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How to Write Your Degree on Your CV: The Essential Guide

Your university degree isn’t just a piece of paper - it’s proof of your knowledge, grit, and potential. For recent graduates, it’s often the star of the CV, filling the gap where work experience might be thin. Therefore, it's paramount you present it in the right way.

When it comes to CV writing, I've been around the block so I know the doors a degree can open. Don't waste all that debt you've incurred by listing it incorrectly!

 

Why Your Degree Is a Key Part of Your CV

A correctly listed bachelor's degree builds trust with employers, showing you’re qualified and detail-oriented. But get it wrong, and you risk looking sloppy or amateurish. With ATS scanning CVs in 2025, a clear, optimised education section allows you to make it to the recruiter’s desk, so you must review it carefully.

An undergraduate degree isn't only important for early careers - for mid-career pros, it adds credibility to your career story. And for career changers such as military to civilian, it can highlight highly transferable skills.

So, how do you write it properly? Let's find out.

 

What to Include When Listing Your Degree on Your CV

First things first, there's no need to waffle when listing your degree on your CV, it will speak for itself.

1. Essential Details: Degree Type, Institution, Dates, and Classification

Stick to the must-haves for clarity:

• Degree Type: Specify BA, BSc, MA, PhD, etc.
• Institution: Name the university or college.
• Dates: Include study years or graduation year.
• Classification: Add honours classification (e.g., First-Class, 2:1) if applicable.

Example:
BSc in Computer Science, University of Manchester, 2018–2021, First-Class Honours

2. Optional Details: Relevant Coursework, Dissertation, and Honours

Boost your CV with extras if they’re job-relevant:

• Relevant Coursework: List relevant modules (e.g., “Data Analytics” for tech jobs).
• Dissertation or Thesis: Include the title if it aligns with the job (e.g., “Dissertation: AI in Marketing Strategies”).
• Honours or Awards: Highlight academic wins like “Dean’s Commendation” or scholarships.

Example:
BA in English Literature, University of Bristol, 2022–2025, First-Class Honours

• Dissertation: "The Role of Social Media in Modern Literature"
• Honours: Dean’s Commendation for Academic Excellence

   

3. Should You Include Your Grades or Classification?

If your classification is strong (a 2:1 Upper Second or a First-Class Honours degree), include it to impress. For less stellar grades (e.g., 2:2), you can omit them, especially if you have solid work experience. Be ready to discuss grades in interviews, focusing on other strengths like projects or skills if you didn't do as well as you wanted.

 

CV Education Section: The Best CV Format

Formatting your degree means it’s clear and ATS-friendly. Here’s how to handle different scenarios:

Standard Format for a Completed Degree

Keep it simple and professional:

Degree Type, Institution, Dates, Classification

Example:
MSc in Business Administration, University of Warwick, 2019–2021, Distinction

Formatting an Incomplete Degree

Be transparent but positive:

Degree Type, Institution, Dates (Incomplete due to [reason])

Example:
BA in History, University of York, 2020–2022 (Incomplete due to career opportunity in advertising)

Formatting a Degree in Progress

Show you’re proactive:

Degree Type, Institution, Dates (Expected [year])

Example:
MSc in Data Science, University of Glasgow, 2024–Present (Expected 2025)

Formatting Multiple Degrees

List in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent:

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

 

Where to Place Your Degree on Your CV

Depending on the stage you're at, there are different places to place your degree.

For Recent Graduates: Leading with Education

If you’ve graduated within the last three years, place your education section right after your statement. This highlights your academic achievements as your strongest asset, especially when work experience is limited and it is related to the role you're applying for.

For Mid-Career Professionals: Balancing with Experience

With 3–10 years of experience, list your education after your work history. This emphasises your career progression while still noting your qualifications, showing how your degree supports your expertise.

For Career Changers: Positioning for Relevance

If your degree is relevant to your new field (e.g., a psychology degree for HR), place it earlier to underline its value. Otherwise, list it after experience, focusing on transferable skills in your work history.

 

Examples of How to Write Your Degree on Your CV

Here are some examples we've included from our 25+ years of helping people flaunt their degrees.

Example 1: Recent Graduate with a Single Degree

For a recent graduate applying for a marketing role:

• BA in Marketing, University of Leeds, 2022–2025, First-Class Honours
• Dissertation: "The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Consumer Behaviour"
• Relevant Coursework: Digital Marketing, Consumer Psychology
• Achievement: Awarded Best Dissertation in Marketing Cohort

This format emphasises academic excellence and ties the degree directly to the role through coursework and dissertation details.

Example 2: Mid-Career Professional with Multiple Degrees/Employment History

For a mid-career professional in finance:

MBA, London Business School, 2019–2021, Distinction

• Relevant Coursework: Financial Strategy, Investment Analysis

BSc in Economics, University of Edinburgh, 2011–2014, 2:1

• Achievement: Economics Society President, organising events for 200+ members

Here we demonstrate how undergraduate and postgraduate degrees support a career in finance, with added achievements to highlight leadership and relevance.

