The University of Reading has released its official academic calendar for the 2025–26 academic year, and it’s time for students to start planning ahead. Whether you’re beginning your undergraduate journey or continuing your postgraduate studies, understanding the term dates helps you stay organised, manage coursework effectively, and plan vacations or internships in advance.
This detailed guide covers all key dates — from Welcome Week to assessment periods, vacations, and resit exams — along with helpful FAQs to answer common student questions.
Undergraduate Academic Year 2025–26
Welcome and Orientation
- Week commencing 22 September 2025
The academic year begins with Welcome Week, a vital introduction to campus life. During this time, students meet course tutors, attend induction sessions, and explore student societies and support services.
Autumn Term (Teaching Weeks 1–12)
- 29 September – 19 December 2025
The first term focuses on building academic foundations. Teaching begins on 29 September and continues for 12 weeks. The mid-semester point falls around the week beginning 3 November 2025, allowing time for revision and feedback.
After the term ends, students enter the Winter Vacation, starting 22 December 2025. The University observes Closure Days (CD) and Bank Holidays (BH) during Christmas and New Year, providing a well-earned rest before assessments.
Winter Assessment Period
- 19 January – 6 February 2026
This period covers examinations and assessments for the first semester. Students should prepare thoroughly, as these results contribute significantly to annual grades.
Spring Term (Teaching Weeks 1–12)
- 9 February – 18 May 2026
Teaching resumes in February with a new set of modules and projects. The mid-semester break occurs around 2 March 2026, providing a short pause for revision or rest.
The final teaching week concludes on 18 May 2026, followed by the Spring Assessment Period from 25 May – 12 June 2026.
Summer Term and Vacation
- 15 June – 14 September 2026
Once assessments end, the long summer vacation begins. This period is ideal for internships, travel, or personal projects.
A resit period takes place from 18 August – 31 August 2026, giving students a second opportunity to improve grades.
Graduation ceremonies are typically held in July, though exact dates are yet to be confirmed (TBC).
Postgraduate Academic Year 2025–26
The postgraduate calendar mirrors the undergraduate structure but continues further into summer for research and dissertation work.
Welcome Week
- 22 September 2025
A week of introductions, departmental briefings, and essential workshops to prepare for advanced study.
Autumn Term (Teaching Weeks 1–12)
- 29 September – 19 December 2025
Teaching follows the same schedule as undergraduates, concluding before the Winter Vacation (22 December – 16 January).
Assessment Period
- 19 January – 6 February 2026
Coursework submission and exams take place during this time.
Spring Term (Teaching Weeks 1–12)
- 9 February – 18 May 2026
Postgraduates continue with core modules and research preparation. A Spring Vacation occurs between 30 March – 17 April 2026, offering a brief academic pause.
Dissertation and Research Period
- 15 June – 14 September 2026
After the main teaching blocks and exams, postgraduate students focus on dissertation writing, fieldwork, or lab-based projects.
The dissertation/resit window runs from 18 August – 31 August 2026, allowing final submissions and reassessments.
Graduation dates will be confirmed later in the year.
University Closure and Vacations
- Winter Vacation: 22 December 2025 – 16 January 2026
- Spring Vacation: 30 March – 17 April 2026
- Summer Vacation: 15 June – 14 September 2026
The University observes all major UK Bank Holidays (BH), such as Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and May Bank Holidays, along with Closure Days (CD) when administrative offices and libraries may operate reduced hours.
Key Highlights
- Both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching begins on 29 September 2025.
- Winter assessments occur in January–February 2026, and Spring assessments in May–June 2026.
- Postgraduate students continue into the summer term for dissertations.
- Resits and dissertation resubmissions take place in August 2026.
- Graduation ceremonies expected in July 2026 (TBC).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does the University of Reading academic year 2025–26 start?
The academic year begins with Welcome Week on 22 September 2025, followed by the official start of teaching on 29 September 2025.
2. Do postgraduate students have a different term structure?
Yes. Postgraduate students share the same teaching schedule as undergraduates but continue through the summer months for dissertation and research work until September.
3. When are the main assessment periods?
Assessments are scheduled for January–February 2026 and May–June 2026, with resit opportunities in August 2026.
4. How long are the university vacations?
The main vacations are:
- Winter Break: Around three weeks (late December to early January)
- Spring Break: About two weeks (late March to mid-April)
- Summer Break: Nearly three months (mid-June to mid-September)
5. Are the term dates the same for all courses?
Most courses follow this standard structure. However, certain programmes like nursing, education, and health-related degrees may have variations due to placement schedules.
6. When will graduation ceremonies take place?
Graduation ceremonies are expected in July 2026, but official dates will be confirmed closer to the time.
7. What happens during resit periods?
The resit period in August 2026 allows students to retake failed modules or submit reassessed coursework to meet degree requirements.
Final Thoughts
The University of Reading Academic Calendar 2025–26 offers a clear structure for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. By noting teaching blocks, vacation times, and assessment weeks, students can plan ahead efficiently and make the most of their academic experience. Whether it’s preparing for exams, scheduling a summer internship, or completing a dissertation, knowing your term dates is key to staying on track.