Should you list an unfinished degree on your CV?
Well, it really depends on your situation.
In some instances, it’s worth including it on your CV – it can help a potential employer to see the knowledge and skills you have acquired at university, even if you haven’t completed the course.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to include an unfinished degree and share some real-life examples with you.
2 examples of an unfinished degree on your CV
Let’s delve into two separate scenarios when it comes to including an unfinished degree on your CV.
First, we’ll look at how to present a degree that is still in progress, in other words, one you are in the midst of already but haven’t yet completed.
Then, we’ll look in detail at how to present it on your CV if you had to discontinue your university journey before finishing your degree.
A degree in progress
If you are still studying for your degree but interested in applying for a job, adding your degree to your CV can show employers plenty of relevant skills and knowledge.
For example, if you are applying for a marketing assistant position and are currently enrolled in a digital marketing degree program, mentioning this shows that you have plenty of valuable skills for the job.
In this case, you need to highlight your degree, and when you expect to graduate in the ‘Education’ section of your CV – this paints a clearer picture of your educational journey for hiring managers.
You can strengthen this section even more by adding extra details that underscore your qualifications and skills in line with the job you are applying for.
For example, you could mention any specific coursework or academic achievements relating to the role you are interested in.
For instance, perhaps you completed coursework in Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and were also awarded a Certificate of Excellence for outstanding performance in the “Digital Marketing Strategies” module.
Don’t hesitate to highlight anything relevant to your target jobs.
A degree stopped before completion
If you had to stop your university degree for a reason outside your control, just be honest about the situation.
Let’s say you couldn’t finish your degree because of a severe health condition, whether it was your own health or that of a family member.
Make it clear that you couldn’t finish your degree – this is important for employers as it shows transparency and provides context for any gaps in your education.
What’s more, displaying an incomplete degree allows you to highlight all of the skills and experience you picked up prior to leaving – providing plenty of opportunities to prove your suitability for the jobs you are applying to.
Should you include an unfinished degree on your CV?
The decision to include an unfinished degree on your CV depends on your specific situation.
Let’s look at three possible scenarios.
If you’re still studying
Mentioning your ongoing education on your CV can be a positive move as it shows you are committed to advancing your skills and knowledge.
It’s better to include your unfinished degree on your CV than not, especially if you can prove that your education is hugely relevant to the position you are applying for.
If you are still studying at university, expressing this on your CV is attractive to prospective employers.
It tells them you are dedicated to education and sets clear expectations for them in terms of your expected graduation date.
If you’ve stopped studying for a justified reason
If you have stopped your degree for a justified cause, it’s well worth including your unfinished degree on your CV, particularly if it’s a good fit for your career goals.
Here are just some of the justified reasons for stopping a degree:
- Health problems – Severe health issues can seriously affect your academic journey, whether you suffer from them or are caring for a sick family member.
- Financial restraints – If you are struggling financially and can’t afford the tuition fees or living expenses, you may be forced to stop your education.
- Family commitments – You may need to prioritise family commitments, like becoming a parent or caring for a loved one, over finishing your degree.
- Personal challenges – If you are suffering from a mental health problem, this can affect your ability to finish your degree.
- Change in career goals – Realising that your preferred field of study isn’t right for your career goals may lead you to reassess your educational journey.
In any of these cases, it’s wise to include your unfinished degree, especially if it corresponds with your career plans.
Explain the justified reason for stopping your degree on your CV, such as health problems, as this can positively impact your CV by showing resilience, relevant skills, and commitment despite challenging circumstances.
If you’ve stopped studying for an unjustifiable reason
If you’ve left university for reasons that can’t be justified, this is a slightly more delicate situation.
Concentrate on your other experiences and qualifications rather than including your unfinished degree on your CV.
Some unjustifiable reasons for stopping your university degree include:
- Being expelled – This will raise concerns about your conduct, reliability, and capacity to play by the rules.
- A lack of interest – If you abandoned your degree purely because you lost interest, this doesn’t add value because it implies a lack of dedication and capacity to follow through on long-term goals.
Stating you have an unfinished degree without a valid reason can negatively impact your CV.
It raises questions about your commitment, dependability, and decision-making abilities in the eyes of hiring managers.
So, if your reason for not finishing your degree is likely to put recruiters off – it’s best to leave it off your CV.
How to write an unfinished degree on your CV
When you are adding an unfinished degree to your CV, think about these points:
How to format an unfinished degree on a CV
Here’s how to format your unfinished degree on your CV so it looks professional and is easy for recruiters to read:
- Head with university, subject and dates – Use bold text for your degree, university name, and expected graduation date to make it easier to read and to highlight the key pieces of information. Avoid putting your entire degree description (such as modules, coursework, and the number of credits) in bold, just the essential details.
- Use a bullet point – Use a bullet point to present your degree subject, university name and expected graduation date to make it easy for hiring managers to review. This provides a structured format for displaying essential details so that potential employers can quickly grasp vital specifics about your education.
What to include
When it comes to mentioning your unfinished degree in the education section of your CV, you will need to include:
- The name of your university – For example, “Durham University” or “The University of Manchester.”
- Degree subject – Specify the unfinished degree you’re pursuing or the degree that you studied. For example, “Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Literature (Incomplete).”
- The expected graduation date (if relevant) – For example, “Expected graduation: August 2021.”
- A rationale – If you have stopped the degree, add a short, justifiable explanation about why you had to stop. For instance, “I had to pause my studies because of a family emergency that required my immediate support. This unexpected situation made it temporarily impossible for me to carry on with my English Literature degree.”
- Awards and honours – Any honours or awards you gained. For example, “Awarded the Academic Scholarship Award for academic achievement and excellence.” This shows tangible evidence of success in your educational journey.
- Coursework – If you completed relevant projects or coursework, say it. For example, “Published a 20 page report on the works of Shakespeare, Emile Bronte, and Chaucer.”
- Transferable skills – For example, mention analysis, problem-solving or research gained through coursework. This is essential, as it helps align your existing abilities with the job’s requirements.
- The number of credits – If you’ve finished a considerable portion of your degree, state the number of credits you’ve completed or the percentage of the program you’ve completed. For example, “Completed 75 credits towards a BA in Business Studies with a specialisation in Marketing.”
Where to put an unfinished degree on a CV
Place your unfinished degree in the “Education” part of your CV which is where you mention your academic pursuits.
Your unfinished degree will come first before your lower-level qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels.
You could also mention your unfinished degree in your personal profile, which serves as the top-of-the-page summary on your CV, but only if it is highly relevant to your target jobs
The takeaway
Your CV is a bit like a mirror that reflects your personal journey, and often, that journey involves unfinished degrees.
Whether you are currently studying towards one or had to finish for legitimate reasons, always be honest about your educational history.
Be sure to highlight the experiences and skills you picked up along the way.
Remember, honesty and a positive mindset can make an impact on potential employers.
Your university degree is just one chapter in your life’s story.
But it’s a chapter that emphasises your dedication and determination to grow personally and professionally.