Knowing your university term dates early makes student life so much easier. At Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU), the 2025/26 academic year has been carefully structured to give students a balance between teaching, assessments, and much-needed breaks.
Whether you’re joining Canterbury for the first time or returning for another year, this guide outlines the full Canterbury Christ Church University term dates for 2025/26, along with key vacation periods, study weeks, reassessments, and helpful advice on making the most of your academic journey.
Overview of the Academic Year
The 2025/26 academic year at Canterbury Christ Church University officially runs from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026.
During this time, most degree programmes follow one of several structured academic calendars — either semester-based, trimester-based, or apprenticeship models — depending on your subject area. These calendars are designed to ensure consistency in teaching and assessments while giving students time for independent study, placements, or professional learning.
Welcome Week – Your First Step Into University Life
Before lectures begin, every student experiences Welcome Week, a lively and important introduction to university life.
Welcome Week gives you a chance to explore the campus, meet academic staff, set up your student timetable, and take part in events organised by the Students’ Union. From society fairs to course introductions, the week helps you settle into your course and understand how CCCU supports your wellbeing and academic success.
If you’re progressing to a new level of study or transferring from a foundation year, Welcome Week is also a great moment to refresh your academic goals and meet peers from your new programme.
Key Teaching and Vacation Dates 2025/26
To help you plan your year, here are the main vacation and holiday dates across the university:
- Christmas Break: 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
- Easter Break: 30 March 2026 – 10 April 2026
These breaks give students time to rest, revise, or travel before the next round of classes or assessments.
Bank Holidays During the Academic Year
Canterbury Christ Church University observes all major UK bank holidays. Administrative offices and teaching buildings are typically closed on these days.
- 25 August 2025 – Summer Bank Holiday
- 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day
- 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day
- 1 January 2026 – New Year’s Day
- 3 April 2026 – Good Friday
- 6 April 2026 – Easter Monday
- 4 May 2026 – Early May Bank Holiday
- 25 May 2026 – Spring Bank Holiday
Students planning trips or travel home should note these dates when arranging transport or work shifts.
Study Weeks and Personal Development
Throughout the academic year, CCCU includes study weeks to give students breathing space. These are not vacation periods but opportunities to consolidate what you’ve learned, prepare for upcoming assessments, or meet your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT).
You can also use these weeks to explore the Library and Learning Skills Hub, volunteer, or attend academic skills workshops.
In addition, some programmes include a Personal Development Week. During this time, you’ll engage in employability and career-focused activities such as workshops, guest lectures, or professional networking events designed to strengthen your future prospects.
Academic Calendar Structures Explained
Not all Canterbury Christ Church University students follow the same academic structure. The university offers several models to suit different disciplines and study pathways:
- Semesters (15 Weeks): Standard model for most undergraduate courses, including teaching, assessments, and study periods.
- Semesters with Professional Learning Blocks: Used in courses that combine academic study with placements.
- Initial Teacher Education Semesters (18 Weeks): Tailored for teaching programmes where school placements are integral.
- Health Semesters (17 Weeks + PLB): For nursing, midwifery, and health sciences — blending classroom and clinical learning.
- Trimesters (15 Weeks): Common for postgraduate and accelerated courses.
- 12-Week Trimester Models: Used in some flexible postgraduate courses, offering either equal or long breaks between trimesters.
- Apprenticeship Calendar: Structured around four 11-week teaching terms combining work-based learning with academic modules.
To find out which academic calendar applies to your course, registered students can check MyRecord → Your Course Details. New students will find this information in their Course Essentials before registration.
Reassessment Periods
If you don’t achieve a pass in all modules on your first attempt, the university offers reassessment opportunities.
For most undergraduate courses, reassessments are scheduled either at the end of the academic year or during the early part of the following one. Postgraduate reassessments often take place in the next trimester, depending on your course structure.
Your Board of Examiners will confirm exact reassessment dates for your modules.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
University life is fast-paced, and the term dates form the backbone of your year. Knowing when teaching begins, when holidays occur, and when deadlines hit helps you stay organised and avoid last-minute stress.
Marking these dates in your planner now also helps with:
- Booking travel early (especially international students).
- Balancing part-time jobs or placements with academic demands.
- Allocating time for revision, group projects, and rest.
- Making space for extracurricular and career development activities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does the 2025/26 academic year start and end at CCCU?
The official academic year runs from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026, though most teaching begins in September and ends in June.
2. Are term dates the same for all courses?
Not exactly. Canterbury Christ Church uses several academic calendars (semester, trimester, or apprenticeship), so specific dates may vary depending on your course.
3. How can I find the exact calendar for my programme?
Once registered, you can log in to MyRecord and check under “Your Course Details.” If you’re not yet registered, refer to your Course Essentials page.
4. Do I have to attend study weeks?
Yes, especially if you’re on a Student Route Visa, as attendance at mandatory sessions during study weeks counts toward your visa compliance.
5. Can I travel home during Christmas or Easter?
Absolutely. Both Christmas (22 Dec – 2 Jan) and Easter (30 Mar – 10 Apr) are official breaks, making them perfect times to visit family or rest.
6. What happens if I fail a module?
You’ll usually be given a reassessment opportunity. The timing depends on your course — undergraduate reassessments often happen over summer, while postgraduate ones occur in the next trimester.
Final Thoughts
The Canterbury Christ Church University term dates 2025/26 offer a clear and flexible academic rhythm that supports both learning and wellbeing. With structured teaching blocks, generous study breaks, and support built into every stage, CCCU makes it easy for students to balance their academic goals with personal growth.
Plan early, use the university’s support services, and make the most of your time — because every week of this year can bring you one step closer to your future success.