The official King’s College London academic year 2025–26 runs from Monday 1 September 2025 to Monday 31 August 2026.
Across these 12 months, students will experience structured teaching periods, revision and assessment sessions, as well as time for personal study and holidays. Depending on your course, you may follow different timetables, but the main university dates remain consistent for most programmes.
Welcome & Induction Weeks
International Student Welcome: Thursday 18 – Friday 19 September 2025
A dedicated welcome event designed exclusively for international students, this two-day programme helps you settle into life at King’s and in London. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet fellow students, explore campus facilities, and learn about life in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Full event details, schedules, and activities will be available on the Welcome to King’s App from mid-August 2025.
Welcome to King’s: Monday 15 – Friday 26 September 2025
This two-week period marks the official start of your King’s journey.
- Week 1 (15–19 September): Primarily online, designed to help you prepare remotely with digital inductions, course briefings, and introduction videos.
- Week 2 (22–26 September): On-campus induction sessions hosted by your faculty. Attendance is mandatory, as these sessions introduce you to your course structure, academic expectations, and key university services.
There will also be social and cultural events, tours, and networking opportunities to help you feel part of the King’s community.
Some programmes may hold orientation events outside these dates — always check with your faculty or course department for specific schedules.
Teaching Periods
King’s operates on a semester system, with two main teaching blocks during the academic year.
Semester 1
- Teaching: Monday 29 September – Friday 12 December 2025
- Teaching/Revision Week: Monday 15 – Friday 19 December 2025
After this period, you’ll have a short winter break before entering the first assessment phase.
Semester 2
- Teaching: Friday 16 January – Thursday 2 April 2026
- Teaching/Revision Week: Monday 27 April – Friday 1 May 2026
This semester covers the spring term, with revision time built in before the main summer examination period.
Reading Weeks
Reading weeks provide a mid-semester pause, allowing students to consolidate their learning, catch up on coursework, or prepare for upcoming assessments. Not all programmes include reading weeks, so check with your faculty if you’re unsure.
Typical reading week dates are:
- Monday 3 – Friday 7 November 2025
- Monday 23 – Friday 27 February 2026
Use these weeks to review material, meet with tutors, or work independently on research and assignments.
Assessment & Examination Periods
King’s College London schedules three primary assessment periods during the academic year. Not every student will have exams in each window, but it’s essential to know when they occur.
| Assessment Period | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Period 1 | Friday 9 January – Thursday 15 January 2026 | Winter assessments following Semester 1 |
| Period 2 | Tuesday 5 May – Friday 5 June 2026 | Main summer examination period |
| Period 3 | Monday 10 August – Friday 21 August 2026 | Reassessment or deferred exams |
Students are encouraged to check their individual exam timetables through the King’s Student Portal or contact their faculty office for specific arrangements.
Attendance & Holidays
King’s College London operates between 08:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday. Most lectures, seminars, and assessments are scheduled within these hours.
For Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Students
If you’re enrolled in a PGT programme, you’re expected to continue working on your dissertation or final project throughout the summer term — even after formal teaching has ended.
For Postgraduate Research (PGR) Students
Research students should discuss and agree on vacation periods in writing with their supervisors. Typically, these breaks align with university closures and public holidays.
Bank Holidays and Closures
King’s observes all UK public holidays and university closure days. Typical closure dates include:
- Christmas & New Year: Late December to early January
- Easter Holiday: Early to mid-April 2026
- Spring and Summer Bank Holidays: May and August 2026
Students are advised to plan travel or part-time work around these closure periods.
Study Tips for Success
- Plan your semester early: Use your course timetable and academic calendar to stay ahead.
- Balance study with wellbeing: Make time for exercise, social activities, and rest.
- Use reading weeks effectively: Don’t treat them as holidays — dedicate time to review lectures and strengthen weak areas.
- Stay connected: Check the King’s Student Portal for any updates on timetables or room changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does the 2025–26 academic year start at King’s?
The year officially starts on 1 September 2025, with most teaching beginning on 29 September 2025.
2. When is the Welcome to King’s event?
Welcome Week runs from 15–26 September 2025, with international student sessions on 18–19 September.
3. Do all courses have reading weeks?
Not all programmes include reading weeks. Some intensive or professional courses continue teaching during those periods.
4. When are the main exam periods?
Exams are generally held in January, May–June, and August 2026. Check your faculty’s timetable for exact dates.
5. Can I take holidays during the summer if I’m a postgraduate student?
Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students should continue working on dissertations during the summer. Postgraduate Research (PGR) students can take holidays only with their supervisor’s approval.
6. What are the normal teaching hours at King’s?
Classes and assessments usually take place between 08:00 and 18:00, Monday to Friday.
Final Thoughts
The King’s College London term dates 2025–26 offer a clear framework for planning your academic year effectively. From structured semesters and revision weeks to flexible reassessment periods, the calendar is built to support both your learning and wellbeing.
By keeping these key dates in mind, you can balance coursework, part-time jobs, and personal goals — making your King’s experience productive, rewarding, and memorable.