Durham University
Also known as: Durham
5 Star University
University, The Palatine Centre, Stockton Rd, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
Also known as: Durham
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2025 | National holiday marking the start of the year, affecting all university operations and providing rest for staff and students. |
| 📅 | Epiphany Term Begins | 13 January 2025approximate | Commencement of the second term with lectures and seminars resuming. |
| 🐉 | Chinese New Year Observance | 29 January 2025 | Cultural celebration for international community, potential events on campus. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday | 18 April 2025 | Start of Easter weekend, university closure for religious observance. |
| 🥚 | Easter Monday | 21 April 2025 | Continuation of Easter break, allowing extended time off. |
| 📚 | Easter Term Begins | 28 April 2025approximate | Third term starts with focus on exams and assessments. |
| 🏦 | Early May Bank Holiday | 5 May 2025 | Public holiday providing a brief respite during term. |
| 🌸 | Spring Bank Holiday | 26 May 2025 | Another bank holiday for relaxation and study breaks. |
| ☀️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 25 August 2025 | End-of-summer holiday before new academic year. |
| 🏫 | Michaelmas Term Begins | 6 October 2025approximate | Start of the academic year with freshers' week activities. |
| 🎃 | Halloween Observance | 31 October 2025 | Campus events and parties for students. |
| 🕊️ | Remembrance Sunday | 9 November 2025 | Commemoration events on campus. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Break Starts | 19 December 2025approximate | End of Michaelmas term, beginning of holiday period. |
| 🎅 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Major holiday with university fully closed. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day | 26 December 2025 | Continued festivities and rest. |
Are you planning on applying to Durham next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at Durham. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | UCAS Application Opens | 2 September 2025 | Start of applications for 2026 entry. |
| ⚕️ | UCAS Deadline for Medicine and Dentistry | 15 October 2025 | Early deadline for competitive courses. |
| 🗓️ | UCAS Main Deadline | 29 January 2026 | Final submission for most undergraduate programs. |
| 🗣️ | Interview Period Starts | 1 November 2025approximate | Beginning of interviews for shortlisted candidates. |
| 📬 | Offer Notification Period | 1 February 2026approximate | Universities start sending offers. |
| 🔄 | UCAS Extra Opens | 25 February 2026 | For applicants without offers. |
| 🏃 | Clearing Opens | 5 July 2026 | For last-minute places. |
| 📈 | Adjustment Period | 13 August 2026 | For those exceeding expectations. |
| ✅ | Confirmation Deadline | 31 August 2026 | Final acceptance of places. |
Durham University's academic calendar is a cornerstone of its centuries-old tradition of excellence in higher education. As one of the UK's leading institutions, Durham structures its year around three terms: Michaelmas, Epiphany, and Easter, reflecting its historical ties to the academic rhythms of British universities. This system allows for focused periods of study interspersed with breaks that align with national holidays, providing students and faculty with opportunities for rest and reflection. Unlike semester-based systems in other countries, Durham's term structure emphasizes intensive learning blocks, which can enhance depth in subjects ranging from humanities to sciences. The calendar incorporates key UK holidays such as Christmas and Easter, ensuring that academic activities harmonize with cultural and religious observances. For international students, this setup offers a blend of rigorous academics and cultural immersion, with breaks ideal for travel or family visits. Faculty benefit from clear deadlines for grading and research, while staff coordinate administrative tasks around these cycles. Historically, Durham's calendar has evolved from its founding in 1832, adapting to modern needs like online learning integrations post-pandemic. Compared to US universities with their fall and spring semesters, Durham's terms are shorter but more intense, often leading to higher student engagement. This structure impacts everything from course planning to mental health, with built-in pauses helping to prevent burnout. Prospective students should note how admissions timelines dovetail with the calendar, influencing application strategies. For those coordinating family travel or tracking rival school events, understanding these patterns is invaluable. To get insights from peers, consider visiting Rate My Professor to read reviews or contribute your own ratings on Durham's educators. Whether you're a freshman planning your first term or a lecturer scheduling office hours, the academic calendar serves as your guide to a successful year at Durham University.
At Durham University, the academic year is divided into terms rather than traditional semesters, which influences how students plan their classes and overall schedules. The Michaelmas term typically kicks off the year with foundational courses, setting the tone for academic pursuits. Students are encouraged to map out their modules early, considering prerequisites and workload balance. This planning is crucial for those juggling part-time jobs or extracurriculars, as the term system demands efficient time management. Faculty often provide syllabi in advance, allowing for better preparation. Ratings from platforms like Rate My Professor can help in selecting courses with highly regarded instructors, enhancing the learning experience. International students might find the UK's term breaks align well with visa requirements for travel. When planning, factor in potential overlaps with deadlines for assignments or group projects. Historical calendars show consistent patterns, aiding in long-term planning. For those verifying historical dates or coordinating with family, this structure offers predictability. Explore higher ed jobs if you're faculty looking to align your career with Durham's schedule.
Exams at Durham University are typically held at the end of each term, with preparation being a key focus for success. Students should start reviewing materials early, utilizing resources like library sessions and study groups. The university's supportive environment includes tutoring services, which can be rated on Rate My Professor. Understanding the calendar helps in scheduling revision periods around breaks. Faculty provide guidance on exam formats, from essays to practicals, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes.
Durham University's holidays and breaks are thoughtfully integrated into the academic calendar, reflecting UK traditions. Key periods include the Christmas break, offering time for festive celebrations and rest, and the Easter break, which aligns with spring renewal. These intervals are perfect for travel, whether exploring the UK or returning home. For international students, they provide chances to experience British customs like Boxing Day or participate in university events. Planning around these breaks helps in coordinating family travel or even tracking events at rival institutions. Unlike US-focused Thanksgiving, Durham emphasizes Easter and summer holidays, with tips for budgeting trips or volunteering. Faculty use these times for research, while staff handle administrative resets. Historical alignments show how these breaks have supported student well-being over years. Invite your peers to rate their experiences on Rate My College to share holiday planning insights.
Faculty and staff at Durham University follow a work schedule tied to the academic calendar, with deadlines for submissions and evaluations marking key points. Planning research grants or publications around terms ensures productivity. Students benefit from knowing these timelines for internship applications.
Meetings and grading periods are structured within Durham's calendar, allowing faculty to balance teaching with research. Job opportunities can be explored via lecturer jobs. We invite employees to rate their employer experiences to help others.
Archives of past calendars provide patterns for future planning, helping verify historical dates and anticipate changes.
Orientation and commencement are highlights, with ratings on Rate My Professor aiding in event preparation. Invite students to rate professors or view results for better insights.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Holiday | 1 January 2026 | Kickoff to the year with closures. |
| 📅 | Epiphany Term Begins | 12 January 2026approximate | Resumption of academic activities. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday | 3 April 2026 | Easter weekend start. |
| 🥚 | Easter Monday | 6 April 2026 | Holiday extension. |
| 📚 | Easter Term Begins | 20 April 2026approximate | Final term launch. |
| 🏦 | Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May 2026 | Mid-term break. |
| 🌸 | Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Spring relaxation day. |
| ☀️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August 2026 | Pre-year holiday. |
| 🏫 | Michaelmas Term Begins | 5 October 2026approximate | New year start. |
| 🎃 | Halloween | 31 October 2026 | Festive events. |
| 🕊️ | Remembrance Sunday | 8 November 2026 | Memorial activities. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Break Starts | 18 December 2026approximate | Term end holiday. |
| 🎅 | Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 | Holiday closure. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day | 26 December 2026 | Post-Christmas rest. |
