The Brunel University London academic calendar for 2025–2026 provides a clear outline of key term dates, holidays, assessment periods, and semester breaks. Whether you are a new undergraduate, a postgraduate researcher, or a health sciences student starting early, this detailed guide will help you plan ahead and manage your year efficiently.
Early Starters Programme (For Health & Life Sciences Students)
Dates: 8 September 2025 – 19 September 2025
Students in professional healthcare programmes such as Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Physician Associate Studies will begin the academic year earlier than other students. These two weeks of early sessions are designed to provide essential introductions, professional workshops, and skills preparation before the main term starts.
During this phase, students get acquainted with simulation labs, clinical environments, and university learning platforms. Although the exact schedule may vary by course, this induction period ensures every student feels confident and ready for full-time study.
Welcome Week
Dates: 22 September 2025 – 26 September 2025
Welcome Week marks the official start of the academic journey at Brunel University. The week is packed with orientation sessions, faculty introductions, student union events, and opportunities to explore campus facilities.
Students can attend academic briefings, IT training, and personal tutoring sessions. International students can also join tailored induction events to help them settle into university life in the UK.
Autumn Semester (Brunel University Main Teaching Term)
Dates: 29 September 2025 – 23 January 2026
Your Teaching Block: 29 September 2025 – 12 December 2025
Reading Week: 3 November 2025 – 7 November 2025
The Autumn Semester is the first major teaching period of the academic year. Students attend lectures, workshops, tutorials, and laboratory sessions. Coursework, group projects, and seminars typically begin during this time, helping students develop academic foundations and professional skills.
Brunel’s calendar shows that teaching and assessments may extend until late January 2026, while most healthcare courses follow an earlier teaching end date in mid-December 2025, followed by a winter break and January assessments.
Winter Break
Dates: 15 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
Bank Holidays: 25 & 26 December 2025, 1 January 2026
After an intensive first semester, students can unwind during the Winter Break. This festive holiday covers Christmas and New Year, allowing time for rest, travel, or revision. Most university services operate on reduced hours, and residences remain open for international students staying on campus.
Autumn Semester – Assessment Period
Dates: 5 January 2026 – 23 January 2026
Once students return in January, the focus shifts to assessments. Exams, coursework submissions, and presentations take place during this period. Students are advised to check their individual course timetable since deadlines and exam formats can differ between faculties.
For health science students, assessments may include clinical evaluations or portfolio reviews, whereas business and engineering students typically complete written exams and projects.
January Welcome Week
Dates: 19 January 2026 – 23 January 2026
Brunel University also offers a January intake for selected postgraduate and international programmes. This week provides induction sessions for new students, covering registration, student ID collection, and academic guidance.
Spring Semester
Dates: 26 January 2026 – 29 May 2026
Your Teaching Block: 26 January 2026 – 1 May 2026
Reading Week: 2 March 2026 – 6 March 2026
Bank Holidays: 3 & 6 April 2026
The Spring Semester begins in late January and continues through early May. This period combines academic study with optional placements, practical sessions, and coursework.
For Brunel students, the semester officially ends in late May 2026, including both teaching and exams. However, specific degree programmes — especially those with clinical or professional training — may follow slightly adjusted schedules.
Spring Break
Dates: 30 March 2026 – 17 April 2026 (inclusive)
Spring Break overlaps with Easter holidays, giving students time to relax or prepare for upcoming exams. Many students use this period to focus on assignments, group projects, or independent study. Brunel’s library and online resources remain accessible during the break for those who prefer to continue working.
Spring Semester – Assessment Period
Dates: 4 May 2026 – 29 May 2026
Bank Holidays: 4 & 25 May 2026
Assessment season returns at the end of the Spring Semester, bringing written exams, research projects, and coursework deadlines. Students should plan their revision schedules early and use Brunel’s academic support services, such as study skills workshops and peer tutoring, for assistance.
Summer Semester
Dates: 1 June 2026 – 21 August 2026
Bank Holiday: 31 August 2026
The Summer Semester focuses primarily on placements, dissertations, and optional study modules. Undergraduate students may undertake professional training or work placements, while postgraduate students continue with dissertation research.
At Brunel, this period is often used for internships, short courses, and industrial projects — a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience before graduation.
Resit Assessments
Dates: To Be Confirmed (TBC)
Students who do not pass their first assessments will have the chance to resit during the designated resit period. Exact dates will be released later in the academic year. Resit assessments ensure every student has the opportunity to progress successfully.
Quick Overview of Brunel University Term Dates 2025–2026
| Term | Dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Early Starters (Health Sciences) | 8 Sept – 19 Sept 2025 | For Nursing, OT, Physio, Physician Associate |
| Welcome Week | 22 Sept – 26 Sept 2025 | Orientation and introductions |
| Autumn Semester | 29 Sept 2025 – 23 Jan 2026 | Teaching + Assessments |
| Winter Break | 15 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026 | Christmas & New Year |
| Spring Semester | 26 Jan – 29 May 2026 | Teaching + Assessments |
| Spring Break | 30 Mar – 17 Apr 2026 | Easter holidays |
| Summer Semester | 1 Jun – 21 Aug 2026 | Placements, dissertations |
| Resits | TBC | To be announced later |
Summary
The 2025–2026 academic year at Brunel University London offers a well-structured schedule designed to balance academic learning, assessment, and rest. From early-starter healthcare students beginning in September to end-of-year placements in the summer, the timeline ensures every learner has clear milestones to follow.
By keeping these dates in mind — including holidays, breaks, and exams — students can manage workloads efficiently and maintain a healthy academic routine throughout the year.