Example 3: Incomplete Degree or Degree in Progress

For someone balancing studies and work:

BSc in Biology, University of Sheffield, 2021–2023 (Withdrew to pursue a career in healthcare)

• Relevant Coursework: Human Anatomy, Research Methods
• Skills Gained: Analytical thinking, data collection

MSc in Public Health, University of Birmingham, 2024–Present (Expected 2026)

• Relevant Coursework: Epidemiology, Health Policy

In this instance, the candidate spins the incomplete degree positively, adds skills gained, and shows current studies to reflect ongoing commitment by including the expected graduation date.

Example 4: Career Changer with a Relevant Degree

For a career changer moving into HR:

BA in Psychology, University of Sussex, 2015–2018, 2:1

• Relevant Coursework: Organisational Behaviour, Statistics
• Dissertation: "Workplace Motivation and Employee Retention Strategies"

This example highlights coursework and dissertation topics directly relevant to HR, making the degree a key asset for the career transition.

Make Use of Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter can add depth to your education section. For example, explain how your dissertation on communication prepared you for a Sales role, or why you paused your degree to gain practical experience. Highlight how part-time study honed your time management skills. Use this space to connect your academic background to the job, reinforcing the CV’s education section and showing your fit for the role.

 

Handling Special Cases When Listing Your Degree

There may be some types of degrees that require further information. No sweat, we've got you covered.

Including International Degrees: Equivalence and Verification

If your degree is from outside the UK, clarify its equivalence to build trust with employers. Use services like NARIC for official verification, which confirms your degree’s UK equivalent.

Example:

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

• Relevant Coursework: Structural Engineering, Project Management

If applicable, mention specific coursework or projects that align with the role. You can also note language skills gained during your studies abroad, like fluency in a second language, to add value, and if you've got an ESL certificate from a reputable institution such as Cambridge, then even better! This approach means hiring managers from the UK understand your qualifications’ worth without hesitation.

Listing Online or Distance Learning Degrees

Online degrees are increasingly common, but transparency is key to avoid confusion. Specify the format and institution clearly:

MSc in Business Administration, Open University, 2019–2021 (Online)

• Achievement: Completed while working full-time, demonstrating time management

Highlighting achievements like balancing work and study shows self-discipline - a trait employers value in 2025’s hybrid work environment. If the degree is from a renowned institution, its online nature won’t diminish its credibility. Avoid vague phrasing like “studied remotely” to maintain clarity and professionalism.

 

Tips to Make Your Degree Stand Out

Here's our secret sauce to listing your academic qualifications in the right way.

Highlight Relevant Achievements and Projects

Make your degree leap out by showcasing academic wins that align with the job. Did you earn an award, scholarship, or recognition? Mention it! Example: “Received Vice-Chancellor’s Award for top dissertation.” Highlight projects that demonstrate skills: “Developed a machine learning model for a final-year project, achieving 90% accuracy.” If you led a group project or presented at a conference, include it to show leadership and communication skills. These details add depth, proving your degree isn’t just a title- it’s a foundation of practical, job-ready skills.

Tailor Your Education Section to the Job

Your degree should speak directly to the role. For a tech job, emphasise “Advanced Programming” coursework or a coding project: “Built a web app using Python, improving user efficiency by 15%.” For marketing, highlight your dissertation on consumer behaviour: “Analysed social media trends, providing actionable insights for brand growth.” Review the job description for keywords and mirror them in your education section.

Use a Clean and Professional Format

A polished format makes your degree easy to read and ATS-friendly. Use bullet points for clarity, standard fonts like Arial or Calibri (10–12pt), and consistent spacing—single lines within entries, a blank line between entries. Align dates to the right and degree details to the left for a tidy look. Avoid fancy graphics or tables that ATS might misread.

 

List Your Academic Qualifications Like a Pro

Got all the tools but struggling to make your CV shine?

Let The CV Centre’s CV Writing Services craft a professional CV that showcases your degree and skills.

Get a free CV review today and start landing interviews!

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Should I Include My Dissertation Topic When Listing My Degree?

Include your dissertation topic - but only if it’s relevant to the role. Keep it concise, ideally one line, to avoid unnecessary clutter. If unrelated, skip it to focus on essential details like degree type and classification. Tailoring your CV to the job is about making certain that every element adds value so your application is more compelling.

How Do I List A Degree If I Studied Part-time?

List a part-time degree like others: “BA in Psychology, University of Leeds, 2016–2019 (Part-time).” It shows your ability to balance commitments, a plus for multitasking roles. Include dates and classification. Omit “part-time” if irrelevant, but stay honest, as employers may seek to verify.

Should I List My Degree Classification if it’s not Strong?

If your classification is weak (e.g., 2:2), omit it, especially with work experience. Highlight strengths like coursework: “BSc in Marketing, 2020–2023 (Included Digital Marketing Module).” Be honest if asked in interviews, focusing on skills gained and your growth along the way, to keep the emphasis on your best qualities.

How Do I Write An International Degree on My CV?

Clarify equivalence: “BSc in Computer Science, University of Toronto, 2015–2019 (Equivalent to UK 2:1, NARIC verified).” Include institution, dates, and coursework if relevant. NARIC verification adds credibility, ensuring UK employers understand your qualification’s value and boosting your application’s strength.