School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Also known as: SOAS
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10 Thornhaugh St, London WC1H 0XG, UK
Also known as: SOAS
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Bank Holiday | 1 January 2025 | National holiday marking the start of the year, affecting all university operations and classes. |
| 📅 | Start of Lent Term | 13 January 2025approximate | Beginning of the winter/spring term with classes resuming and orientations for new modules. |
| 🐉 | Chinese New Year Observance | 29 January 2025 | Cultural event celebrated by the SOAS community, with potential events or adjusted schedules. |
| 📖 | Reading Week in Lent Term | 17 February 2025approximate | Break for study and preparation, no classes, ideal for research or travel. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday Bank Holiday | 18 April 2025 | Christian holiday, university closed, part of Easter break. |
| 🥚 | Easter Monday Bank Holiday | 21 April 2025 | Continuation of Easter break, affecting staff and students. |
| 🏫 | End of Lent Term | 28 March 2025approximate | Conclusion of term with assessments and preparations for breaks. |
| ☀️ | Start of Summer Term | 28 April 2025approximate | Commencement of final term with focus on exams and projects. |
| 🏦 | Early May Bank Holiday | 5 May 2025 | Public holiday, university observes with closures. |
| 🌸 | Spring Bank Holiday | 26 May 2025 | Late spring holiday, often during exam periods. |
| 🎓 | End of Summer Term | 27 June 2025approximate | Term conclusion with graduations and summer break start. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 25 August 2025 | End-of-summer holiday before new academic year. |
| 🍂 | Start of Michaelmas Term | 22 September 2025approximate | Autumn term begins with freshers' week and enrollments. |
| 📚 | Reading Week in Michaelmas Term | 3 November 2025approximate | Mid-term break for revision and cultural events. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day Bank Holiday | 25 December 2025 | Major holiday, university closed for winter break. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day Bank Holiday | 26 December 2025 | Post-Christmas holiday, extending the break period. |
Are you planning on applying to SOAS next year? Then you need to know the important dates and deadlines for the admissions process at SOAS. You can check them out below…
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📝 | UCAS Application Opening | 2 September 2025 | Start of applications for 2026 entry via UCAS. |
| ⚕️ | UCAS Deadline for Medicine and Veterinary | 15 October 2025 | Early deadline for competitive courses. |
| 🗓️ | UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline | 29 January 2026 | Main deadline for most undergraduate courses. |
| 🗣️ | Interview Period Start | 1 November 2025approximate | Beginning of interviews for shortlisted applicants. |
| 📨 | Offer Notification Period | 1 February 2026approximate | Universities start sending offers. |
| ➕ | UCAS Extra Opens | 25 February 2026 | For applicants without offers to apply to additional courses. |
| 🔄 | Adjustment Period | 13 August 2026approximate | For those exceeding conditional offers. |
| 🏷️ | Clearing Opens | 5 July 2026 | For unfilled places post-results. |
| 📊 | A-Level Results Day | 13 August 2026 | Key date for confirming places based on results. |
The academic calendar at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, serves as the foundational framework for the institution's educational rhythm. As a specialized university focusing on Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, SOAS structures its year around three main terms: the Michaelmas term in autumn, the Lent term in winter/spring, and the Summer term. This tri-term system aligns with traditional UK higher education models but incorporates unique elements reflecting its global focus, such as observances of international cultural events and flexible scheduling for fieldwork in diverse regions. Historically, SOAS was founded in 1916 to train British administrators for colonial service, evolving into a leading center for area studies. Its calendar has adapted over time to accommodate modern academic needs, including online learning post-global events and international student mobility. Compared to other UK universities like Oxford or Cambridge, SOAS offers a more compact term structure with reading weeks for intensive study or travel, impacting students by allowing deeper immersion in subjects like anthropology or languages. For prospective students, understanding this calendar is crucial for admissions planning, while international students benefit from alignments with global holidays. Faculty use it to schedule research trips, and staff coordinate administrative deadlines. Traditions include cultural festivals integrated into breaks, fostering a multicultural environment. To get insights from peers, check out Rate My Professor for professor reviews or contribute your own ratings. This calendar not only dictates class and exam periods but also influences work-life balance, with holidays providing opportunities for rest or professional development. In essence, it's a tool for strategic planning, ensuring academic success in a vibrant, global context.
