BCU Academic Calendar

Birmingham City University (BCU), located in Birmingham, UK, operates on a semester-based academic calendar, which is common among universities in the region. The academic year typically consists of two main semesters: the Autumn Semester, starting in late September or early October, and the Spring Semester, beginning in January and running through to May or June. Additionally, BCU often offers a Summer Term for specific programs, short courses, or resit examinations, which can extend into July or August. This structure allows for a balanced distribution of coursework and assessments, with breaks aligned to major UK holidays such as Christmas and Easter, providing students with ample time for rest and preparation.

• Autumn Semester Start: Late September 2025 (typically around September 22–29). This marks the beginning of the academic year with induction and welcome activities for new students.
• Christmas Break: Mid-December 2025 to early January 2026 (approximately December 15–January 5). A significant holiday period for all students and staff.
• Spring Semester Start: Mid-January 2026 (around January 12–19). Classes resume with a focus on coursework and mid-year assessments.
• Easter Break: Late March to mid-April 2026 (approximately March 30–April 13). A two-week break coinciding with the Easter holiday.
• End of Academic Year/Exams: Late May to early June 2026 (typically May 25–June 15). Final exams and assessments are scheduled during this period.
• Summer Term/Resits: June to August 2026 (specific dates vary). Optional for students needing to complete resit exams or summer modules.

• UCAS Application Opening: Early September 2025 (typically September 1–5). The application portal opens for undergraduate admissions for the 2026 entry.
• Early Application Deadline (Oxbridge/Medicine): Mid-October 2025 (around October 15). For specific competitive courses, if applicable to BCU programs.
• Main UCAS Deadline: Late January 2026 (typically January 31). The primary deadline for most undergraduate programs to ensure equal consideration.
• Decision Notification: March to May 2026 (varies by program). Applicants are usually notified of offers or rejections during this period.
• Confirmation Deadline: Early May 2026 (approximately May 5–10). Deadline to accept offers and confirm places.
• Clearing Opens: Early July 2026 (around July 5). For students who did not receive offers or meet conditions, subject to availability.

The academic calendar at Birmingham City University aligns closely with the standard UK higher education framework, ensuring compatibility with national holidays and examination schedules. The semester structure offers predictability for both domestic and international students, with breaks like Christmas and Easter providing opportunities to travel or engage in personal development. For international students, the calendar’s flexibility, including the optional Summer Term, can be advantageous for catching up on credits or adjusting to the UK education system. However, as exact dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle may not yet be publicly available, the above timelines are estimates based on typical patterns for UK universities and should be verified closer to the time through official university communications.