If you’re planning to study at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) during the 2025–26 session, it’s worth getting familiar with the full academic calendar. Knowing exactly when each semester begins and ends can make life a lot easier — from arranging travel and booking accommodation to planning revision and work placements.
The university year is structured across three main semesters with clearly defined study blocks, achievement weeks, and breaks for holidays and graduations.
Let’s take a deep dive into what your UCLan year will look like, month by month.
Getting Started – Welcome Week
The official UCLan year kicks off with Welcome Week, starting Monday, 22 September 2025.
This isn’t just an administrative week — it’s when new students meet their course teams, collect ID cards, and get their first taste of campus life. Events, orientation tours, and student union activities fill the timetable. Returning students often use this week to finalise their timetables or prepare for dissertation research.
It’s also when Preston and Burnley campuses come alive again after the summer lull.
Semester One – The Foundation of the Year
Term dates: Monday 29 September 2025 – Friday 16 January 2026
Semester One begins just after Welcome Week and stretches into the new year. The early weeks are all about adjustment — getting used to lectures, developing study routines, and managing coursework deadlines.
A special Achievement Week falls between 27 October and 2 November 2025, offering breathing space mid-semester. Some students use it for assessments or independent projects; others use it to reflect on feedback and plan ahead.
By December, the focus turns to assessments and Winter Graduation, which takes place from 8 to 12 December 2025. Even if you’re not graduating yet, the festive atmosphere around campus is unmissable.
After that comes a well-earned Winter Vacation, from 15 December 2025 until 2 January 2026. Libraries and online resources remain open for those who like to stay productive, but most students take the time to relax, travel home, or enjoy the holidays.
Semester Two – Growth, Projects, and Real Progress
Dates: Monday 19 January 2026 – Friday 1 May 2026
When classes resume in mid-January, the second semester gets into full swing. By now, students are more confident, modules get more advanced, and group projects often take centre stage.
Another Achievement Week lands mid-term — 16 to 22 February 2026 — giving students a valuable chance to revise, refine essays, or catch up on practical work.
UCLan’s teaching style in Semester Two often blends classroom learning with real-world exposure, especially for health, media, and business students who may be undertaking placements or live projects.
Then comes a much-needed Spring Vacation, running from 28 March to 12 April 2026, aligned with Easter holidays. It’s a great time to recharge before final assessments begin.
Semester Two closes on Friday, 1 May 2026, marking the end of formal teaching for most undergraduate modules — though postgraduate research continues.
Semester Three – The Focused Summer Term
Dates: Tuesday 5 May 2026 – Friday 14 August 2026
Semester Three, sometimes called the summer term, caters mainly to postgraduate and returning students working on research, dissertations, or extended placements.
It begins just after the early May bank holiday. A short Achievement Week falls between 24 and 31 May 2026, offering another pause for review, preparation, or academic development workshops.
By June and early July, the university hosts the much-anticipated Summer Graduation Ceremonies, from 6 to 10 July 2026. It’s a celebration that transforms Preston into a city of gowns, caps, and proud families.
Following this, UCLan students enjoy a Summer Break from 12 to 26 July 2026 — a quieter period before postgraduate resits or new academic intakes begin.
Quick Look: UCLan 2025–26 Academic Highlights
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Welcome Week | 22 September 2025 |
| Semester 1 | 29 Sept 2025 – 16 Jan 2026 |
| Achievement Week (Sem 1) | 27 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 |
| Winter Graduation | 8 – 12 Dec 2025 |
| Winter Vacation | 15 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026 |
| Semester 2 | 19 Jan – 1 May 2026 |
| Achievement Week (Sem 2) | 16 – 22 Feb 2026 |
| Spring Vacation | 28 Mar – 12 Apr 2026 |
| Semester 3 | 5 May – 14 Aug 2026 |
| Achievement Week (Sem 3) | 24 – 31 May 2026 |
| Summer Graduation | 6 – 10 July 2026 |
| Summer Break | 12 – 26 July 2026 |
Making the Most of the UCLan Year
Each semester is built around a clear rhythm — learn, reflect, and achieve.
The Achievement Weeks are unique to UCLan’s model, allowing students to catch up or deepen understanding without the pressure of constant classes.
These breaks aren’t just rest periods; they’re part of the academic design — time to build resilience, prepare for exams, or join skill-enhancement sessions.
If you plan well, you’ll find enough room for part-time work, volunteering, or society involvement without clashing with deadlines.
Why UCLan Calendar Structure Works So Well
UCLan’s three-semester system is known for its balance and flexibility.
It gives:
- Space for intensive learning early in the year
- Mid-term reflection through achievement weeks
- Substantial breaks to avoid burnout
- A summer window for graduates, researchers, and interns
The flow suits both UK and international students — allowing travel during holidays and maintaining steady academic momentum.
Final Thoughts
The UCLan term dates for 2025–2026 lay out more than just a schedule; they represent a rhythm for success. Starting with September’s Welcome Week and ending with July’s graduations, the year is carefully designed to balance study and self-growth.
Whether you’re beginning your first year in Preston, studying creative arts in Burnley, or pursuing postgraduate research online, these dates help you plan your academic life with clarity and confidence.
By keeping track of achievement weeks, vacation periods, and graduation events, you’ll make the most of your time at UCLan — academically, socially, and personally.