If you’re preparing for the 2025–26 academic year at UWE Bristol, planning your year ahead is essential. Whether you’re beginning an undergraduate degree, continuing postgraduate studies, or joining a January-start programme, this guide outlines all the important teaching, assessment, and break periods so you can organise your study, travel, and personal life effectively.
Understanding the Academic Year
Most UWE Bristol undergraduate and postgraduate taught courses follow a standard academic pattern. This includes two main teaching periods separated by breaks for winter and spring, followed by assessment or graduation weeks.
Certain programmes — particularly education, nursing, and healthcare — run on different academic calendars. These students should refer to their faculty’s preparing-to-study documents or contact their programme leaders for exact schedules.
If you’re a postgraduate research student, your term structure is managed through the Doctoral Academy, as research projects operate year-round.
September 2025 Starters
Students beginning their course in September will experience the full traditional UWE academic year.
| Period | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Block | 15 – 26 September 2025 | Induction and orientation weeks. You’ll meet tutors, join support sessions, and get introduced to campus life. |
| Teaching & Assessment (Autumn–Winter) | 29 September 2025 – 23 January 2026 | Formal teaching begins, including lectures, seminars, and coursework. Assessments may occur during or at the end of this phase. |
| Winter Break | 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 | Christmas holidays – campus services operate on limited hours. |
| Preparation Week | 5 – 9 January 2026 | Time to revise, prepare for assessments, or attend optional academic workshops. Your faculty will confirm any scheduled sessions. |
| Teaching & Assessment (Spring–Summer) | 26 January – 15 May 2026 | Continuation of modules, group projects, and examinations. |
| Spring Break | 3 – 17 April 2026 | Two-week Easter vacation to rest or catch up on studies. |
| Graduation Ceremonies | Weeks commencing 13 & 20 July 2026 | Students completing their degrees will celebrate achievements during official UWE Bristol graduations. |
January 2026 Starters
If you’re starting your programme in January 2026, your year follows a slightly compressed timeline, offering the same quality teaching within a different sequence.
| Period | Dates | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Block | 19 – 23 January 2026 | Welcome sessions, introductions to course materials, and orientation activities. |
| Teaching & Assessment (Block 1) | 26 January – 15 May 2026 | Main teaching period with coursework submissions and early assessments. |
| Spring Break | 3 – 17 April 2026 | Short recess aligned with the Easter holiday. |
| Teaching & Assessment (Block 2) | 18 May – 14 August 2026 | Final term of the academic cycle with project work and examinations. |
Programme Variations
Not every course follows this exact timetable. Health, education, and apprenticeship routes may operate on extended terms, year-round placements, or condensed teaching blocks. Always confirm your exact start and assessment dates with your programme leader or course handbook once enrolled.
Your personal teaching timetable becomes available after course registration. This will show your lecture slots, assessment deadlines, and any specialist sessions such as labs or placements.
Academic Tips for a Smooth Year
- Mark your calendar early: Note term dates, exams, and breaks to balance study and leisure.
- Use preparation weeks wisely: Catch up on readings or book support from the Library or Study Skills team.
- Stay flexible: Some faculties adjust schedules mid-year, so check Blackboard and your student email regularly.
- Engage early with your tutors: They’ll help you plan assessments and understand feedback cycles.
- Plan travel thoughtfully: Avoid booking holidays too close to assessment periods.
Key Highlights for 2025–26
- Academic Year Start: 1 September 2025
- Main Teaching Commences: 29 September 2025
- Winter Break: 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
- Spring Break: 3 – 17 April 2026
- Graduation Weeks: 13 & 20 July 2026
- January Intake: Starts 19 January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When does the UWE Bristol 2025–26 academic year officially begin?
The academic year starts on 1 September 2025, with the majority of teaching beginning on 29 September 2025.
2. What is the “Starting Block”?
The Starting Block is a dedicated introduction period for new students, offering academic preparation and community activities before formal teaching begins.
3. Are term dates the same for all UWE Bristol campuses?
Yes, the structure applies across all campuses (Frenchay, Glenside, and City Campus), though some courses may vary slightly in duration or assessment schedule.
4. Do postgraduate research students follow this calendar?
No, research students have flexible timelines arranged through the Doctoral Academy and their supervisors.
5. Can I take holidays outside the official breaks?
It’s best to plan travel during winter or spring breaks. Missing teaching weeks could affect attendance requirements and coursework submission deadlines.
6. When are graduation ceremonies held?
Graduations usually take place in mid-July 2026, across two weeks, for students completing their degrees in the 2025–26 academic cycle.
Final Note
The UWE Bristol term dates 2025–26 provide a clear framework to help students plan effectively for the year ahead. From Starting Block introductions to semester assessments and long-awaited graduation ceremonies, the structure supports a balanced academic journey.
Whether you begin in September or January, staying aware of your timetable and key milestones ensures a smoother, more successful university experience.