The University of Dundee’s Academic Year 2025/26 is carefully structured to provide students with an engaging and balanced learning experience. Across two main semesters, the year includes dedicated periods for teaching, assessment, and academic development, complemented by vacation breaks to allow for rest, research, or independent study. Below is a full outline of the academic timetable for both semesters.
Semester 1: Monday 22 September 2025 – Friday 19 December 2025
Welcome Week: 15 – 21 September 2025
The academic journey for the 2025/26 session begins with Welcome Week, running from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 September 2025.
During this week, new students are introduced to the university environment through orientation sessions, departmental briefings, and social events. Activities typically include campus tours, library introductions, IT setup workshops, and guidance on academic expectations. Returning students also use this period to re-register, collect timetables, and reconnect with their peers.
Welcome Week is an important opportunity to settle into university life and prepare for the semester ahead, ensuring every student feels confident and supported as teaching begins.
Teaching Period: 22 September – 05 December 2025 (Weeks 1–11)
Formal teaching for Semester 1 begins on Monday 22 September 2025 and continues for eleven weeks, concluding on Friday 5 December 2025.
During this time, students engage in a variety of academic activities — including lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops, and laboratory sessions depending on their degree programme. Many modules integrate coursework assignments, class discussions, and formative assessments to help students apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.
By mid-semester, departments may hold review sessions or progress meetings to ensure that students are meeting academic expectations and to provide feedback before exams.
Examination Period: 08 – 19 December 2025 (Weeks 12–13)
The Semester 1 examination period runs from Monday 8 December to Friday 19 December 2025.
This two-week window is allocated for formal examinations and final assessments across all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Students are advised to check their exam timetables as soon as they are released, usually about a month prior, to plan revision effectively.
Assessments may take various forms — written papers, online assessments, oral presentations, or practical evaluations depending on course requirements. It is crucial that students remain available throughout the full exam period, as rescheduling can only occur in exceptional circumstances approved by the university.
Winter Vacation: Saturday 20 December 2025 – Sunday 18 January 2026 (4 Weeks)
Following the conclusion of examinations, students will have a four-week winter vacation starting Saturday 20 December 2025 and ending Sunday 18 January 2026.
This period marks the end of the first semester and provides time for rest, travel, or personal projects. Many students use this break to visit family, take on part-time work, or prepare for the upcoming semester.
Essential university services such as accommodation support, health and wellbeing assistance, and security remain available throughout the vacation, though opening hours may vary.
Semester 2: Monday 19 January – Friday 22 May 2026
Welcome & Reorientation: 12 – 18 January 2026
Semester 2 begins with a Reorientation Week from Monday 12 January to Sunday 18 January 2026.
This week is designed to help both new January entrants and continuing students transition smoothly into the new term. Activities often include academic workshops, skills development sessions, and student society fairs.
Students are encouraged to use this time to prepare for upcoming coursework and confirm their academic timetables.
Teaching Period: 19 January – 03 April 2026 (Weeks 14–24)
The Semester 2 teaching block runs from Monday 19 January to Friday 3 April 2026, lasting eleven weeks.
This phase focuses on deepening subject knowledge through more advanced coursework and group projects. Many final-year students will also be working on dissertations, research projects, or professional placements during this time.
Support from tutors, writing centres, and academic advisors is readily available, helping students stay on track and meet learning outcomes.
Lectures typically conclude in early April, marking the transition into the revision and assessment period.
Spring Vacation: Saturday 4 April – Sunday 26 April 2026 (3 Weeks)
A three-week spring vacation follows the teaching period, running from Saturday 4 April to Sunday 26 April 2026.
This break offers time for rest, independent study, and preparation for final examinations. Many students also use this period for internships, voluntary work, or research activities.
Academic departments may offer optional revision sessions or workshops during this time to help students consolidate learning before exams begin.
Examination Period: 27 April – 22 May 2026 (Weeks 25–28)
The Semester 2 examination period runs from Monday 27 April to Friday 22 May 2026.
This four-week window is dedicated to final assessments for the academic year. Examination formats may vary across subjects, including essays, written exams, practical tests, or digital assessments.
After exams conclude, the university celebrates student achievements through award ceremonies, exhibitions, and social events leading up to graduation season.
Resit Examination Period: 6 July – 17 July 2026
Students who are required to retake examinations will do so during the resit period, which runs from Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026.
This period provides an opportunity to improve results and demonstrate continued academic progress. Results from resits are typically released in August 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do these dates apply to all courses?
These term dates apply to most undergraduate and taught postgraduate programmes. Some professional or placement-based courses (e.g., Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, and Education) may operate on slightly different timetables.
2. When will I receive my exam timetable?
Exam timetables are normally released around four to six weeks before the examination period. Notifications will be sent to your university email account once published.
3. Are students expected to stay on campus during vacations?
Students are not required to stay on campus during vacations, but university accommodation remains open for those who wish to stay. Students should inform the accommodation office if they plan to be away for an extended period.
4. When are assessment results released?
Semester 1 results are typically available in late January 2026, while Semester 2 and final-year results are released in late June 2026. Resit results follow in August 2026.
5. How long is the academic year?
The University of Dundee academic year runs from September 2025 to July 2026, covering 28 academic weeks of teaching and assessment, plus scheduled vacation periods.
Summary of Key Dates
| Period | Dates | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Week (Sem 1) | 15–21 Sept 2025 | 1 week |
| Teaching (Sem 1) | 22 Sept – 5 Dec 2025 | 11 weeks |
| Exams (Sem 1) | 8–19 Dec 2025 | 2 weeks |
| Winter Vacation | 20 Dec 2025 – 18 Jan 2026 | 4 weeks |
| Welcome (Sem 2) | 12–18 Jan 2026 | 1 week |
| Teaching (Sem 2) | 19 Jan – 3 Apr 2026 | 11 weeks |
| Spring Vacation | 4–26 Apr 2026 | 3 weeks |
| Exams (Sem 2) | 27 Apr – 22 May 2026 | 4 weeks |
| Resits | 6–17 Jul 2026 | 2 weeks |
Conclusion
The University of Dundee Academic Year 2025/26 is thoughtfully structured to balance academic excellence, personal development, and wellbeing. With two well-defined semesters, students experience a clear rhythm of teaching, assessment, and rest periods designed to support consistent learning and progress.
The academic calendar begins with a welcoming induction in September 2025, guiding new students smoothly into university life. Over the following months, structured teaching and examinations provide opportunities to build strong academic foundations and apply knowledge in practical and research contexts. The scheduled vacations — in winter and spring — offer valuable time for rest, independent study, or personal enrichment, ensuring students remain refreshed and motivated throughout the year.
Semester 2 continues the pattern of focused study, followed by examinations that assess academic growth and critical understanding. The inclusion of resit examinations in July 2026 reflects the University’s commitment to fairness and student success, offering every learner the chance to achieve their best possible outcome.
Overall, the 2025/26 academic schedule promotes an effective balance between learning and life. It ensures that every student at the University of Dundee has the time, structure, and support needed to excel academically while engaging fully in the university community. The year promises not just academic achievement but also personal growth — preparing students for their future studies, professional pathways, and lifelong learning beyond Dundee.