The University of Edinburgh is internationally recognized for its academic excellence, rich history, and vibrant campus life. Understanding the 2025/26 academic calendar is crucial for students to plan their studies, exams, vacations, and personal commitments effectively. This guide provides a full overview of semester dates, teaching blocks, revision and exam periods, as well as practical advice for undergraduates and postgraduates alike.
Semester 1: September – December 2025
- Welcome Week: 8 September 2025 – an essential week for new students to orient themselves on campus, attend induction events, and meet staff and fellow students.
- Semester 1 Teaching Starts: 15 September 2025 (Teaching Block 1)
- Teaching Block 1 Ends: 17 October 2025
- Teaching Block 2 Starts: 20 October 2025
- Teaching Block 2 Ends: 28 November 2025
- Revision Week: 1–5 December 2025 – dedicated time for consolidating learning and preparing for exams
- Examination Period: 8–19 December 2025
- Semester 1 Ends: 19 December 2025
- Winter Teaching Vacation: 22 December 2025 onwards
- University Closed: 23 December 2025 (5 pm) – 5 January 2026
- Winter Vacation Ends / Teaching Resumes: 9 January 2026
Semester 1 is divided into two teaching blocks to allow students to focus on smaller portions of the curriculum at a time, making learning more manageable. Revision week ensures students can review content and clarify doubts before exams.
Semester 2: January – May 2026
- January Welcome: 7–9 January 2026 – orientation for new students joining in spring
- Semester 2 Teaching Starts / Teaching Block 3: 12 January 2026
- Teaching Block 3 Ends: 13 February 2026
- Flexible Learning Week: 16 February 2026 – an opportunity for independent study, project work, or attending optional workshops
- Teaching Block 4 Starts: 23 February 2026
- Teaching Block 4 Ends: 3 April 2026
- Spring Teaching Vacation: 6–17 April 2026
- Revision Week: 20–24 April 2026
- Examination Period: 27 April – 22 May 2026
- Semester 2 Ends: 22 May 2026
- Summer Teaching Vacation: 25 May 2026 onwards
- Graduations and Resit Examinations: To be confirmed
Semester 2 follows a similar structure, with teaching blocks and revision/exam periods clearly separated to help students pace their learning effectively.
Postgraduate Taught Programmes
For postgraduate students, especially those undertaking taught programmes:
- Many programmes involve completing a dissertation or research project during the Summer Teaching Vacation.
- Deadlines and requirements vary by programme; students should always consult their school or programme handbook.
- Early planning is essential to avoid last-minute pressure and ensure quality work.
- Regular meetings with supervisors help students stay on track and receive guidance throughout the project.
- Time management skills are crucial to balance dissertation work with any remaining coursework or revision tasks.
Non-Standard Academic Programmes
Some programmes at the University of Edinburgh follow slightly different academic calendars:
- Teaching dates, exam periods, and vacations may not align with the standard semester schedule.
- Students should check programme-specific calendars to ensure they do not miss classes or assessments.
- Communication with your school or department is vital if dates are unclear.
- Planning around non-standard dates helps students stay aligned with coursework and examination requirements.
Practical Advice for Students
- Plan Ahead: Mark all teaching blocks, vacations, and examination periods in a calendar.
- Use Breaks Wisely: Winter and Spring vacations can be used for rest, study catch-up, or research project work.
- Verify Programme-Specific Details: Non-standard programmes or postgraduate courses often differ from standard dates.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check university announcements for any updates to teaching schedules or examinations.
- Organize Workload: Break tasks into manageable portions during teaching blocks to avoid stress during revision or exam periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When does Semester 1 start and end?
A: Semester 1 runs from 15 September 2025 to 19 December 2025, including teaching, revision, and exams.
Q2: What are the Winter Vacation dates?
A: Winter Teaching Vacation starts 22 December 2025 and ends 9 January 2026, with university closure from 23 December to 5 January.
Q3: When is Semester 2?
A: Semester 2 is from 12 January 2026 to 22 May 2026, including teaching blocks, Flexible Learning Week, revision, and exams.
Q4: When are Spring and Summer vacations?
A: Spring Teaching Vacation is 6–17 April 2026, and Summer Teaching Vacation starts 25 May 2026. Graduation ceremonies and resit exams are scheduled later in the summer (dates to be confirmed).
Q5: How do I find programme-specific dates?
A: Students in non-standard or postgraduate programmes should consult their school or programme handbook for precise teaching and assessment dates.
Conclusion
The University of Edinburgh 2025/26 academic calendar provides a clear structure for students to plan their studies, manage deadlines, and balance academic and personal life. By understanding semester dates, teaching blocks, vacation periods, and exam schedules, students can approach their year strategically, make the most of breaks, and successfully complete coursework and research projects. Careful planning, consultation with supervisors, and adherence to programme-specific timelines are essential for a smooth and productive academic year.