At SOAS, the academic year is divided into terms rather than semesters, but the principles of planning remain similar. The year typically begins in late September, with terms running consecutively and including reading weeks for consolidation. Students plan classes by aligning course selections with term timings, considering prerequisites and elective availability. Tips include early registration to secure spots in popular modules like African history or Asian politics, and using the university's online portal for timetable management. International students often factor in visa requirements and travel plans. Ratings from Rate My Professor can guide choices, highlighting engaging lecturers. The structure supports interdisciplinary studies, allowing flexibility for joint degrees. Faculty advise balancing workloads across terms to avoid burnout, with summer terms offering intensive language courses. This setup impacts exam preparation and group projects, encouraging proactive scheduling. For those planning work schedules, integrating term dates with part-time jobs or internships is key. Overall, effective class planning at SOAS enhances academic outcomes and personal growth in a diverse setting.
Exams at SOAS are typically held at the end of each term, with main assessment periods in January and May/June. Preparation involves utilizing reading weeks for revision and accessing library resources specialized in global studies. Study tips include forming study groups reflecting the university's multicultural student body, practicing past papers, and attending revision sessions. The impact on students is significant, as performance influences progression in specialized fields like development studies. Faculty provide guidance through office hours, and view professor ratings to find supportive educators. For international exams, accommodations like time zone adjustments are considered. Balancing preparation with mental health is emphasized, with university support services available.
SOAS observes UK bank holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and May Day, with breaks aligned accordingly. The Christmas break allows time for family and travel, often extending into the new year. Easter break coincides with spring, ideal for rejuvenation or short trips. Other observances include summer holidays post-exams, perfect for fieldwork in Africa or Asia. Planning tips involve booking travel early, especially for international students returning home. The calendar integrates cultural holidays like Diwali or Eid, reflecting SOAS's diversity. Compared to US spring breaks, UK breaks are more subdued but offer academic enrichment opportunities. Faculty use breaks for conferences, enhancing professional networks. Students can explore London or volunteer abroad. For job seekers, check higher ed jobs during these periods. This structure promotes work-life balance and cultural awareness.
Faculty at SOAS manage work schedules around term dates, with deadlines for marking and module planning. Administrative staff handle enrollment peaks at term starts. Tips include using digital tools for deadline tracking and collaborating on research grants. The calendar affects grant submissions and conference attendance, crucial for career advancement. Invite employees to rate their employer for insights into work culture.
Meetings at SOAS include departmental gatherings and grading sessions aligned with term ends. Staff development days occur during breaks. Job opportunities are listed on lecturer jobs. Encourage rating your experience to help others.
Historically, SOAS calendars have evolved from colonial-era structures to modern inclusive formats. Archives show shifts post-WWII with decolonization focus. Future patterns may include more hybrid learning, maintaining core term structures.
Key events like orientation and commencement mark the year. Invite students to rate professors or view results for informed decisions.
| Event | Date | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎉 | New Year's Day Bank Holiday | 1 January 2026 | Start of the year holiday, impacting university reopening. |
| 📅 | Start of Lent Term | 12 January 2026approximate | Winter term kickoff with academic activities resuming. |
| 📖 | Reading Week in Lent Term | 16 February 2026approximate | Dedicated time for study and preparation. |
| ✝️ | Good Friday Bank Holiday | 3 April 2026 | Easter holiday start, university closed. |
| 🥚 | Easter Monday Bank Holiday | 6 April 2026 | Extended Easter break for rest and travel. |
| 🏫 | End of Lent Term | 27 March 2026approximate | Term wrap-up with evaluations. |
| ☀️ | Start of Summer Term | 27 April 2026approximate | Final term begins focusing on completions. |
| 🏦 | Early May Bank Holiday | 4 May 2026 | Spring public holiday observed. |
| 🌸 | Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 | Holiday during academic year. |
| 🎓 | End of Summer Term | 26 June 2026approximate | Year-end with ceremonies. |
| 🏖️ | Summer Bank Holiday | 31 August 2026 | Late summer break before new term. |
| 🍂 | Start of Michaelmas Term | 21 September 2026approximate | Autumn term launch with inductions. |
| 📚 | Reading Week in Michaelmas Term | 2 November 2026approximate | Break for academic consolidation. |
| 🎄 | Christmas Day Bank Holiday | 25 December 2026 | Winter holiday closure. |
| 🎁 | Boxing Day Bank Holiday | 26 December 2026 | Extended festive period. |
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