Term and semester dates

A 'term' refers to the period of time when you can expect classes to be held. A 'semester' includes term-time and weeks when you will be expected to undertake independent study, revision, and exams.

Full year programme dates

• Welcome week: 22 - 26 September 2025
• Leicester academic year: 22 September 2025 - 5 June 2026
• Calendar year 2026 (alternative assessments*): 5 January - 11 December 2026**
• Calendar year 2026: 5 January 2026  - 10 January 2027**

Semester 1 (Fall/September start)

• Welcome Week: 22 - 26 September 2025
• Semester 1 with alternative assessments: 22 September - 12 December 2025
• Semester 1: 22 September 2025 - 11 January 2026
• Semester 1 examinations: 5 - 10 January 2026

Semester 2 (Spring/January start)

• Welcome: 5 - 9 January 2026
• Semester 2 with alternative assessments*: 12 January - 27 March 2026
• Semester 2: 12 January - 5 June 2026
• Semester 2 examinations: 5 - 22 May 2026 

Exams

Please note that students taking classes in some scientific subjects including Biological Science, Chemistry, Engineering, Geology, Informatics and Mathematics  will be required to stay for the full examination period in January and/or Summer as applicable. 

Vacations and holidays

• Christmas: 13 December 2025 - 4 January 2026
• Easter: 28 March - 26 April 2026
• Summer: 6 June - 20 September 2026**

*Students wishing to take alternative assessments in order to depart the UK in December should refer to the section on exams.

**Dates to be confirmed on publication of 2026/27 academic calendar