CV for application help

[MSCReturnToUni]

I am 51 and had been toying with the idea of returning to Uni to do an MSC that is connected to my first degree (vocational) when I saw the recent inception of this board (perfect timing!) and have been lurking ever since.

I am completing my application for the January intake and they have asked for a CV. My problem is, in over 30 years of being employed in my field I have NEVER once had a CV - always used job application forms. I have obviously looked at various CV writing webpages but they leave me more confused than ever. Does anyone have a recommendation for a style of CV that is suitable for a prospective (mature) Uni student?

Another issue is, I have 30+ years of work roles to refer to - and was thinking of only using jobs post completion of my first degree (also as a mature student, albeit nearly 18 years ago now). Otherwise, it'll read like War and Peace.

Grateful for any help or suggestions - feeling a bit stuck and really would love to be successful in my application to this course.

It’s endlessly confusing, isn’t it? I’d suggest looking at the UCAS page on this

www.ucas.com/careers/getting-job/how-write-cv

as a starting point. Because clearly the emphasis probably needs to be a little different for a university application.

Your CV cut-off point seems sensible from a work point of view - but I think you’d need to give some detail of your undergraduate academic work as it’s relevant to the proposed MSc.

But seriously, don’t get too stressed over style - they simply want to assess whether your background will enable you to complete the course successfully.

Thank you for your response Edmontina.

Yes, confusing is the word! I have already uploaded my academic transcript (saw a previous question on the board about that - my Uni was super fast in providing me with it, less than a day I think, even though it was a long time ago), my personal statement, and a reference from my most recent employer. The CV just threw me, I have always worked in Social Care and Social Work, in loads of different roles so have a lot of jobs to list.

My personal statement had a short round-up of the areas I have worked in Health, Education, Residential, Child Protection etc. but not much detail obviously due to limited word count. You're right about the style, looking online they have big blocky headers and sidebars and different sections - I just want the simplest format for recording the work I have done in a way that the Uni will be happy with. It's going to cost a fortune to do but I am looking forward to studying at that level again...famous last words!

Are you planning to use a Government Postgraduate Loan?

www.gov.uk/funding-for-postgraduate-study

Linked for the benefit of anyone unaware of them.

I'm hoping to self-fund, in installments, as course is part-time and I will be working too. The headache of dealing with student funding for the undergraduate degree was enough, and time has not dimmed the memory. Total cost will be around 5-6K over three years (in Scotland). It won't be easy financially and I'm not ruling out applying for funding in the future.

Ah, so this site is more relevant:

www.saas.gov.uk/

I’m sure you’re familiar with it - but others might not be.

(Good to be reminded that not everyone’s in England!)

The joys (not) of SAAS do linger long in the memory. The postgraduate loans are actually quite good and may be an option that I will have to consider. Thank you for posting both links, they'll be very helpful for others thinking of embarking on study as mature students. Having de-lurked (from this board, been on MN for years) I should really go and return the favour as someone was interested in doing a Social Work degree! Thank you for your help today Edmontina, this is a lovely board.