make you look careless, which is the last thing you want to be when applying for your dream role.

CV Education Section Examples for Every Career Stage

If this all still seems like gobbledygook, we've got you covered with some examples for every stage of a career.

Example 1: Recent Graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree

BA in English Literature, University of Bristol, 2022 to 2025, First-Class Honours
Relevant Coursework: Creative Writing, Digital Publishing
Dissertation: "The Impact of Social Media on Modern Literature"

Example 2: Mid-Career Professional with Multiple Qualifications

MBA, University of Warwick, 2018 to 2020, Distinction
BSc in Economics, University of Nottingham, 2012 to 2015, 2:1

Example 3: Senior Professional with Advanced Degrees

PhD in Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College London, 2015 to 2019
MEng in Mechanical Engineering, University of Cambridge, 2010 to 2014, First-Class Honours

REMEMBER: If you've embarked on an academic career, then make sure you flaunt it!

Example 4: Career Changer with Relevant Coursework

BA in Psychology, University of Leeds, 2016 to 2019, 2:1
Relevant Coursework: Organisational Behaviour, Statistics (Supporting transition to HR role)

Handling Special Cases in Your CV Education Section

Not everyone will be able to reel off their multiple degrees, and that's ok too! It's all about how you present it.

How to List Incomplete Degrees or Ongoing Education

BA in History, University of York, 2020 to 2022 (Incomplete due to career opportunity in marketing)

For ongoing studies, note the expected completion:

MSc in Data Science, University of Glasgow, 2024 to Present (Expected 2025)

Including Online Courses, Certifications, and Micro-Credentials

Add relevant online learning under a separate "Certifications" subheading or within education if it's substantial:

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, Coursera, 2024

This is especially key in 2025, as employers value upskilling through platforms like Coursera or Udemy.

Addressing International Qualifications for UK Employers

If your degree is from outside the UK, clarify its equivalence:

Bachelor of Engineering, University of Mumbai, India, 2018 to 2022 (Equivalent to UK 2:1, NARIC verified)

Mentioning NARIC verification reassures employers of your qualification's legitimacy.

Optimising Your Education Section for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Scan the job advert for terms like "degree in finance" or "certified project manager" and mirror them:

BSc in Finance, University of Exeter, 2019 to 2022, 2:1

So your CV passes ATS filters, a core focus for The CV Centre.

Avoiding Common ATS Pitfalls (e.g., Tables, Headers)

Don't use tables or headers within the section, ATS software can misread them. Stick to plain text and bullet points to ensure your qualifications are properly parsed.

What To Avoid When Listing Education on Your CV

We've told you what to do, so now it's time to learn about what NOT to do.

Including Irrelevant or Outdated Qualifications

Don't list your Year 6 spelling bee win, or even your GCSEs if you're a senior professional. Keep it relevant to the role and your career stage to avoid clutter.

Overloading with Unnecessary Details

Listing every module or minor award can overwhelm recruiters. Focus on what adds value, like a First-Class Honours degree, not your first-year attendance prize.

Inconsistent Formatting and Typos

Mixing date formats (e.g., 2019 to 22 vs. 2020 to 2023), and misspelling your university courses or the name of your institution is a mark of carelessness. Keep formatting consistent and proofread meticulously.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I List All My Education On My CV?

Focus on relevant qualifications only. Recent graduates can include A-levels or GCSEs if strong (e.g., grades 8-9), but mid-career professionals should prioritise higher education and certifications to avoid clutter.

How Do I List Education If I Didn’t Finish My Degree?

Be transparent and positive: “BSc in Biology, University of Sheffield, 2021 to 2023 (Withdrew to pursue a career in healthcare).” Highlight relevant skills gained, like research or teamwork, to show value. This approach ensures honesty while framing your experience positively.

Where Should I Put Certifications on My CV?

Include certifications and professional training under a separate “Certifications” subheading or within the education section if significant. For example: “AWS Certified Solutions Architect, 2024.” This showcases upskilling, which employers value in today's job market.

Should I Put A 2:2 on My CV?

Yes, if recent or required by the employer. Highlight coursework to balance it: “BSc in Marketing, University of Southampton, 2020 to 2023, 2:2 (Included Digital Marketing Module).” Senior professionals can omit the classification if it’s not strong, focusing on experience instead.

Should I Include My Dissertation Topic on My CV?

Include your dissertation topic only if it’s relevant to the role, like for a social media role: “BA in English Literature, University of Bristol, 2022 to 2025 (Dissertation: ‘The Impact of Social Media on Modern Literature’).” Skip it for unrelated roles to keep your CV focused.

How Far Back Should My Education Go on My CV?

List education relevant to the career stage. Recent graduates can include A-levels, but professionals with over 10 years of experience should focus on degrees and certifications. Omit older qualifications, like GCSEs, unless they add value to the role you’re applying for.

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